With the onset of cold weather, our dogs require increased attention and protection. The cooling down and low body temperature can endanger dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. The body's temperature regulation center tries to maintain the ideal internal temperature despite external influences.
Hypothermia occurs when an animal's body is no longer able to maintain normal temperature. During cooling, the body releases more heat than it can produce, and in extreme cases, the body temperature may undergo drastic changes.
Hypothermia leads to depression of the central nervous system, and also affects heart function and blood circulation, breathing, and the entire immune system. An irregular heartbeat combined with breathing difficulties can bring the animal to a point of no return.
The 3 phases of hypothermia:
- Mild: body temperature between 32 – 35 °C
- Moderate: body temperature between 28 – 32 °C
- Severe: body temperature below 28 °C.
Symptoms and types – What to watch for!
The symptoms of hypothermia can vary depending on the severity of the danger. Its first signs are paleness and severe shivering. Dogs suffering from mild hypothermia may exhibit weakness, shivering, and mental sluggishness.
This can be followed by apathy, lethargy, and frostbite, which mainly endanger the following body parts: tail, ear, scrotum, and paw pads. Additional characteristics of moderate hypothermia include muscle stiffness, low blood pressure, slow breathing, and a coma-like state.
In severe hypothermia, dilated fixed pupils, barely audible heartbeat, and breathing difficulties appear. If not treated in time, heart failure and coma may develop.
Primary causes
Hypothermia can occur at any time in the following cases:
- Primarily in very cold temperatures
- Wet coat and skin
- Spending time in cold water
- After prolonged anesthesia
Risk factors
Smaller dog breeds and very young animals are more prone to losing heat quickly from their body surface, therefore they are at greater risk, as well as older dogs. Newborns also require great attention, especially in the first two weeks, as they can cool down quickly even under normal temperature conditions.
There is a higher risk of hypothermia after prolonged anesthesia, so if our dog requires anesthesia for any reason (surgery, examination), we should definitely consult with the veterinarian performing the anesthesia beforehand.
Various illnesses also increase the risk factor, for example in cases of altered temperature regulation by the hypothalamus, and also in hypothyroidism.
First aid
If hypothermia is suspected, measure the dog's body temperature with a thermometer. If mild hypothermia is detected, follow these steps:
- Warm a blanket or any clothing on the radiator.
- Wrap the dog in the blanket or clothing.
- Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it on the dog's belly. Do not apply directly to the dog's belly to avoid burning the skin.
- If the dog is conscious, give it warm liquids to drink.
- Check the dog's body temperature every 10 minutes; if it does not reach 36.7 °C, immediate veterinary assistance is required.
- If the temperature exceeds 37.8 °C, remove the hot water bottle from the dog to prevent overheating.
- Keep the dog in a warm room thereafter.
Veterinary treatment
If our dog's body temperature drops significantly and more severe hypothermia is observed, immediate veterinary clinical care is necessary. During clinical examinations, the dog's breathing and heartbeat are checked, as well as cardiovascular status with an EKG.
Urine and blood tests are also commonly used diagnostic examinations that can reveal diseases such as low blood sugar or metabolic disorders.
Prevention
Hypothermia can be prevented by not exposing our dog to prolonged cold weather environmental effects. This is especially important for high-risk dogs!
Factors that increase the risk of hypothermia:
- Very young or old age
- Low body fat
- Hypothyroidism
- Euthanasia
For short-haired and hairless dog breeds, we can help them endure the cold, winter weather by using dog clothes, jackets, boots, and other accessories!
To avoid the development of hypothermia, pay extra attention to your dog during the cold, winter months.
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