If you’ve ever taken your dog or cat outside in the winter, you know how important it is to keep them warm. But did you know that hypothermia can be a danger to pets in cold weather? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs of hypothermia in pets and what you can do to help them stay warm. Stay safe out there!
Hypothermia signs in pets
When a pet becomes too cold, its body responds by shunting blood away from the extremities to the core to ensure the organs stay warm. If your pet develops hypothermia, you may notice the following signs as their body temperature drops:
As hypothermia worsens, your pet will stop shivering and may slip into a coma. Keep an eye out for initial hypothermia signs to prevent your pet from becoming too cold.
Hypothermia risk factors for pets
While hypothermia can affect any pet, some have a more increased risk. They include:
Environmental factors that can make hypothermia more likely include:
Hypothermia prevention in pets
When heading outside with your four-legged friend, take the following steps to keep them warm, dry, and at a normal body temperature:
If, despite your best efforts, your pet becomes hypothermic, warm them up by bringing them indoors. Dry them off and wrap them in warm towels out of the dryer. You also can use a hot water bottle to help increase your pet’s body temperature, but wrap it in a towel to avoid placing it directly on their skin.
Hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition for your pet without immediate treatment. Contact our team for help if your four-legged friend’s body temperature drops below 98 degrees.