(Note: I get a lot of questions about dog medical issues, but I’m not a veterinarian. Here are just my thoughts on a potentially dangerous issue for our canine friends
Man’s best friend may like a romp in the snow, but a dog, like a human, is at risk for developing medical issues due to exposure to cold, also known as “hypothermia.” Breeds with a thick double coat of fur, like Huskies, are fairly resistant to freezing temperatures, but it’s important to know the signs of cold-related emergencies in dogs and how to prevent and treat them.
FACTORS THAT INCREASE A DOG’S RISK FOR HYPOTHERMIA
Certain dogs are more vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite, which can cause irreparable damage or death in a matter of hours, particularly if they are left outside in frigid temperatures, are wet, or lack proper shelter.
Factors include:
Age: Puppies and senior dogs have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature.
Health: Dogs with kidney disease, hypothyroidism, heart disease, malnutrition, and other issues are more prone to hypothermia.
Small size: Small dogs have a higher skin surface area relative to their mass, causing them to lose heat more rapidly.
Thin body: Less body fat means less ability to insulate against the cold, leading to hypothermia.
Coat type: “Hairless” breeds are less built for cold weather and are susceptible to freezing.
Wet fur: Wet fur loses its insulating properties, making a dog much more vulnerable to the cold.
(Note: It should be noted that dogs undergoing general anesthesia are also at risk. Veterinary staff should have a plan to keep the animal warm during the procedure.)
IDENTIFYING HYPOTHERMIA IN DOGS
Rectal temperatures below 98-5-99 degrees Fahrenheit should alert you to the possibility that your dog has hypothermia (normal temps for dogs is 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
A dog’s body responds to hypothermia by narrowing blood vessels near the surface to send blood away from the skin, legs, ears, and feet, and towards essential organs like the brain and the heart. This is very similar to what happens in humans. The signs that you will notice have a progressive effect as time goes on and the dog remains untreated.
Signs of hypothermia in canines may include:
-Lethargy (lack of energy and alertness)-Loss of coordination
-Confusion
-Muscle rigidity
-Dilated pupils
-Pale gums
-Increased heart rate(early)
-Fast breathing (early)
-Excessive shivering
-Shock (commonly seen after an immersion in cold water)
Although fast heart rates and breathing are seen early in hypothermia, both slow down dangerously as the issue worsens. Shivering may stop as the animal loses the energy required to maintain the action.
FROSTBITE IN DOGS
Another condition that can affect both humans and canines is frostbite. Yes, dogs can get frostbite. Frostbite appears mostly on the paws, tail, and ears. Look for discoloration of the skin: it may appear, gray, or even blue.
Frostbitten areas will be painful and can swell or develop blisters and skin breakdown. In extreme situations, the skin turns black and dies, a condition known as “gangrene”. In cases of extreme frostbite, the skin will turn black and die. Warm water compresses are helpful, but veterinary evaluation is required.
TREATING HYPOTHERMIA IN DOGS
Once you’ve recognized the signs of hypothermia, get the dog out of the cold if possible and cover with blankets or do whatever is necessary to keep the dog warm and dry. If you can’t get the dog inside, it’s especially important to provide a barrier between the animal and the cold ground.
Warm, dry towels (not hot) are useful; Hot water bottles and heating pads are discouraged, but if you must use one, make sure it is set on low, and with a barrier protecting the skin. Some believe placing it on the belly is best.
Will warm liquids help? As with humans, warm fluids are only useful if the “patient” is awake and alert. In a very lethargic dog, fluid may enter the windpipe instead of the stomach. This puts you in an even worse situation. If alert, stick to warm, not hot, liquids.
Monitor the dog’s rectal temperature; you should see an improvement in signs and symptoms once it’s above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating pad or hot water bottle may be removed at this point, but keep the warm blankets until fully recovered.
Of course, wherever veterinary professionals are available, seek them out. A veterinarian can administer oxygen and place an intravenous line that can infuse warm fluids to speed recovery. Warm water enemas are also occasionally used.
PREVENTING HYPOTHERMIA IN DOGS
Keeping an eye on the weather and avoiding prolonged exposure to severe cold is the simplest way to keep your dog healthy. Dogs with short coats need, well, a coat, so get a dog jacket or other protective clothing and limit the amount of time out in extreme cold.
You may envy your dog’s fur when outside in cold weather, but it doesn’t mean that he’s a walrus nor a polar bear. If you’re bundled up and still feel too cold, your dog probably does too. Protect your best friend by always keeping a lookout for signs of hypothermia and acting rapidly.
(Note: I get a lot of questions about dog medical issues, but I’m not a veterinarian. These were just my thoughts on a potentially dangerous issue for our canine friends)
Joe Alton MD
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