Pets that are outdoors in the cold — especially in temperatures below freezing — can develop hypothermia. Hypothermia is an abnormal lowering of the body’s temperature. It can lead to unconsciousness, shock, and even death.
A pet that shows signs of frostbite (including shivering, ice on the fur or body, and discoloration of skin at the extremities) may also be experiencing hypothermia. However, hypothermia can occur without frostbite present.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, and a low body temperature. Take your pet’s temperature rectally to be certain.
The most important thing you can do is get your pet warm! Wrap him in blankets both for warmth and to keep him from accidentally injuring himself and the people trying to help. If you want to use a heating pad, be sure to wrap the heating pad in towels or blankets to protect your pet from burns. A pet with hypothermia will be weak and unable to move if the heat source is burning.
Other heat sources:
- Put warm water in plastic bottles. Wrap the bottles in towels and place against your pet.
- Fill a sock or Ziploc bag with uncooked rice. Microwave for up to two minutes, then wrap in a towel and knead to distribute the heated rice evenly. Place against your pet.
- Use a hair dryer set on low or medium to help your pet warm up while someone else prepares other heat sources.
Monitor your pet’s temperature every ten or fifteen minutes. Once your pet’s body temperature has returned to normal, stop warming him. Seek veterinary care as soon as your pet is back at a normal temperature. Kidney and bladder issues and infections are common in dogs and cats who have been exposed to cold temperatures. Be especially careful with an animal who has suffered both hypothermia and frostbite.
More pet first aid information from Families.com!