Tag Archives: hypothermia

Hypothermia

Winter has finally gotten serious in my part of Michigan. The first “pretty” snow is on the ground. You know the kind- it’s fluffy and soft and looks slightly shimmery, and it’s not too cold to go out and enjoy it. It won’t last; the bitter cold always follows the not-so-cold. A little cold or a lot cold, it’s all relative to me. I seem to be consistently cold. Some days there just doesn’t seem to be anything I can do to warm up. Let’s suppose for a minute that I got brave and decided to go out with the … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Hypothermia

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! … Continue reading →

Cold Weather DOs and DON’Ts for Pets

Here are some important DOs and DON’Ts for your pets this winter! DO leave water outside for your pets. Your pets need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Read more about bowls and accessories! DON’T let the water freeze! If you won’t be around to change your pet’s water, look for a heated water dish at your favorite pet store. DO give your pets a little extra food if they’ll be outside a lot and active during the winter. Pets and people need extra calories to help keep warm if they’ll be spending a lot of time outside. … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Frostbite

Just because dogs and cats have fur doesn’t mean pets can withstand cold winter temperatures and nasty weather. Leaving your dog or cat out in the cold could have some serious health risks. Exposure to extreme freezing temperatures for long periods of time can result in frostbite. Frostbite is damage or death to tissues in the extremities — tips of the ears, the tail, around the face, on the genitalia, and on the foot pads. Frostbite comes on in stages: When a pet is exposed to cold temperatures, the airs stand on end to trap air near the body. The … Continue reading →