Hypothermia and Frostbite Prevention

If you live in a colder part of the country, you are well acquainted with the ways for keeping frostbite and hypothermia away from yourself and your family. What many people don't realize is that pets can suffer from hypothermia too, especially dogs that are left outside in bitterly cold weather or cold weather combined with rain.

Hypothermia is simply the prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that results in a drop in the body temperature. Toy breeds of dogs and dogs with extremely short haired dogs such as boxers can be affected by lengthy exposure to cold and wet conditions. The early signs of impending hypothermia are violent shivering by the dog then listlessness and lack of motivation to move. The temperature may be below 97 degrees and will be followed by collapse, coma and eventual death if quick steps are not taken to warm the dog.

First of all, wrap the dog in a blanket or coat and bring it into the house. If the dog is wet from falling into a freezing body of water, put him into a warm bath and dry him with warmed towels. If the dog is past the shivering stage and is lying on his side, you can help raise his body temperature by putting warm packs under his arm pits. You can also warm your dog with a hair dryer, be aware as sensation returns to the dog's limbs, he can experience great pain and may start to bite at the air, his own skin, or even at you.

Rub his legs and back and it will help with the pain. You can offer water or a glucose mixture which is four tablespoons sugar in a pint of water, to your dog at this time. Areas of skin that are white need to be watched as they may be frostbitten. If they turn dark, get him medical attention immediately as infection can set in and it can be life threatening.

Prevention is the number one way to avoid either hypothermia or frostbite in dogs. Don't leave your dog out in wet and cold conditions and when you take your dog out for walks, make sure he is adequately warm by using dog sweaters or parkas to help him retain his body warmth.
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