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It’s not just for sled dogs. Hypothermia and frostbite can strike dogs that plunge into
freezing water for Frisbees or dash around in the snow. That thick, cozy fur coat isn’t
always enough to protect them. That’s why we asked Peter Pay, a certified K9 CPR and
First Aid instructor for tips on spotting and treating these critical conditions. Follow on for
the facts.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s core body temperature falls below the normal range of
101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. Whenever your dog is exposed to cold temperatures in the
water or air, watch him for these signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering and/or
lethargy, shallow breathing, and a weak pulse.
If you suspect hypothermia, get your dog into a warm, dry environment immediately to
prevent further heat loss. If your dog is wet, dry him immediately; cover him with blankets
and use body-to-body contact to warm him. You may also apply a warm water bottle to his
torso. Take your dog’s rectal temperature, and continue to warm him until it reaches 101 –
102.5 degrees. If your dog doesn’t quickly show signs of improvement, make sure to get
him to a vet urgently.
Frostbite Facts
Frostbite occurs in sub-freezing temperatures when the fluid inside cells freezes and
causes tissue damage. Pup’s extremities, like the nose, ears, paw pads and the tips of
their tails, are prone to frostbite. Since the early signs of frostbite can easily be missed as
hair covers many of these susceptible areas, check your dog often for signs of frostbite
while out in the cold. If your dog has frostbite, the skin will be pale and cold to the touch
and may be blistered
If you think your dog may have frostbite, bring him indoors into a warm, dry environment
and thaw the affected area with warm water. Do not massage the area since it may cause
the release of toxins that can cause further tissue damage. Then gently apply a protective
layer of petroleum jelly, cover the area and get him to the vet. Note: Do not thaw the
frostbitten area if there’s a risk of it refreezing before getting the dog to a vet.
First Aid on Paw
If you take your dog to the beach or on cold weather excursions, it’s smart to include the
following additions in your first aid kit: Absorbent towels for drying your dog, a space
blanket or other heat reflective blanket, two pairs of child-sized, thick sport weight or wool
socks, a cold weather dog jacket and petroleum jelly.
freezing water for Frisbees or dash around in the snow. That thick, cozy fur coat isn’t
always enough to protect them. That’s why we asked Peter Pay, a certified K9 CPR and
First Aid instructor for tips on spotting and treating these critical conditions. Follow on for
the facts.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a dog’s core body temperature falls below the normal range of
101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. Whenever your dog is exposed to cold temperatures in the
water or air, watch him for these signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering and/or
lethargy, shallow breathing, and a weak pulse.
If you suspect hypothermia, get your dog into a warm, dry environment immediately to
prevent further heat loss. If your dog is wet, dry him immediately; cover him with blankets
and use body-to-body contact to warm him. You may also apply a warm water bottle to his
torso. Take your dog’s rectal temperature, and continue to warm him until it reaches 101 –
102.5 degrees. If your dog doesn’t quickly show signs of improvement, make sure to get
him to a vet urgently.
Frostbite Facts
Frostbite occurs in sub-freezing temperatures when the fluid inside cells freezes and
causes tissue damage. Pup’s extremities, like the nose, ears, paw pads and the tips of
their tails, are prone to frostbite. Since the early signs of frostbite can easily be missed as
hair covers many of these susceptible areas, check your dog often for signs of frostbite
while out in the cold. If your dog has frostbite, the skin will be pale and cold to the touch
and may be blistered
If you think your dog may have frostbite, bring him indoors into a warm, dry environment
and thaw the affected area with warm water. Do not massage the area since it may cause
the release of toxins that can cause further tissue damage. Then gently apply a protective
layer of petroleum jelly, cover the area and get him to the vet. Note: Do not thaw the
frostbitten area if there’s a risk of it refreezing before getting the dog to a vet.
First Aid on Paw
If you take your dog to the beach or on cold weather excursions, it’s smart to include the
following additions in your first aid kit: Absorbent towels for drying your dog, a space
blanket or other heat reflective blanket, two pairs of child-sized, thick sport weight or wool
socks, a cold weather dog jacket and petroleum jelly.
| How to Recognize and Treat Canine Hypothermia and Frostbite |
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