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Dog Hypothermia
Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
Signs of hypothermia in dogs include body temperature below 98.5°F, decreased heart rate, pale or blue mucous membranes, dilated pupils, shivering, wobbliness, unconsciousness or coma, and weak pulse.
Causes of Hypothermia in Dogs
The most common causes of hypothermia include:
- Falling into cold water
- Not being acclimated to the cold weather
- Inability to regulate body temperature (seen in very old and very young dogs)
- Shock
- Stray or outdoor dog stuck in the cold or a storm without shelter
- Underlying illness
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Emergency Steps
1Remove your dog from the cold.
2Check the dog’s ABC’s, and perform CPR as needed.
3Take your dog’s temperature; below 98.5°F indicates hypothermia.
- Normal body temperature for a dog is 99.5 to 102.5°F
4Wrap your dog in a blanket. Place water bottles (wrapped in towel) next to the dog.
5Take your dog to the veterinary hospital immediately.
Dog Hypothermia FAQs
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a drastic reduction of body temperature. It occurs when a dog has been exposed to frigid temperatures for too long or if their fur gets wet in a cold environment.
What are some possible consequences of hypothermia?
When the body temperature drops, the heart rate and breathing slow down.
Potential consequences of extreme hypothermia include:
- Neurological problems
- Heart problems
- Kidney Failure
- Slow or no breathing
- Frostbite
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.