Signs of Hypothermia in a Dog and How to Treat It

Canine hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature, which has the potential to be life-threatening.

A variety of factors can contribute to hypothermia, and an owner needs to be able to recognise the signs and know how to respond promptly.

Although hypothermia occurs more often in very sick, young or elderly dogs, it can potentially happen to any pet if exposed to the right conditions.

Performing the correct first aid and knowing when to seek veterinary care can be what saves your dog’s life.

What is Hypothermia in Dogs?

A normal dog’s body temperature for a healthy adult dog is between 38 and 39.3 degrees Celsius. A temperature dip below 37.5 degrees Celsius would be classed as hypothermia.

What Causes a Dog’s Body Temperature to Drop?

Hypothermia can have ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’ factors. Some common intrinsic factors would include:

• Internal bleeding
• An infection, such as a pyometra or pyelonephritis
• Chronic disease, e.g. hypothyroidism or chronic heart disease
• Small body size or low body fat

Extrinsic factors are things like:

• A very cold environmental temperature
• Getting wet
• Being given an anaesthetic or sedative
• Organ failure
• Toxicity

Which Breeds and Ages Are Most at Risk?

Those that have a higher surface area to volume ratio will lose heat the quickest.

This includes toy breed puppies such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Shih Tzus. These pups have lower body fat and a higher metabolic rate compared to their larger peers.

Slender, short-furred, and thin-skinned breeds, such as sighthounds, feel the cold more easily and often require jumpers or coats when outside in the winter.

Elderly pets can also be susceptible to hypothermia, as many are dealing with chronic disease and may be experiencing muscle atrophy and weight loss.

What Are the Early Signs of Hypothermia in a Dog?

As their temperature starts to dip below a comfortable baseline, your dog will start to develop some mild symptoms. These can include mild lethargy and shaking.

How Does Shivering Signal the Onset of Hypothermia?

Shivering is the body’s natural response to lower its temperature. It is one of the first signs you will notice, and many dogs can successfully shiver until their temperature has risen, especially if they are just a little cold or wet.

What Behaviour Changes Should You Watch For?

You may find your dog is hiding away and curling up in an effort to make themselves warmer. They can seem a little sluggish and less eager to engage with you.

Does Cold Skin or Ears Indicate a Problem?

The body is designed to preserve the circulation supplying the organs when body temperature drops.

This can mean that places like the paws and ears start to feel a little cold to the touch.

What Are the Moderate to Severe Signs of Hypothermia?

When body temperature dips even lower, you may notice some more worrying signs.

In addition to feeling cold to the touch, your dog may exhibit slower breathing and a reduced heart rate, and may appear somewhat dull or confused.

In some cases, the dog can even collapse, faint or experience a seizure.

How Can You Recognise Confusion, Weakness, or Collapse?

You’ll find your pet is not moving as fluidly as usual, or they may stand still or seem a little dizzy.

They’re unable to run about or climb stairs, and seem like they have no energy.

When Does Breathing Slow Down Too Much?

If breathing gets too slow, this can indicate a temperature dip below 36 degrees Celsius. Breathing rate can fall below 10 times a minute, leading to a reduced oxygen level in the blood.

This slow rate of breathing can contribute to confusion, blue gums, and trouble moving.

Why Do Severe Symptoms Require Immediate Vet Care?

If you're unable to increase your dog’s body temperature quickly or they’re showing the more advanced symptoms of hypothermia, they need to see an emergency vet.

Similarly, if they are very young, old, or unwell and display symptoms of low body temperature, please contact us immediately.

How Do You Check a Dog’s Temperature Safely?

The best way to check temperature is with a rectal thermometer. Using one that touches the forehead or goes under the armpit would not give an accurate reading.

Use lubricant on the tip of the rectal thermometer and insert it about 1-2 inches, until the temperature number remains static or there is a beep.

What is a Normal Temperature Range for Dogs?

The typical dog's temperature is between 38 °C and 39.3 °C. A temperature over 39.3 degrees confirms a fever.

If the temperature reads below 38 degrees, ensure that the probe has been inserted deeply enough and for a sufficient amount of time.

When Should You Use a Thermometer?

Use a thermometer if you are concerned your dog’s body temperature is not within the normal range.

It is also a good idea to get you and your dog used to checking their temperature by practising now and then (with lots of treats in tow!).

How Do You Treat Hypothermia in a Dog at Home?

For mild cases, you should be able to get your dog’s temperature back to normal quickly and safely.

What Are the First Steps to Warm a Cold Dog Safely?

First steps include ensuring the room is warm enough, drying your dog’s fur thoroughly, providing a thick bed for them to lie on, and eliminating any drafts.

You can also offer some lukewarm water or dog-safe bone broth to drink.

What Warming Techniques Should You Avoid?

Never apply direct heat to your dog, such as having their skin touch a radiator or hot bottle. You also want to avoid the use of a hairdryer, as there is a high risk of burning one area of skin.

When is a Vet Visit Still Necessary After Warming?

It is never a bad idea to seek veterinary care. This is especially true if you’re unsure why your dog experienced hypothermia or if they are continuing to display any symptoms, such as lethargy, confusion, or pale gums.

How Do Vets Treat Severe Hypothermia in Dogs?

For more advanced cases of canine hypothermia, veterinary treatment is a must.

What Medical Tools and Techniques Do Vets Use?

Your vet will warm your dog using warmed oxygen and heated intravenous fluids, as well as warm water enemas. Your vet will also attempt to determine the cause of the low body temperature, in case there is an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed.

How Long Does Recovery Usually Take?

For mild cases and those treated promptly, most dogs recover within a very short period. If the patient experienced a severe or prolonged hypothermia, recovery will be longer.

In a small number of cases, when circulation is compromised, there is a risk of long-term damage such as chronic kidney disease.

How Can You Prevent Hypothermia in Your Dog?

A few sensible measures should keep your dog safe from hypothermia.

What Clothing or Gear Helps in Cold Weather?

If spending time outdoors when the temperature drops, invest in some winter clothes and possibly some doggy snow boots too. Stick to padded materials that provide insulation and are waterproof.

What Cold Weather Situations Should You Avoid?

For smaller dogs, going outside in temperatures less than around 2 degrees is usually best avoided.

For larger dogs, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -4 degrees Celsius. However, this is just a general guideline, and furry dogs tolerate lower temperatures, especially Northern breeds like Huskies.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

Call us if you are concerned your dog is experiencing hypothermia. We can advise you on safe at-home care and will discuss when it is best to bring them into the clinic.

Signs of Hypothermia in a Dog FAQs

How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs to Be Outside?

Depending on the dog, once temperatures dip below freezing, we may be in ‘too cold’ territory. Be mindful that dogs are less tolerant of the cold when there is rain or wind chill.

Can Hypothermia Happen Even if My Dog Has a Thick Coat?

While those with thick and double coats are less prone to hypothermia, there is a risk with very low temperatures, especially if your dog gets wet.

Should I Feed a Dog Differently in Winter to Reduce the Risk of Hypothermia?

Yes, some dogs may need slight adjustments to their diet in winter, especially if they spend more time outdoors. Cold weather increases energy use, so active or working dogs might benefit from a small increase in calories to help maintain body heat. However, you should avoid overfeeding.

Ensure they always have access to fresh, unfrozen water, and focus on high-quality, nutrient-rich food. Senior dogs, puppies, or underweight dogs may need additional guidance from a vet. A diet alone won’t prevent hypothermia; proper shelter, warm bedding, and limited exposure to extreme cold are also essential.