Hypothermia and Frostbite in Dogs: Warning Signs and Winter Safety

Cold does two different kinds of damage to a dog. Hypothermia is the whole body losing heat faster than it can make it. Frostbite is tissue freezing in the places furthest from the heart, usually the ear tips, the tail, and the paws. Both can happen on an ordinary winter walk, and neither one looks dramatic at the start. How much cold your dog can handle depends on their coat, size, age, and what they are used to. A husky and a chihuahua are not having the same experience of the same morning.

How Long Can a Dog Safely Stay Outside in the Cold?

Try to keep outdoor time short during the colder months. Smaller breeds, pets with thin coats, as well as very old, very young or sick pets typically do not tolerate cold temperatures for long periods of time. Try to plan your outdoor activities for mid day when the sun is shining and the temperature is at its highest.

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PawCastHow cold is too cold for your dog?There's no single number. It depends on breed, size, age, and coat, which is why generic thresholds get it wrong in both directions. PawCast factors in all four alongside today's conditions in your neighborhood and tells you when it's safe to head out. Get your dog's free forecast

Winter Coat and Grooming Care

Of course regular baths and grooming are an essential part of your pet’s healthy lifestyle but consider skipping the short haircuts during the colder times of the year.  A longer coat can certainly mean more upkeep and brushing but your pet will thank you for their very own built in coat during the winter months.

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Winter Gear: Coats, Booties, and Paw Protection

Our short haired breeds can definitely benefit from wearing a winter coat or sweater for walks and potty breaks.  Another thing to consider is dog booties!  All breeds can be susceptible to cold, irritated paws whether it be from playing in the snow, on the ice or walking on salty sidewalks.  If your dog doesn’t tolerate booties, make sure to have a towel handy to wipe down paws and remove any potentially irritating salt!

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If you have an outdoor pet that is not able to be brought indoors, make sure that they have adequate shelter to protect themselves from the cold.  Give them a space that is large enough for them to lie down but small enough for them to conserve body heat.  If possible raise the floor a couple inches off of the ground and cover the floor with straw.  Try to face the enclosure away from the wind and ensure the roof is waterproof.  Ensure they have plenty of fresh (not frozen) water to drink.  Outdoor pets will also need more food as they will burn a lot more calories to keep warm.

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Winter Toxins

Winter time also brings other dangers to our pets such as antifreeze exposures!  Antifreeze is toxic to animals and can be deadly.  Make sure to keep antifreeze out of reach and ensure any spills or leaks are taken care of as soon as possible.  If your pet is exposed to antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service immediately.

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Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite in Dogs

Hypothermia comes on gradually. The first sign is usually shivering, and then the shivering stops, which is worse rather than better. A dog getting into trouble seems sluggish and uninterested, their gums may look pale, and they feel cold to the touch through the ears and the belly. If your dog is shivering hard, get them inside, get them dry, and warm them up slowly. If they have stopped shivering and are hard to rouse, that is an emergency and needs a vet now.

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Frostbite hits the parts furthest from the heart, so the ear tips, the tail tip, and the paws are where it usually turns up. The skin looks pale or grey at first, sometimes with a bluish cast, and it feels cold and firm. As it thaws it turns red and swollen and gets painful, and the full extent of the damage can take several days to show. Warm the area gently with body heat or lukewarm water. Do not rub it, do not use a hair dryer or a heating pad, and do not thaw an area that could refreeze before you get home. Frostbite is always worth a call to your vet, because tissue that dies can become infected.

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Winter Wellness Tips for Dogs

Cats are known to seek shelter under vehicles near the engine.  Be sure to check before starting your vehicle by banging on the hood or honking your horn!

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Just like summer months, it is not recommended to leave your pet in a cold car.  The car can act like a cooler and can reach dangerous temperatures quickly.

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Ensure your pets are microchipped and wearing their ID tags!  Pets are far more likely to get lost in the winter months when snow is on the ground.

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If you have questions about your pet and cold weather, please reach out to us or your local veterinarian.  Signs of hypothermia in pets include lethargy or sluggish behavior, dilated pupils, increased heart rate followed by a slowing heart rate, rapid breathing followed by slow breathing, paleness and loss of consciousness.  If you suspect your pet may be suffering any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended.  

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