Recognizing and Responding to Hypothermia in Pets

Cold weather brings extra dangers for our furry companions, and one of the most serious is hypothermia. This occurs when a pet’s body temperature drops below the healthy range, generally around 100.5–102.5°F for most cats and dogs. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to severe health issues, including heart and respiratory problems, organ failure, and even death. That’s why it’s vital for pet owners to know the warning signs and what to do if hypothermia is suspected.

Common Signs of Hypothermia

Pets experiencing hypothermia may show one or more of the following symptoms:

• Persistent or heavy shivering (may stop as hypothermia worsens)
• Unusual sleepiness, lethargy, or weakness
• Cold ears, skin, and fur
• Body temperature below normal (below about 98–99°F indicates hypothermia)
• Slowed heart rate and breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Pale or bluish gums
• Trouble walking or uncoordinated movements
• Confusion or coma in severe cases

Immediate Steps to Help

If you think your pet might be hypothermic, act quickly:

1. Get Them Warm and Dry
   Bring your pet indoors to a warm, dry area. If their fur is wet, gently towel-dry them.
2. Add Gentle Warmth
   Wrap them in warm blankets or towels. You can warm blankets in a dryer first (on low heat). Place warm, not hot, water bottles wrapped in towels near your pet, especially around their chest and abdomen.
3. Check Temperature Safely
   If you have a rectal thermometer for pets, check their temperature every 10–15 minutes as you warm them. This can help you monitor progress and avoid overheating.
4. Monitor Closely
   Watch their breathing and responsiveness. If they are very weak, disoriented, or not warming up within about 30 – 45 minutes, seek veterinary help immediately.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Even if your pet seems to improve with warming, hypothermia can cause internal complications that aren’t obvious at first. Veterinary professionals can provide advanced care such as warmed IV fluids, respiratory support, and close monitoring that can be lifesaving. If your pet shows serious symptoms, like loss of consciousness, very slow breathing or heartbeat, or inability to respond, visit an emergency veterinary clinic right away.

The team at Healing Springs Animal Hospital is here to help when your pet needs urgent care.

Learn more:

Cold Weather Animal Safety. [Internet] Available from: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety

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