What to Do If Your Dog Is Hypothermic

What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?

Hypothermia occurs when a dog's core body temperature drops below 99F (37.2C). Normal dog temperature is 101 to 102.5F. Mild hypothermia is uncomfortable; severe hypothermia is life-threatening, causing heart arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and death.

Causes of Hypothermia in Dogs

• Prolonged exposure to cold weather or cold water
• Wet coat in cold conditions (wet fur loses insulating ability)
• Small breeds, puppies, senior dogs, and short-coated breeds are highest risk
• Shock or anesthesia can also cause hypothermia

Step-by-Step: How to Warm a Hypothermic Dog

Step 1: Move Indoors Immediately

Get your dog out of the cold and into a warm environment right away.

Step 2: Dry the Coat Thoroughly

A wet coat dramatically accelerates heat loss. Dry your dog with warm towels immediately. Use a hair dryer on the lowest warm setting if available, keeping it moving to avoid burns.

Step 3: Wrap in Warm Blankets

Wrap your dog in warm (not hot) blankets. Include the head but leave the face exposed. Place warm water bottles wrapped in towels against the body — never directly on the skin.

Step 4: Warm the Core First

Focus warming on the chest and abdomen, not the extremities. Warming the legs first can cause cold blood to rush to the heart, worsening the situation.

Step 5: Offer Warm Fluids If Conscious

If your dog is conscious and able to swallow, offer warm (not hot) water or low-sodium broth in small amounts.

What NOT to Do

• Do not use heating pads directly on the skin (burns)
• Do not use very hot water bottles
• Do not rub the extremities vigorously
• Do not give alcohol

Go to the Emergency Vet If

• Your dog is unconscious or unresponsive
• Severe shivering that stops suddenly (sign of severe hypothermia)
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Temperature below 95F (35C)
• No improvement after 20 to 30 minutes of warming

🧰 Recommended: EVERLIT Pet Medic First Aid Kit (95 Pcs) — Vet-approved emergency kit. Keep one at home and one in the car.