Dog Intestinal Blockage in 2025: Vet Backed Guide 🐾🚨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📌 What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?

Hypothermia occurs when a dog's body temperature drops below the normal range (100.5–102.5 °F / 38–39.2 °C), leading to serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. A body temp under ~99 °F can signal trouble.

🔍 Causes of Hypothermia

• Prolonged exposure to cold, wind, and wet weather
• Immersion in cold water (e.g., falls in ice)
• Poor insulation—small breeds, puppies, seniors, short or thin coats
• Post-surgery or anesthesia-induced heat loss
• Medical conditions causing poor heat production (e.g., shock, hypothyroidism)

👀 Signs of Hypothermia by Severity

• Mild/Moderate: Shivering, muscle stiffness, lethargy, slow movement, pale/cooled extremities (ears, paws), confusion
• Severe: Shivering stops, collapse, fixed/dilated pupils, slow or irregular heart & breath rates, coma

🩺 Diagnosis

• Rectal/core temperature check—below ~99 °F is concerning; below 90 °F is severe
• Physical exam: heart rate, pulse quality, mucous membrane color, and consciousness
• Bloodwork if underlying disease or shock is suspected

🚑 Treatment & Rewarming

• Immediate steps: Move indoors, dry the dog, and wrap in warm blankets
• Passive external warming: Blankets, warm water bottles (wrapped), warming coats
• Active veterinary warming: Controlled heating pads, warm IV fluids, heated oxygen
• Monitor vital signs—stop rewarming once normal to avoid overheating
• Treat underlying issues like frostbite or shock

⚠️ Why Speed Matters

Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to organ failure, frostbite, brain damage, shock, coma, and death. Early warming improves outcomes—even comatose dogs can recover if treated promptly.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• Limit exposure in cold weather; use sweaters or coats
• Dry immediately after rain, snow, or swimming
• Provide warm bedding, heated pads, especially for puppies, seniors, and short-haired breeds
• Supervise outdoor time; head inside at the first shiver or discomfort
• Ensure proper nutrition and check for underlying health issues annually

📈 Prognosis & Recovery

With rapid and careful rewarming, many dogs fully recover. Severe cases require veterinary supervision due to the risk of frostbite, shock, or organ injury. Long-term effects are rare if treated early.

📞 When to Call Your Vet Immediately

• No response to warmth, collapse, unresponsiveness 🩺
• Signs of frostbite—pale, blistered, or cold extremities
• Severely slowed breathing or heart rate
• Underlying illness (e.g., surgery, shock, cold-water immersion)

📝 Final Thoughts

Hypothermia isn’t just about being cold—it’s a medical emergency. Early recognition and warning save lives. For expert guidance anytime, use the Ask A Vet app 📱.