Humans take measures not to be affected by extremely cold temperatures. At the first whiff of the winter winds, cold weather gears will be taken out from storage. Exposure to very cold temperatures can result to frostbite and hypothermia. Dogs are protected by the all-weather coats. Northern dogs can stay in freezing temperatures for long periods of time but this does not mean that a Husky or a Malamute would not succumb to hypothermia. Just as with humans, hypothermia will occur in these cold weather dogs when the lower than normal body temperature prevents the body from doing its vital functions. If long and dense coated dogs succumb to hypothermia, small and short haired dogs will be affected as well.

100°F to 102°F is the normal body temperature of a dog. A 90° F temperature will cause a dog to shiver. This involuntary muscle reaction is the body’s attempt to up the core temperature. The hair will be raised as well to trap a layer of air between the skin. Trapped warm air will serve as additional insulation against the cold. Cold extremities are signs of hypothermia. The body will shut off the flow of blood to the extremities and direct blood flow to the vital organs so that the face, ears, legs and tail are at risk for frostbite.

Hypothermia can cause the dog to go into shock. First aid treatment is imperative to save the dog from imminent death. Aggressive first aid treatment that will normalize the body temperature of the dog is very necessary. The pet must be taken in a warm room and wrapped in warm blankets. Place towel wrapped hot water bottles in the armpit, groin and in other body parts less covered with hair. Water bottles on the dog’s legs and body walls will help in normalizing body temperature.

Use a hair dryer to increase the body temperature of a chilled dog. This first aid method though can burn the skin of the dog of the heat of the dryer is directed to one area of the body for a few minutes. Severe hypothermia can cause a dog to go into shock. Karo syrup can be rubbed on the gums to revive the dog.

As the tissues warm up, the dog will feel immense pain. Because of the pain, a well tempered pet can become aggressive. To be safe, exercise caution in approaching the revived dog.

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about hypothermia and first aid for dogs.