Hypothermia in dogs – signs and what to do
Book a vet visitBook a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Hypothermia is when a dog's body temperature drops dangerously low.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm.
- Keep fresh water available.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Hypothermia is when an animal’s body temperature drops dangerously low.[1] Possible signs in dogs include shivering, drowsiness, confusion, clumsiness, pale gums, collapse, loss of consciousness and coma.[1]
Signs
What the experts say
“Overview. Hypothermia is when an animal’s body temperature drops dangerously low. Hypothermia can be caused by being out in the cold, blood loss, certain illnesses, and occasionally during a sedation/anaesthetic.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is when an animal’s body temperature drops dangerously low.[1]
What signs can hypothermia cause in dogs?
Signs can include shivering, drowsiness, confusion, clumsiness and pale gums.[1]
Can hypothermia cause collapse or loss of consciousness?
Yes, possible signs include loss of consciousness, collapse and coma.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Kennel Cough
Lungworm