{"id":95,"date":"2025-01-16T13:43:58","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adobeanimalhosp.com\/blog\/?p=95"},"modified":"2025-01-16T13:43:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:43:59","slug":"understanding-and-preventing-hypothermia-in-pets-during-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adobeanimalhosp.com\/blog\/understanding-and-preventing-hypothermia-in-pets-during-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding and Preventing Hypothermia in Pets During Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As temperatures drop, it’s easy to assume our furry friends will be all right in the cold. They wear furry coats all year long, after all. What more could they need? But pups and kitties get cold, just like we humans do. Whether you live in central California (like we do!) or up north in Alaska\u2014or somewhere in between\u2014winter pet safety<\/a> is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to winter weather, hypothermia is a big threat. In this blog post, the team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center will offer tips for preventing pet hypothermia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Cold Weather Risks for Pets: A Spotlight on Hypothermia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hypothermia happens when a pet\u2019s body temperature drops way below its normal range. This occurs after a pet is exposed to cold temperatures for too long, but other factors come into play, too. Cold, rainy weather can also drive hypothermia. If your pet spends time outside in the rain, she could lose her body heat more quickly than she would in dry weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enter hypothermia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, if a cat or dog has a thin coat, is young or old<\/a>, or has an underlying health issue that makes it hard to regulate body temperature, they’re at a higher risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then there’s wind, humidity levels, and other potential contributing factors to watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what happens if your pet gets hypothermia and his or her body heat drops too low? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing good. When your pet’s body can’t maintain its heat, vital organs begin slowing down. If not treated right away, this can make your pet incredibly sick, and it can even be deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as possible, keep your pet warm and dry throughout the winter. If you go outside to play in the snow or rain, don\u2019t stay out too long\u2014and dry your pet off thoroughly when you come inside. Make sure your pet has a safe, warm place indoors to sleep and spend her days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally, know the early signs of hypothermia in pets so you can prevent this dangerous condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Hypothermia in Pets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the signs of hypothermia in pets can make a life-saving difference<\/a>. Here are some common symptoms to watch for when you’re out enjoying the winter weather:<\/p>\n\n\n\n