What is Low Body Temperature?
Hypothermia can be a progressive condition. As low body temperature continues, the body's ability to bring itself back to normal temperatures can decrease. Depression of the circulatory, central nervous, respiratory and the immune systems are seen with hypothermia. Untreated, low body temperature can lead to difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness.
Hypothermia is the term for an abnormally low body temperature. At below normal temperature levels, the body’s physiologic and metabolic functions are depressed. An irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, and impaired consciousness to the point of coma may result.
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Symptoms of Low Body Temperature in Dogs
Initial signs, seen in cases of mild hypothermia include:
- Heat-seeking/burrowing in blankets
- Shivering
- Weakness
- Mental depression
As hypothermia progresses to a moderate level, signs include:
- Shallow breathing
- Stiff movement
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Lethargy
Severe hypothermia is exhibited by the following signss:
- Labored breathing
- Slow, weak heartbeat
- Fixed and dilated pupils
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Death
Types
Hypothermia may be classified by cause:
- Primary hypothermia: The body exhibits normal heat production. Low body temperature results from exposure to low environmental temperatures.
- Secondary hypothermia: The body exhibits abnormal heat production as a result of injury, illness, or drugs.
Hypothermia severity may be classified by body temperature:
- Mild: Body temperature of 90 - 99°F (32 - 35°C)
- Moderate: Body temperature of 82 - 90°F (28 - 32°C)
- Severe: Body temperature less than 82°F (28°C)
Causes of Low Body Temperature in Dogs
- Exposure to external cold, wet and/or extreme drafts can result in heat loss.
- Smaller animals have high surface-area-to-body-mass ratios and are more susceptible.
- Injury can prevent seeking heat and/or thermoregulation
- Certain drugs such as those used for anesthesia in surgery can inhibit the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Newborn pups are more susceptible to hypothermia even at normal room temperatures.
- Geriatric pets can be more susceptible to hypothermia.
- Hypothalamic disease affects the brain’s regulation of body temperature and can contribute to heat loss.
- Hypothyroidism, low thyroid hormone production, can contribute to heat loss.
Diagnosis of Low Body Temperature in Dogs
The best chance of recovery from hypothermia comes with early diagnosis and treatment. If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of hypothermia such as heat-seeking, weakness, lethargy, or others mentioned above, carefully and gently wrap the pet in blankets and transport them to the veterinarian.
At the veterinarian, a thermometer will be used to measure the pet’s body temperature. A thorough history will often be obtained to aid in determining the possible causes of the observed symptoms. A physical examination for heartbeat irregularities or abnormal breathing can establish whether the hypothermia is mild, moderate or severe.
Blood tests may be performed to determine possible alternative contributors to the hypothermia such as the presence of drugs, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, or other physical disorders. Analysis of the urine can also reveal possible reasons for abnormal thermoregulation. The veterinarian may choose to monitor the pet’s heart rhythms with an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Treatment of Low Body Temperature in Dogs
Therapeutic goals are directed toward rewarming the patient and preventing additional body heat loss. The body can be safely rewarmed at 0.5-1.5 degrees Celsius per hour. Three rewarming techniques are available and used according to the degree of hypothermia severity.
- Passive External Rewarming
- In mild hypothermia, the animal’s own metabolism continues to produce heat. Blankets or other insulating covers will aid in preventing further heat loss. Natural body functions such as shivering will also contribute to rewarming.
- Active External Rewarming
- Moderate cases of hypothermia require the use of external heat sources such as hot water bottles, heating pads and radiant heaters.
- Active Internal Rewarming
- Severe cases of hypothermia require the use of invasive warming. Administration of warm intravenous (IV) fluids can aid in bringing body temperatures back to normal levels. Oxygen administration may also be used to promote recovery.
- Treatment risks:
- Rewarming must be conducted carefully and body temperature monitored constantly to avoid complications.
- After drop is a phenomenon seen as the body temperature continues to decrease during rewarming. Rewarmed blood moves to the extremities, pushing cold blood from the extremities inward to core organs.
- Rewarming shock can result from rapid rewarming causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Combined with low cardiac output, this can potentially further compromise the circulatory system.
Treatment duration:
Rewarming therapy should continue until normal body temperature is reached (usually 2-10 hours, depending on severity). The patient may then continue to be monitored for 24-72 hours, depending on severity.
Rewarming therapy should continue until normal body temperature is reached (usually 2-10 hours, depending on severity). The patient may then continue to be monitored for 24-72 hours, depending on severity.
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Recovery of Low Body Temperature in Dogs
Recovery from hypothermia can be complete if the condition is diagnosed early and treated. Follow up appointments at and/or two weeks following treatment may be suggested to monitor the patient for any long-term complications.
In moderate to severe cases, long-term damage can occur to organs that were not supplied with sufficient circulation while at low body temperature. The extent of long-term damage may not be detectable for days or weeks post-treatment. The veterinarian may suggest various follow up appointments to monitor physiologic processes post-treatment for hypothermia.
Patients who are at high risk for hypothermia may require long-term care, such as incubation, to keep the body temperature stable.
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Low Body Temperature Average Cost
From 1682 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$750
Top
Low Body Temperature Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Terri-Poo
14 Years
20 found this helpful
20 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shiver
My dog is usually pretty mellow. In the last 2-3 months he seems to be cold all the time. We live in a cold climate so I got him a jacket and a heated blanket. However I notice more and more he seems to be constantly cold even with his jacket and a knitted blanket in a room set to 65-75 degrees. I've also noticed this week he has been whining to recieve attention even if he has his heated blanket on. He is eating his normal amount but seems to be requesting more water than normal.
Jan. 31, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
20 Recommendations
This sounds like heat seeking behaviour.
One concern would be an under active thyroid, so we should run a blood test for this.
Sometimes, older dogs who have lost muscle mass and body fat can feel the cold too, so it may be worth having his body condition score assessed to ensure he is the correct weight.
If he is shaking, this may not be cold and may be more chronic pain or anxiety.
A vet check would be sensible and hopefully we can get to the bottom of this new behaviour.
Feb. 1, 2021
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Yorkshire Terrier
7 months
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Low Temp Weak
What can cause his temp to be 98 degrees it is summertime
Aug. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If he is weak, and has a low temperature, he may be sick. Puppies are prone to parasites and infectious diseases, and having him seen by a veterinarian would probably be a good idea. They will be able to assess him, see what might be causing him to not feel well, and get treatment for him.
I hope that he is okay and feels better soon!
Aug. 11, 2020
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Maltese x
Ten Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My Maltese is getting older and has been limping as I suppose he has hip dysplasia. He is always panting and appears hot regardless of the ac and constant water
Aug. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
13 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that your dog is limping and panting.
Without examining your dog, it is very difficult for me to know for sure what might be going on. As far as the limping goes, it sounds like he needs to be examined by a veterinarian to know whether the pain is in his hips or his knees. For many small breed dogs, the issue is actually with their knees and can be surgically repaired, although they can have hip dysplasia as well. Even without surgical repair, your veterinarian could prescribe a dog pain medication and joint supplements to help him be more comfortable.
The panting and constant water drinking could be caused by something like Cushing's disease, or kidney disease. Obesity combined with summer heat can also lead to panting and increased water intake, but if your dog is drinking a lot more water than he used to, I would be concerned about something like Cushing's disease. Your veterinarian will likely recommend some blood work and possibly a urine test to try to determine what might be going on, but there is treatment for most of these possibilities!
I hope that your dog starts feeling better soon. Please give him a treat for me!
Aug. 12, 2020
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Chihuahua
One Year
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic, Stiff, Trouble Walking
Earl seems to be lethargic and having trouble walking. the only thing out of the ordinary is we went for a mile walk today
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say exactly what is going on with your pet without examining him. He may have gotten into something on your walk, a congenital orthopedic issue, or he could be experiencing a back issue. Regardless I think it is necessary to take him to the veterinarian so they can examine him. They may want to perform x-rays, and they can provide pain medication as it sounds like he is uncomfortable. I hope he feels better soon!
Aug. 5, 2020
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jack russel mix
One Year
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Body Temp In Cold, Won’T Eat, Aggressive, Won’T Move, Shakes, And Wobbles When She Walks And Drags Her Back Legs When Attempting To Walk.
i want to know what’s wrong with her.
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without being able to see her, unfortunately, it is difficult to say what might be going on, but she sounds quite sick. She may have a disc problem, back pain, a GI disease, or a neurological problem. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian right away, as they can examine her, see what might be going on, and get treatment for her so that she can be healthy and feels better. I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 4, 2020
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Low Body Temperature Average Cost
From 1682 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$750
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
