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dog hypothermia[/caption]The normal body temperature of a dog is between 100°F to 102°F. When the temperature drops below 90°F, the dog would start to shiver. To generate heat that will up the temperature, the body will cause the muscles to shiver. Making the hair stand to trap the air between the skin and the hair is another way by which the body fights off the cold. Trapped warm air will serve as additional insulation against the cold. A dog that has succumbed to hypothermia will have hard and cold extremities. A drop in body temperature will cause the dog's system to direct blood flow to the vital organs and in so doing, the extremities will be have insufficient blood supply.
Hypothermia can cause the dog to go into shock. First aid treatment is imperative to save the dog from imminent death. Upping the core temperature of the dog will be very necessary. The pet must be taken in a warm room and wrapped in warm blankets. Hot water bottles wrapped in towels and placed on the dog's less hair covered area will help in elevating body temperature. 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. Caution must be used in applying this first aid measure as directing the heat of the dryer to one area can burn the dog's skin. Severe hypothermia can cause a dog to go into shock. To revive the dog, Karo syrup can be rubbed on the gums.
After the warming process, the dog will be in pain as the tissues begin to warm up. Because of the pain, a well tempered pet can become aggressive. Use caution in approaching the dog.
Source: http://www.sarahsdogs.com/guides/first-aid/hypothermia/
