Dog Hypothermia and Frostbite: Cold Weather Emergencies

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Winter can be magical, but cold and wet weather poses real risks to dogs.

What it is

Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below about 99 F (37.2 C) and is considered severe below about 90 F (32 C). Wet fur, wind, cold water and prolonged exposure speed heat loss. Frostbite occurs when tissue freezes, most often in ears, tail, toes and scrotum.

Who is at risk

• Small and toy breeds
• Short-coated dogs, such as greyhounds and boxers
• Puppies, seniors and thin dogs
• Dogs with heart disease, diabetes or hormone disorders
• Dogs kept outdoors without insulated shelter
• Dogs that swim in cold water

Signs of hypothermia

• Shivering, which may stop in severe cases
• Lethargy and weakness
• Pale or gray gums
• Stiff muscles and uncoordinated walking
• Slow breathing and heart rate
• Collapse and unresponsiveness

Signs of frostbite

• Pale, gray or bluish skin
• Cold, brittle feeling skin
• Redness, swelling and pain when thawing
• Blisters or blackened tissue days later

What to do for hypothermia

1. Bring your dog indoors or out of the wind.
2. Dry him with towels.
3. Wrap him in blankets and use warm, not hot, water bottles wrapped in cloth.
4. Warm him gradually and never use direct heat, heating pads set on high or hot water.
5. Offer warm fluids if he is alert.
6. Take his temperature if possible. See how to take a dog's temperature.
7. Go to the vet, especially if temperature is below 99 F or he is lethargic.

What to do for frostbite

Warm affected areas gently with lukewarm water, never rubbing or massaging. Do not use hot water or direct heat. Cover loosely and seek veterinary care, since damage can worsen as tissue thaws.

Veterinary treatment

Vets provide controlled warming, intravenous fluids, pain relief and monitoring, and treat frostbitten tissue with wound care, antibiotics and sometimes surgery.

Prevention

• Limit time outdoors in freezing weather
• Dress short-coated and small dogs in coats or sweaters
• Keep fur dry, and towel off after snow and rain
• Protect paws with boots or balm. See how to protect dog paws from road salt
• Provide insulated, draft-free shelter if dogs live outside
• Avoid frozen lakes
• Never leave dogs in cold cars

See dog cold weather safety and winter grooming tips for dogs.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask which breeds and conditions raise cold risk, which coat or boots suit your dog, how to check temperature safely and when to bring him inside. Ask how to recognize early frostbite.

Common mistakes

• Using hot water
• Rubbing frostbitten skin
• Leaving dogs outside too long
• Ignoring shivering

Troubleshooting

• My dog shivers on walks: shorten them and add a coat.
• His ear tips look pale: warm gently and call your vet.
• My dog is wet and cold: dry thoroughly and monitor.

A simple plan

1. Limit exposure.
2. Dress for the weather.
3. Dry after outings.
4. Warm slowly and see the vet if signs appear.

Real-life examples

A whippet gets a coat and enjoys winter walks. A husky mix recovers after prompt warming and vet care. A terrier's ear tips are damaged by frostbite and heal slowly. Prevention helps.

Winter readiness

Check your dog's coat, boots and shelter before temperatures drop.

Cold-water dips and ice

Falling through ice or swimming in cold water can cause hypothermia within minutes and tire even strong swimmers. Keep dogs on a leash near frozen water, and never run onto ice after a dog. Call emergency services for ice rescues, and warm any dog pulled from cold water gradually while heading to a vet.

Gear and routines for winter walks

Choose well-fitting coats that cover the chest and belly, and boots that protect paws from ice, salt and cold. Shorten walks in extreme cold or wind chill, wipe paws and bellies afterward and check ear tips and toes for pale or hardened skin.

The takeaway

Hypothermia and frostbite are preventable. Limit exposure, warm gradually and see a vet for serious signs.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.