How do I know if my dog has hypothermia?

A dog with hypothermia is a very cold pooch who's losing body heat faster than he can generate more. He'll start to shiver to warm up, and every hair will stand on end to try and trap heat. If his body temperature falls below 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia could set in. And that's dangerous.

In mild cases, your shivering dog will seem sluggish and slow. Get him indoors and into a warm room, and wrap him in a warm blanket. Let him warm up slowly.

However, if he's so listless that he seems to be near total collapse, rush him to the nearest clinic for emergency treatment. And even if your dog gets better on your watch, have him checked out by a veterinarian. Hypothermia can cause permanent damage.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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