One of the main characteristics of mammals (like the dog) is that they are animals homeothermsi.e. able to regulate and maintain its internal body temperature constant regardless of the external environmental conditions.
This mechanism is made possible thanks to the metabolism which, with the consumption of calories produced from food, makes it possible to produce the energy necessary for thermoregulation and thus avoid situations of hyperthermia and dog hypothermia.
The difference between mammals and other animals
Also the hair plays a fundamental role in protection from the cold, providing the dog with an effective form of defence. Some breeds defined as “Nordic” due to their geographical origin, are equipped with a thick undercoat which acts as a thermal insulator and which allows specimens such as the Husky or the Malamute to face even the harshest climates.
The difference is evident if we think of reptiles and amphibians: snakes, for example, spend long hours in the sun (or in the infrared lights we see in terrariums) to warm up their bodies while waiting for the internal temperature to reach the correct values and these are improperly called “cold-blooded” animals.
Mammals, on the other hand, do not need any external precautions because their body autonomously provides for its own heating.
Newborn dog hypothermia
The mechanism of thermoregulation is therefore very effective but, unfortunately, it is not yet developed in newborns.
In fact, the puppies that have just come out of the mother’s womb are not able to warm up independently up to the 3rd week of life: for this reason they always remain in contact with their mother, who offers the necessary warmth and protection with her own body.
It should also be considered that dogs have a normal body temperature of 38-39 °C, therefore it takes some time for them to provide.
What happens to a hypothermic puppy?
If for any reason a puppy does not receive adequate heat, it runs the serious risk of dying from hypothermia, i.e. a condition in which the body temperature is insufficient to support vital functions.
It is a condition in which children who have been orphaned or who have been rejected by their mother for various situations find themselves.
What to cure puppy dog hypothermia?
If we were to find a newborn puppy without its mother, immediate assistance must be provided. We will have to take care to heat it immediately with any possible means: blankets, sweaters, bags or bottles full of hot water, thermal mats or infrared lamps.
You should never use the hair dryer, nor apply the bottles directly in contact with the body because they could cause serious burns!
We try to measure the baby’s internal temperature using a ordinary thermometer for children and gently inserting it into the rectum: it must be monitored every 15 minutes until physiological values are reached.
Meanwhile let’s notify the trusted veterinarian immediately, let’s follow his advice and immediately bring our new friend to him for the most appropriate treatment, since it is a truly urgent situation. By following these tips we can really save his life!
Is adult dog hypothermia possible?
Unfortunately! If it is true that newborns are not yet able to thermoregulate themselves, even an adult dog exposed to excessively low temperatures for too long a period of time runs the risk of hypothermia.
Furthermore, infections and some metabolic diseases can also lead to a dangerous decrease in body temperature.
If it drops below 37.5°C the dog is at risk of hypothermia and may show symptoms such as weakness, apathy and pale mucous membranes.
If we realize that this situation is occurring, we need to act as we have seen for puppies even if prevention is always the best weapon: if our friend loves to live outdoors, make sure that the kennel is adequately heated and insulated and pay particular attention abrupt drops in ambient temperatures or in the temperature difference between day and night.