Can Prolonged Cold Exposure Affect Your Dog’s Organs?

During the winter, you may find that your dog loves snuggling under blankets and spends more time inside the house. However, what happens if your dog remains in the cold for too long? Dog hypothermia can develop when a dog loses body heat faster than it can replace it, putting stress on the body and vital organs.

It’s not always easy for dogs to tell us when they are feeling very cold. As a pet parent, it is important for you to be aware of the warning signs and take action before a cold weather issue turns into an emergency.

What Happens Inside Your Dog’s Body in the Cold?

Your dog’s body works to keep its temperature normal in the cold. At first, your dog’s blood vessels narrow to help the body retain heat. Your dog could shiver due to the fact that exercise is a way to keep warm.

With prolonged exposure, however, the body’s heat maintenance ability will be exceeded. As the body temperature drops even more, other body parts may begin to have trouble functioning normally.

Which Organs Can Cold Affect?

Cold weather stress can occur in multiple areas of your dog’s body, such as:

• Heart: Very cold weather can have an impact on circulation, placing further stress on the heart.
• Brain: As hypothermia progresses, the dog could suffer from confusion, weakness, or excessive sleepiness.
• Lungs: Cold air can be particularly difficult for dogs that have preexisting lung conditions.
• Kidneys: Conditions that affect circulation or cause dehydration can put additional pressure on the kidneys.
• Muscles: Low temperatures will result in stiffness, weakness, and poor coordination.

What Are the Warning Signs of Dog Hypothermia?

How will you know if your pet dog is suffering from too much exposure to cold conditions? You should be wary of strange symptoms such as uncontrollable shaking, weakness, confusion, lethargic behavior, pale gums, difficulty breathing, or excessive drowsiness.

Even if the dog stops shivering but is still very cold, it does not necessarily mean that the animal is okay. This may be because the body has lost its ability to generate heat.

How Can You Keep Your Dog Safe?

Winter does not mean you cannot enjoy it with your dog. Keep an eye on the weather forecast before taking your dog outside. It is important to limit outdoor time if the temperature is going to fall drastically.

Make sure that you keep your dog warm while indoors whenever it is too cold for your dog. Offer them a comfortable place to sleep as well as fresh water. Your puppies, older dogs, and sick dogs may need additional care when it gets too cold.

When Should You Call a Vet?

In case your dog suffers from extreme cold, you should take swift action. Petsfolio’s vet services will assist you with getting professional advice in case your dog requires any medical attention.

Do not wait until things get serious. During winter, when the conditions are harsh, making sure that your dog is warm and healthy starts with knowing when he needs to see a veterinarian.

References Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1493446/