Hypothermia in Dogs
The danger of leaving your dog in the car during winter
Just like in summer, dogs left unattended in the car are also at risk in winter. Your vehicle can protect your dog from wind, snow and sleet but not from cold (freezing) temperatures; as it offers no insulation. Only relying on the density of your dog's coat can be treacherous. Breeds that have been bred to live in cold climates are safe. These include, for example, the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Newfoundland, Akita Inu and Samoyed. In contrast, there are short-furred breeds without a dense, warming undercoat (e.g. Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Airedale Terrier and greyhound), puppies, older, sick dogs and extreme breeds such as naked dogs.1
Hypothermia
If dogs have to stay in a cold car for too long, they can develop hypothermia. This condition occurs when the body loses more heat than it produces and as a result, the body's core temperature falls below its normal temperature of around 37°C - 39°C (~99°F - ~102°F).2,3 If left untreated, hypothermia becomes a serious threat to the dog's health. It can lead to cardiac and respiratory arrest, coma and even death.4
Symptoms of hypothermia
When the temperature drops too low for your dog, especially if they are not accustomed to winter conditions, they may begin to shiver and try to warm themselves by curling up. These are early signs that you should notice and address. Additionally, watch for the following symptoms that indicate mild hypothermia:5,6
- Muscle stiffness/stiff posture
- Difficulty walking
- Cold body
- Pale gums
- Drowsiness/lethargy/confusion
It becomes dangerous if your dog shows the following signs:
- They no longer tremble
- Dilated, fixed pupils
- Low heart and breathing rate
- Pale/grey gums
- Delayed reflexes
- Becomes unconscious
Avoid hypothermia
It’s best to arrange for your dog to stay at home or with friends if it will need to remain in the car for a period of time, such as during a 'short' shopping trip. If a stay in the cold car is unavoidable:
- Find out about the laws in your country that regulate the circumstances under which an animal may not be left unattended in a car.7
- Take a passenger with you who can take your dog for a walk in the meantime and keep the car warm (leave the heating on if necessary)
- Put a coat/sweater on your four-legged friend
- Have blankets ready for them to use
- Keep the length of stay as short as possible
In the event of hypothermia
Hypothermia must be taken very seriously and requires rapid action:
- Warm your dog carefully (own jacket and/or body heat, blanket, warm room)
- Dry them off if they have become damp or wet during a walk and make sure they are warm enough
- Have them examined by a vet as a precaution if you are not sure whether your measures are/were sufficient
In conclusion
Dogs can briefly stay in the car during cold weather if the conditions are appropriate. But breeds that are not made for these temperatures need to keep moving, have a dry coat and, if necessary, wear well-fitting, warm clothing.
References
1Hypothermia in Dogs: How Cold Is Too Cold? American Kennel Club. [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hypothermia-in-dogs-how-cold-is-too-cold/
2Taking Your Pet’s Temperature | VCA Animal Hospitals. Vca. [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taking-your-pets-temperature
3What is A Dog’s Normal Temperature? Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic. 2022 Sep 21 [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://lincolnwayvet.com/blog/what-is-a-dogs-normal-temperature/
4Hypothermia - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/hypothermia
5Hypothermia in Pets. [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/hypothermia-in-pets
6Dog Hypothermia. [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/dog-hypothermia
7California Code, PEN 597.7. [accessed 2024 Oct 15]. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=597.7.