Learning About Vet Care

« Back to Home

It's Cold Outside: 3 Steps To Take When Your Pet Takes Off For The Night

Posted on

Winter is just around the corner. Your dog will soon be spending more time outside in the chilly weather. Unfortunately, that chilly weather can spell disaster, especially if your dog spends too much time outside. If your dog has gotten out and spent the night in the cold, you'll need to act fast to prevent serious medical problems.

Wrap It Up

If your dog was stuck outside in the cold, the first thing you'll need to do is wrap it up. Wrapping your dog up in warm blankets will help dry it off and elevate its body temperature. Place a blanket in the dryer and allow it to heat up for several minutes. Wrap your dog in the blanket and lay it on the couch next to you. This will ensure that your dog feels safe and secure while you're elevating its body temperature.

If your dog is shivering, you'll want to work fast to warm it up. Fill a water bottle with warm water and place it in the blanket with your dog. Replace the water whenever it cools down. Continue this process until your dog is warmed up. It's important to note that if your dog is wet, you should use a blow dryer on a warm setting to dry it off thoroughly.  

Bring on the Warm Liquids

Once you have your dog dried off, and it's been wrapped in a warm blanket, you'll want to get it warmed up from the inside. Warm up some beef or chicken broth and offer it to your dog. If it refuses the broth, try using a syringe to force small amounts of warm liquid into your dog's mouth. Once your dog is able to keep the broth down, you can begin offering small amounts of warmed food.

Get to the Vet

Exposure to cold weather can do serious damage to your dog. If your dog has been outside for an extended period of time, it might have developed frostbite or hypothermia. If your dog shows any of the following signs, you should get to the vet as soon as possible.

  • Skin discoloration
  • Redness or swelling of the feet and toes
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy
  • Disorientation

If your dog got left out in the cold, you'll need to act fast. Use the tips provided here to warm your dog up and reduce the risk of serious health problems. Be sure to contact your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of the warning signs described above.


Share