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Hypothermia
Beware Of The Ice!
After the prolonged spell of cold weather in December it is hard to believe that freezing conditions may not be over for this winter, however January and February are notorious for being the UK’s coldest months.
Every year there are reports of accidents with dogs involving thin ice and freezing water. Only three days before Christmas 2010, a dog allegedly drowned in the Serpentine in Hyde Park due to the freezing conditions. It is said that the owner who tried to rescue the dog has survived unharmed, but in many cases, the rescuer has not been so lucky.
Anyone allowing their dog to play off the leash near water in icy conditions is not only putting their own dog at risk but also other dogs that may be tempted to join in the fun.
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia does not just occur in freezing water. Any animal exposed to prolonged cold can suffer its effects.
Symptoms of severe hypothermia include slow respiration, slow to no pulse and a consequent poor circulation. The skin will feel cold to touch, the mucous membranes may appear to look blue and the animal will have a low rectal temperature. It may be unresponsive and possibly unconscious depending on the stage of hypothermia.
Young puppies, elderly and infirm dogs and breeds not adapted to a cold climate (eg: the greyhound, whippet, Weimaraner and dogs without a thick undercoat) are particularly vulnerable and it is recommended that these dogs should wear warm coats in cold weather.
IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
In cases of mild hypothermia, when a dog is shivering but is not showing the symptoms of severe cold as mentioned above, the dog should be wrapped in blankets and put in a warm area indoors. Usually, once the dog begins to warm up, he will soon recover and there is no need to trouble a vet.
A dog suspected of suffering acute hypothermia should be wrapped in blankets or any materials available and taken as quickly as possible to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic where it will be treated with warm intravenous fluids and given oxygen.
After the prolonged spell of cold weather in December it is hard to believe that freezing conditions may not be over for this winter, however January and February are notorious for being the UK’s coldest months.
Every year there are reports of accidents with dogs involving thin ice and freezing water. Only three days before Christmas 2010, a dog allegedly drowned in the Serpentine in Hyde Park due to the freezing conditions. It is said that the owner who tried to rescue the dog has survived unharmed, but in many cases, the rescuer has not been so lucky.
Anyone allowing their dog to play off the leash near water in icy conditions is not only putting their own dog at risk but also other dogs that may be tempted to join in the fun.
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia does not just occur in freezing water. Any animal exposed to prolonged cold can suffer its effects.
Symptoms of severe hypothermia include slow respiration, slow to no pulse and a consequent poor circulation. The skin will feel cold to touch, the mucous membranes may appear to look blue and the animal will have a low rectal temperature. It may be unresponsive and possibly unconscious depending on the stage of hypothermia.
Young puppies, elderly and infirm dogs and breeds not adapted to a cold climate (eg: the greyhound, whippet, Weimaraner and dogs without a thick undercoat) are particularly vulnerable and it is recommended that these dogs should wear warm coats in cold weather.
IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
In cases of mild hypothermia, when a dog is shivering but is not showing the symptoms of severe cold as mentioned above, the dog should be wrapped in blankets and put in a warm area indoors. Usually, once the dog begins to warm up, he will soon recover and there is no need to trouble a vet.
A dog suspected of suffering acute hypothermia should be wrapped in blankets or any materials available and taken as quickly as possible to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic where it will be treated with warm intravenous fluids and given oxygen.
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