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Urgencias

Hypothermia

A dangerous drop in body temperature. The body does not function properly in extreme cold. It is an emergency, especially in puppies, small animals, seniors and reptiles.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats🐰 Rabbits🦎 Reptiles

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT: if your pet is very cold, weak and apathetic, warm it gradually and go to the vet. Shivering that stops in a very cold animal is a bad sign.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Shivering (which stops if the hypothermia is severe — a bad sign)
  • • Weakness, apathy, slow movements
  • • Pale gums
  • • Slow breathing and heart rate
  • • Disorientation, drowsiness, loss of consciousness

Causes

Exposure to cold, getting wet in cold weather, small/young/old animals that do not regulate temperature well, anaesthesia, shock. Reptiles depend on external heat and get cold easily.

Diagnosis

Measurement of body temperature, which is below normal.

Treatment

FIRST AID: dry the animal, wrap it in blankets, apply gentle and gradual warmth (NEVER direct, intense heat sources on the skin). Go to the vet, especially with moderate to severe hypothermia.

Prevention

Protect puppies, small animals, seniors and sick animals from the cold. Dry them well after a bath or rain. Reptiles ALWAYS need their heat source working.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT: if your pet is very cold, weak and apathetic, warm it gradually and go to the vet. Shivering that stops in a very cold animal is a bad sign.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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