{"id":5715,"date":"2021-01-20T17:19:38","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T17:19:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=5715"},"modified":"2021-01-20T17:19:38","modified_gmt":"2021-01-20T17:19:38","slug":"hypothermia-in-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/hypothermia-in-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Hypothermia in Dogs and Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5722 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104349.114.png\" alt=\"dog, snow, cold, winter, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104349.114.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104349.114-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ed1b2f;\">If your pet is experiencing severe symptoms of hypothermia, this is considered a \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergency \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wrap a warm blanket around your pet and turn on the heat in the car while transporting your pet to the vet.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>DO NOT use heating pads or hot water bottles on your pets; they\u00a0can cause burns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>If your\u00a0pet\u00a0experiences\u00a0frostbite, avoid touching or\u00a0aggressively\u00a0heating the area. Instead, use lukewarm water to slowly re-warm the\u00a0affected spot\u00a0as you transport your pet to the vet.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Please note if your pet is stable, bright and alert, up and walking, your pet\u2019s status will not be considered \u201cRED\u201d and our team will help assess your pet\u2019s symptoms and determine your pet\u2019s status over the phone.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr style=\"width: 100%;\" size=\"3\" \/>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to think that our pets \u2013 with their luxurious fur coats \u2013 couldn\u2019t possibly feel the chill of freezing temperatures. Some dogs and cats handle winter better than humans, but other pets are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/winter-clothing-guide-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">higher risk<\/a> and more susceptible to cold weather dangers. Unless your pet has a very thick coat like a husky or Great Pyrenees \u2013 he or she may experience hypothermia. All pet owners who live in colder areas (like Minnesota!) need to be educated about this very serious, very fatal condition.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5721 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104137.747.png\" alt=\"cat, snow, walking, winter, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104137.747.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104137.747-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW165349877 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW165349877 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW165349877 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW165349877 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">What is hypothermia?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW165349877 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Normal temperature for dogs and cats is\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">99.5 &#8211; 102.5\u00b0F<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Hypothermia occurs when a pet loses body heat and<\/span> core body temperature drops too low, anything\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">97-98\u00b0F<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. When cold, our dogs and cats are very similar to us. They will try to warm up by shivering<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><u>,<\/u><\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0and they\u2019ll try to stop heat loss by curling into a ball.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW242619239 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW242619239 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">Why is being cold a veterinary emergency?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW242619239 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Maintaining an internal temperature is vital to life<span data-contrast=\"none\">; every\u00a0organ system can shut down if body temperature continues to drop.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5724 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104921.209.png\" alt=\"dog, cold, shivering, winter, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104921.209.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T104921.209-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW18479906 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18479906 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">How do pets lose heat?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW18479906 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Dogs and cats lose body heat through touching cold objects or their heat getting whisked away from them by, say, an icy breeze. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for pets to have a barrier between their bodies and cold surfaces like floors, cement, and ice, as well as sleet, snow, and wind.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW4494139 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW4494139 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">What are the signs of hypothermia?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW4494139 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The most common signs of hypothermia in dogs and cats are:<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Shivering<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Reluctance to move or curling into a ball<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Dull expression<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Coma-like state (in severe cases)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5720 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T103101.847.png\" alt=\"cat, towel, winter, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T103101.847.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T103101.847-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213309825 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213309825 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">What<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW213309825 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW213309825 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0can I do to prevent hypothermia?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW213309825 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>If your dog enjoys the cold weather and is NOT at higher risk of frostbite or hypothermia, and you plan to let them outside unmonitored for more than ten minutes, invest in an insulated dog house so your dog can escape from the elements if they need to.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW159490867 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW159490867 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">If you know there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, let your local shelter know. There are many programs for outdoor cats and some rescues even provide pre-made feral cat shelters that you can put out.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>Accessorize! Invest in a pet jacket that is wind\/waterproof and other pet-specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/winter-clothing-guide-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">winter gear<\/a> to help maintain your pet&#8217;s body heat. Also, use boots to keep your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/cold-winter-warm-paws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dog&#8217;s paws safe<\/a> during walks.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW256479706 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW256479706 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">The best way to warm up a chilly pet is to wrap them in a warm, out-of-the-dryer towel. Smaller pets warm up fastest with skin-to-skin contact so put that kitten on your chest!<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW256479706 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5723 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T105029.744.png\" alt=\"dog, snow, ice, stream, winter, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T105029.744.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T105029.744-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW176363351 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW176363351 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">What NOT to do in cold weather:<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW176363351 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DO NOT leave your pet unmonitored outside for long periods of time. This goes for both dogs and cats \u2013 please keep your cat indoors during winter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DO NOT allow your pet near <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-on-frozen-lakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bodies of water<\/a> that may not be frozen\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">all<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0the way<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and do not bathe your pet and then go for a walk. Wet pets and the cold just don\u2019t mix!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DO NOT leave your pet unattended in the car on a cold day. During the summer, we educate pet owners on how a hot car acts as an oven<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">;\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">it traps<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0heat inside and can cause a fatal heat stroke in pets. During winter, it\u2019s the opposite effect<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">; a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0cold car acts like a refrigerator and traps cold air in<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">side<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0the car.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Being left in a cold car will<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0cause your pet to lose body heat\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">quickly,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">potentially<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0lead<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to hypothermia and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\/or<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> frostbite.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DO NOT use heating pads or hot water bottles on your pet<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">s; they<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can cause burns. Leave external warming to veterinary professionals who will use blankets that circulate warm air and warm fluids in the vessels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">f your\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">pet\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">experiences<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0frostbite, avoid touching or<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0aggressively<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0heating the area. Instead, use lukewarm water to slowly re-warm the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">af<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">fected spot<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0as you travel to your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5726 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T105828.678.png\" alt=\"dog, outside, winter, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T105828.678.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T105828.678-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW88638539 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88638539 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">Accidents happen&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW88638539 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If your cat accidentally got\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">shut<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0in an unheated garage or your dog was outside in the cold<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for too long<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, how\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">can you tell<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0if it\u2019s an emergency or not?\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">f there is any\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">questio<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0that your pet may have hypothermia or frostbite<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2013 bring <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">him or her<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to your family veterinarian or local animal emergency\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">hospital\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">right away<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. A veterinary technician can check a rectal temperature (sorry pets!) and guide you from there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5727 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T111230.726.png\" alt=\"cat, veterinary, vitals check, pet health, pet safety, frostbite, hypothermia, hypothermia in pets, hypothermia in cats, hypothermia in dogs, winter pets, winter pet safety, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, er vet, Twin Cities emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T111230.726.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Untitled-design-2021-01-20T111230.726-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW28120568\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW28120568\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">We hope you and your pets have a warm and safe winter. If you do experience a pet emergency and your family veterinarian is unavailable, both our Oakdale and St. Paul locations are open 24\/7 for emergency care. If you have any questions about how to keep your pet safe from the cold, contact your family veterinarian to discuss your concerns.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Written by Jo Daney, DVM.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-6479 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Animal-Emergeency-Referral-Center-of-Minnesota.png\" alt=\"Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, Fast Track Triage, color-coded triage system, pet emergency, Twin Cities emergency vet, Minnesota emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Animal-Emergeency-Referral-Center-of-Minnesota.png 940w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Animal-Emergeency-Referral-Center-of-Minnesota-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a data-pin-do=\"embedPin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/386676318013669596\/\"><\/a><br \/>\n<script async defer src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your pet is experiencing severe symptoms of hypothermia, this is considered a \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergency \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Wrap a warm blanket around your pet and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5728,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[17,518,1177,1178,1179,43,204,1180,128,66,44,113,47,514,1181],"class_list":["post-5715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-animal-emergency-referral-center-of-minnesota","tag-cold-weather-pet-safety","tag-cold-weather-safety","tag-frostbite","tag-hypothermia","tag-minnesota-emergency-vet","tag-minnesota-pet-safety","tag-minnesota-winters","tag-oakdale-emergency-vet","tag-pet-health","tag-pet-safety","tag-saint-paul-emergency-vet","tag-twin-cities-emergency-vet","tag-winter-pet-safety","tag-winter-safety"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hypothermia in Dogs and Cats | Cold Weather Pet Safety<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dr. Daney, an emergency veterinarian at Animal Emergency &amp; 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