<<Back to Library Hypothermia - How to Safely Warm Up the Body Most of us know that letting the body get too cold can be not only painful, but extremely dangerous. When the body's temperature becomes too low to maintain normal body functions a critical point may be reach when the body begins to shut down. This condition is called Hypothermia. As we move into the winter months it is important to watch for hypothermia, especially in underweight or short-haired, animals who become wet or have no shelter during periods of extremely cold temperatures. Animals with hypothermia often shiver violently, and have slow and shallow respiration. If they are not warmed, they will become listless and eventually die. If the body temperature becomes too low, dogs and cats will not be able to return their body to normal temperature without assistance. When warm, oxygenated blood is slowed, the tissues begins to die. The extent of tissue damage varies with the body temperature and duration of hypothermia. Hypothermia can be fatal. What actually happens to the body when exposed to cold temperatures? First - the hair on the body sticks out from the body in a process called pilo-erection. This traps air in a layer close to the body that is warmed and provides an insulation layer. As the body's core temperature decreases, shivering begins to generate heat and warm up the muscles. When the body temperature drops further, blood vessels in the extremities constrict, keeping warm blood closer to the vital organs (heart, liver, kidney lungs). The organs of first importance for keeping the body alive. As the blood vessels constrict, the skin becomes very pale. Soon, all shivering stops. The the body is now trying to conserve all the energy it can. Other signs to look out for: disorientation and clumsiness, which takes place as body temperature drops; and an irregular heartbeat which takes place when breathing slows down. By this stage if the animal has not begun to warm up, frostbite sets in. Tissues that have frozen begin to die. This often occurs on the tips of their ears, tails, face, footpads, legs and the genitalia. When this happens the exposed tissue turns black and the skin begins to slough off. So what can we do? Assistance can given both externally and internally. Externally, Hypothermic animals should be warmed slowly. There are several ways to do this. If possible, move the animal in a warm room. Wrap the body in warm blankets (run dry blankets or towels through the clothes dryer for a few minutes to warm them). Fill bottles (like plastic soda bottles) with warm water, wrap them in towels before placing them next to the animal, This works best when the are placed in areas with less hair and lots of blood supply close to the surface: the armpit and groin areas. Do NOT place hot water bottles directly in contact with the animal's body since burns could occur even if the bottles do not seem that hot to you. The temperature of the packs should be about that of a baby bottle (warm to the wrist: 105-108 degrees F). Heating pads or electric blankets can be used on low - but be very careful not to place them in contact with wet skin or hair. As soon as the body temperature has returned to 100 degrees (F) the heating element should be turned off to prevent overheating. Drying wet animals with hair dryers (set to low) can be helpful, especially if the animal is wet as well as hypothermic. If frostbite has set in, place the affected area into a cool or lukewarm (never hot) water bath. NEVER rub or massage frozen tissue as this may cause permanently damage. Internal Assistance Internally, we can help the animals by stimulating circulation and providing energy for the body. Amazon Herbs liquid Warrior formula is excellent at supporting the adrenal glands and begins to warm the body as soon as it is swallowed. Amazon Herbs’ Recovazon formula promotes tissue repair and assists with circulation and lymph drainage.  Both of these tinctures are effective when simply placed on the tongue, even before the animal is ready to drink room temperature liquids or to swallow. As they recover and move about, young dogs and cats, may benefit from some honey or sugar dissolved in water (2 tablespoons to a cup of warm liquid). Here, I recommend using warm Amazon Treasure Tea instead of water. Treasure Tea helps support the kidneys which may be affected by the cold temperatures and be under stress if processing dead cells being flushed from the body. Amazon Herbs’ Una de Gato Honey Vinegar can be added to the tea to provide both fast energy and extra kidney support while stimulating the immune system. Common Homeopathic remedies that may be useful include Arsenicum Album and/or Camphora. When indicated, give 3 -5 pellets of 6x or 30c strengths every hour for up to 6 hours. Symptoms which indicate Arsenicum Album include: an animal who is anxious or weak and exhausted, pale skin, a bluish tinge to the nose or mouth, and/or a cold stomach and chest. Symptoms which indicate Camphora include: when the whole body feels icy cold, the blood pressure is very low, and the pulse is small and weak. These patients may have experienced a sudden sinking of strength. When to call your Veterinarian If your animal does not rapidly respond to warming treatments it is important to contact your veterinarian. Animals who are severely hypothermic may need additional care including intravenious fluids, oxygen, or warm fluids administered into the stomach, colon, or abdominal cavity as a way to warm the body core. Animals may experience pain as the tissues warm, and bite at the painful areas. Use care, since animals in pain may inadvertently bite people as well. These guidelines are appropriate for almost all mammals and household pets.  Refer to the Amazon Herbs for Animals Dosage Chart for effective levels to give. Kay Aubrey-Chimene, RMT Bio-Nutritional Therapist Grand Adventures Ranch This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any person or animal. The opinions given are my own and not intended to replace the advise of your veterinarian. I am not a veterinarian but a Bio- Nutritional Therapist specializing in alternative approaches toward animal health and well being.