Just because pets have warm fur coats doesn t make them immune to cold weather risks, such as hypothermia. Pets normally conserve body heat by seeking shelter and curling up, fluffing their fur to trap warm air next to the skin, and by diverting blood circulation from the ear tips, toes and tail to the central part of the body. Shivering generates heat. Outdoor animals in cold climates are at the highest risk, but even moderately cool temperatures can be dangerous. The cat or dog may even seem to be dead.
Treatment is aimed at rewarming the stricken cat or dog.
But even with treatment, the prognosis is guarded in cases of severe hypothermia since organs and tissues are often irreparably damaged. Pets should be gradually acclimated to weather, not sent outside for the first time in the middle of winter. Pets need more energy to maintain body temperature during inclement weather. Feed outdoor pets oftener, with greater amounts of a high-calorie food, such as kitten or puppy formulas. Finally, provide an enclosed environment that shelters pets from wind and precipitation.