Main Factors Affecting Your Pet's Ability To Withstand The Winter Cold:

• Fur thickness
• Breed
• Age
• Health
• Weather conditions

Precautions To Take During Winter Months:

• Pay attention to your dog's skin, heat inside the home may dry the dog's skin and it may be helpful to reduce baths during the colder months so as not to wash away the skin's protective oil
  
• Pay attention to paws and wipe away any ice or sidewalk salt after outings
  
• Keep antifreeze out of reach
  
• As always, never leave your pet in a car unattended. In winter, the car can act as a refrigerator by holding in the cold and pets can freeze to death.
  

Always remember that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pet. Consult your veterinarian about your pet's health risks in cold weather. Click here to continue reading about cold weather tips from aspca.org

Symptoms Of Dog Hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Muscle Stiffness
• Lethargy
• Difficulty walking
• Pale gums
• Cool body surface
• Confusion

How To Slowly Warm A Hypothermic Dog:

Dogs with hypothermia need to be rewarmed, but the process should occur gradually. Think "warm," not "hot". Do not use a heating pad. It's excessive heat can lead to burns or worsen shock.

• Get your dog into a warm building or vehicle
• Wrap them in blankets, towels, coats etc. If you can, warm the blankets on a radiator, in a clothes dryer or using a hairdryer.
• Place bottles of warm water next to your dog but always keep a couple layers of fabric between the bottle and your dog's skin.
• Get to the nearest veterinary office immediately.

Click here to continue reading about hypothermia treatment from petmd.com