I’m sure we have all had cold feet at some point in our lives—the literal kind of cold feet, not the metaphorical kind. Similarly, our best friends (dogs) occasionally get cold paws.
Cold paws can be very painful for your dog. Although it is common to have cold paws at times, it could indicate an underlying condition.
If the paw cannot get enough blood, it will begin growing cold. This is by far the most worrisome cause, while also being the least common.
This is why we have curated a list of the most common causes of your dog’s cold paws. Scroll down to find out more.
Contents
Reasons Your Dog’s paws May Be Cold
Cold Weather
The first and most obvious cause of cold paws is cold weather. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, in cold weather, if your dog’s body cannot keep its internal body temperature within a normal range, his paws will turn blue and cold.
Hypothermia is the medical term for this condition. The body must maintain its internal body temperature regardless of the outside temperature to function.
Otherwise, several enzymes will stop working properly, causing the dog’s health to deteriorate.
Furthermore, if you take your dog for a walk in the winter and he is not wearing paw protection, he will step on the cold ground. His paws will become cold as a result of this.
Poor Blood Circulation
The second cause could be poor blood circulation around the paws. Poor blood circulation could be caused by complications with the cardiovascular or lymphatic systems.
A blood clot in the vessels, for example, can prevent proper blood flow to your dog’s legs. As a result, the paws will become cold if they do not receive enough blood and nutrients.
Along with the cold paws, you will notice limping and dragging of the leg. This is a dire situation that must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Cold feet in a dog can also be an indication of shock or blood loss. As a result, take a look at their medical history or recent traumas.
One of the most common causes of shock is a ruptured spleen. This will result in cold paws and a variety of other negative consequences for your dog.
Similarly, blood loss reduces blood flow from the body, resulting in decreased overall blood circulation and cold extremities.
Hypothyroidism
A third reason could be hypothyroidism. A low functioning thyroid gland, like cardiac and lymphatic medical issues, could be affecting your dog.
The thyroid gland is an essential hormone-producing gland in the body. It aids in the body’s metabolism, growth, and development.
To function correctly, it must constantly release an appropriate amount of thyroid hormone into the body. However, the hormone’s release can be reduced due to several factors.
This indicates that the thyroid hormone’s functions are not being carried out efficiently.
Aside from cold feet, you should keep an eye on your dog for other symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and a low body temperature.
Additionally, your dog will be sensitive to cold temperatures. They also begin to shed when their thyroid levels are low. As a result, you will notice hair loss near the lumbar area.
Take your dog to the vet if you suspect hypothyroidism is one of the causes of his cold feet.
More Health Conditions
Aside from poor blood circulation caused by a clot in any blood vessel or low thyroid hormone levels, a few other medical conditions can cause cold feet in dogs.
For example, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), head trauma, seizures, sepsis, internal or external bleeding, autoimmune hemolytic anemia are all possible causes.
Each of the health issues listed above is severe. However, your dog’s cold paws could be a silent warning sign of something much bigger and more complicated.
If your dog hasn’t eaten properly for a day, he may feel dizzy and weak, with cold paws, due to a low blood sugar level.
However, having low blood sugar for an extended period can be dangerous.
Consequently, bleeding caused by trauma or anemia can endanger your dog’s life. These conditions should not be ignored and should be treated by a veterinarian.
You Shouldn’t Always Worry About Cold Paws
The final detail is that you do not need to be concerned every time you find your dog with cold paws.
Check for signs and symptoms, as well as cold paws, to rule out other possible causes. Do not be concerned if there is no medical history and your dog is otherwise healthy.
Most of the time, if the dog is perfectly healthy and happily playing around, he simply has cold feet. But, regrettably, this can occur from time to time.
Simply provide your dog with a warm place to curl up and keep his body temperature stable. By remaining fully exposed to the environment, his body temperature can be lowered.
Your problem will be solved by providing a warm blanket for your pup to relax in for a while. Worrying will not help you or your dog. However, avoid using hot water bottles on your dog.
The water can leak out and cause the dog to suffer severe burns.
Takeaway
Do not be alarmed if you notice your dog’s paws are cold. Several medical conditions could be causing your dog’s cold feet.
Other symptoms, such as a change in paw temperature, should be looked for.
However, if you see your pup happily playing around the house, there is no need to be concerned. You can always seek advice from a veterinarian.
