Why Are My Dogs Ears Cold

As a pet owner, one such concern might arise when you touch your dog's ears and find them to be unexpectedly cold. Typically, your dog having cold ears isn't a cause for alarm and might stem from colder environmental conditions. If this is the situation, it's advisable to minimize your dog's exposure to the cold and consider using protective canine attire to maintain warmth. Nevertheless, it's important to note that cold ears could potentially indicate an underlying circulatory issue or ailment.
So, why are your dog’s ears cold? In this article, let’s go through the different reasons why dogs get cold ears and how to relieve them.

Normal Canine Ear Temperature

Before jumping to conclusions, it's important to understand that dogs, like humans, have varying body temperatures that fluctuate slightly throughout the day. A dog's normal body temperature ranges from 99.5°F to 102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.2°C). However, the temperature of their extremities, such as the ears and paws, can be slightly cooler than their core body temperature.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional cold ears are usually not a major cause for concern, there are instances where you should consider seeking veterinary advice:

• Consistently Cold Ears: If your dog's ears are consistently cold and this is accompanied by lethargy, changes in behavior, or other signs of discomfort, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian.
• Pain or Discharge: If your dog displays signs of pain when you touch their ears, or if you notice any discharge, redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor, an underlying ear infection could be the cause.
• Changes in Behavior: If your dog's behavior changes significantly, such as loss of appetite, excessive scratching at their ears, head shaking, or whimpering, it's time to consult a professional.

Why Are My Dogs Ears Cold?

• 1. Weather and Temperature
• 2. Infections
• 3. Hypothyroidism
• 4. Anemia
• 5. Dehydration
• 6. Congestive Heart Failure
• 7. Canine Parvovirus

1. Weather and Temperature

Ears, especially in certain breeds of animals like dogs with erect ears, can be more susceptible to the effects of cooler weather due to their exposure and relatively larger surface area. Since the ears don't have the same insulation as the rest of the body, they can lose heat more rapidly, potentially leading to discomfort or even frostbite in extremely cold conditions. It's worth noting that the susceptibility of ears to cold weather can vary depending on the species, breed, and individual animal. Some animals have adaptations to cope with cold weather, like blood vessels that constrict to reduce heat loss, fur that can provide some insulation, or behaviors that involve tucking their ears closer to their bodies when it's cold. 

Siberian Huskies and other cold-adapted breeds, like:

• Alaskan Malamute
• Alaskan Husky
• Canadian Eskimo Dog
• Samoyed
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Chow Chow
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Akita

They have these natural mechanisms to deal with cold temperatures, such as padded paws and meat pads that contain a lot of fatty tissue, dogs without these adaptations might indeed get cold ears more quickly.

Common Signs Your Dog Is Cold

It's important to recognize the signs that your dog might be feeling chilly. Here are some common signs that your dog is cold:

• Shivering
• Cold extremities
• Seeking Warmth
• Curling Up
• Tucked Tail
• Slower Movements
• Whining or Whimpering
• Lifting Paws
• Pale Gums
• Hunching
• Decreased Energy
• Changes in Appetite

Treating Cold Ears Caused by Cold Weather

If your dog’s cold ears were caused by cold weather, it’s an easy fix. Bring them inside your house and send them to the warmest room in your home. You can then do the following:

• Gently rubbing or massaging your ears can help improve blood circulation and warm them up.  
• Applying a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad to your ears for a short period can help increase blood flow and provide temporary relief. 
• If you think your dog’s ears are dangerously cold, you can use blankets and warm compresses to warm them up quicker. Wrap their body in a blanket or two and use a warm compress on their ears, replacing it every few minutes with a new, warm compress.
• Physical activity generates body heat. Engaging in some light exercise can help keep your body and ears warm.

2. Infections

Ear infections in dogs can lead to various changes in the ear's temperature and appearance. Inflammation is a common response to infections, and it can indeed affect blood flow to the area. This altered blood flow can result in changes in temperature, making the infected ears feel cooler to the touch compared to a healthy ear.

In addition to temperature changes, other signs of ear infections in dogs can include:

• Redness and Swelling
• Discharge
• Odor
• Scratching and Shaking
• Ear Pain
• Changes in Behavior
• Head Tilt

Treating Cold Ears Caused by Ear Infections

Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and promote healing. Make sure the compress is not too hot to avoid burning the skin.

If your doctor prescribes medication, such as antibiotics or ear drops, make sure to use them as directed. Completing the full course of treatment is important to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

Antibiotic Ear Drops or ointments

These are prescribed to treat bacterial ear infections. They help eliminate bacteria causing the infection and reduce inflammation in the ear canal. Some common active ingredients found in antibiotic ear drops for dogs include:

• Gentamicin
• Enrofloxacin
• Neomycin
• Polymyxin B
• Silver Sulfadiazine
• Metronidazole

3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in dogs is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the metabolism of the body, which includes the conversion of stored fat into energy. When a dog has hypothyroidism, their metabolism slows down, and they might struggle to efficiently convert fat into energy.

This reduced metabolic rate can lead to various symptoms, and one of them is cold intolerance. Since the dog's metabolism is compromised, they may have difficulty generating enough heat to keep themselves warm, especially in colder environments. They often have cold intolerance and their paws, nose, and ears may feel cold.

Other common symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs can include:

• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• Skin and coat issues
• Behavioral changes
• Changes in heart rate

If you suspect that your dog's cold ears are related to hypothyroidism, it's important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian. They will likely perform blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels and determine if hypothyroidism is the underlying cause. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan, typically involving medication to supplement the missing thyroid hormones.

4. Anemia

Anemia in dogs is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues, often causing the dog's ears, nose and paws to feel cold. Anemia can result from various underlying causes, including:

• Blood Loss: This can occur due to injuries, surgeries, internal bleeding (such as gastrointestinal bleeding), or external parasites like ticks that feed on blood.
• Hemolysis: This refers to the destruction of red blood cells. Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or certain infections can lead to the destruction of red blood cells faster than the body can replace them.
• Decreased Production: Anemia can also result from the bone marrow's inability to produce enough red blood cells. This can be caused by nutritional deficiencies (such as iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiencies), bone marrow disorders, or certain chronic diseases.

The symptoms of anemia in dogs can vary based on its severity and underlying cause. Some common signs include:

• Pale Gums and Mucous Membranes
• Lethargy and Weakness
• Dog's ears, nose, and paws to feel cold to the touch.
• Increased Heart Rate
• Loss of Appetite
• Breathing Difficulties

If your dog is diagnosed with anemia, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause. It might involve dietary changes, supplementation, medications, or other medical interventions.

5. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when a dog's body loses more water than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in their fluid levels. This can have various negative effects on their overall health. Dehydration can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate water intake, excessive heat, excessive physical activity, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, certain medical conditions, and more. It's important to address the underlying cause to effectively manage dehydration. One of the noticeable symptoms of poor circulation due to dehydration is cool or cold skin and ears. When the blood volume decreases, less warm blood reaches the skin's surface, causing the skin and ears to feel cooler than usual.

Other Symptoms of Dehydration: In addition to cool skin and ears, other signs of dehydration in dogs can include:

• Sunken eyes
• Dry or sticky gums
• Loss of skin elasticity (when you pinch and release the skin, it takes longer to return to its normal position)
• Lethargy or weakness
• Excessive panting
• Reduced appetite
• Dark yellow urine or reduced urine output
• Dry nose

Treating Cold Ears Caused by Dehydration

If your dog is severely dehydrated, you might consider providing them with electrolyte solutions specifically designed for dogs. These can help replenish essential minerals lost due to dehydration.

During periods of dehydration, it's a good idea to limit strenuous physical activities that can further deplete fluids. Allow your dog to rest and recover.

6. Congestive Heart Failure

CHF is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to fluid accumulation in various parts of the body. This fluid buildup often occurs in the lungs (called pulmonary edema) and other tissues, causing symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, decreased circulation to extremities.

The coolness of the ears in dogs with advanced CHF can indeed be associated with reduced circulation to outer body parts. When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, it can lead to poor perfusion of blood to peripheral areas like the ears, paws, and tail. This reduced blood flow can cause these areas to feel cooler than normal, and it's one of the signs veterinarians may look for when assessing a dog for potential congestive heart failure.

There are two main types of heart failure: systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure, based on whether the heart's pumping function or its ability to relax and fill properly is impaired.
Some common causes and risk factors include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart Valve Problems
• Heart Attacks (Myocardial Infarctions)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Chronic Lung Diseases

Here are some steps that a veterinarian might consider in managing this condition:

• Medication: Veterinarians might prescribe medications to manage congestive heart failure, such as diuretics to reduce fluid buildup and improve circulation, as well as medications to support heart function.
• Diet: A specialized diet can help manage heart disease in dogs. Your vet might recommend a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and support heart health.
• Supplements: Certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10, might be recommended to support heart health and circulation.

7. Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (parvo) is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects dogs, especially puppies. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. It can be a very serious and sometimes fatal condition, especially in young puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. If your dog has a severe case of parvo, their entire body (and not just its ears) will be cold due to dehydration and poor blood circulation, the latter of which can eventually lead to shock.

Treating Cold Ears Caused by Canine Parvovirus

Dogs with parvovirus can become dehydrated quickly due to vomiting and diarrhea. Your veterinarian may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration. Nutritional support, often through IV or subcutaneous fluids, may also be necessary to prevent malnutrition. Your veterinarian might prescribe medications to manage symptoms and secondary infections. Antibiotics might be given to prevent or treat bacterial infections that can arise due to a compromised immune system.

Conclusion

In most cases, a dog's cold ears are a normal part of their physiology, influenced by factors like temperature and blood circulation. However, it's important to pay attention to any changes in behavior or health that accompany cold ears. If you're ever in doubt, consulting a veterinarian is the best course of action to ensure your furry friend's well-being. Remember, your vigilant care and prompt attention to any potential issues are key to keeping your dog healthy and happy.