What is it called when the temperature of an animal is below normal?

Hypothermia is the condition in which an animal's body temperature falls below the normal range. In many species, normal body temperature typically ranges between certain values; for example, in dogs and cats, it is generally around 100.5°F to 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C). When an animal's temperature drops below this range, it can lead to a variety of physiological disturbances and may affect the animal's ability to function properly. This can result from environmental factors, medical conditions, or prolonged exposure to cold environments, making it critical for pet owners and veterinarians to recognize and manage this condition promptly.

The other terms relate to different thermoregulatory states: hyperthermia indicates an elevated body temperature, pyrexia refers specifically to fever or an increase in temperature often related to infection, and normothermia signifies a normal body temperature. Each of these terms addresses different aspects of temperature regulation in animals.