Seasonal changes in thermoregulation of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray 1834).

Oxygen consumption (ml X kg-0.75/min) in relation to ambient temperature (Ta) in the raccoon dog whelps at the ages of 7-9 weeks and 17-19 weeks is described by equations y = 32.9-0.69x and y = 26.2-0.49x, respectively. The corresponding equations to adults in summer and winter pelages are y = 19.6-0.46x and y = 14.5-0.32x, respectively. The cooling constant (min-1) of deceased raccoon dogs decreased exponentially with increasing body mass, while M-0.75 specific heat transfer coefficient (W X kg-0.75/degrees C) regressed linearly on body mass, y = 0.124-0.00066x. Cooling rate of deceased animals were more dependent on body mass than on pelage quality.