What should be done if an animal exhibits signs of hypothermia during recovery?

When an animal shows signs of hypothermia during recovery, the appropriate action is to cover it with warm blankets. This method provides immediate warmth and helps to raise the animal's body temperature in a gentle, controlled manner.

Warm blankets trap heat and create a cozy environment, supporting the animal's recovery process. Maintaining an appropriate temperature is vital, as hypothermia can significantly impede recovery from anesthesia, leading to complications such as decreased heart rate, respiratory issues, or longer recovery times.

In contrast to the chosen answer, applying ice packs is counterproductive, as it would lower the animal's temperature further. Increasing room temperature alone may not be sufficient to warm the animal effectively, as it does not provide direct warmth that is necessary for rapid recovery. Monitoring until the anesthetic wears off, while important, does not specifically address the urgent need to manage hypothermia at that moment. Therefore, covering the animal with warm blankets is the most effective way to ensure it regains a normal body temperature during recovery.