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Low temperature in a dog. Body temperature in adult dogs and puppies. How to take a dog's temperature

In dogs, body temperature is one of the main criteria by which the general condition of the body is assessed. Its normal indicators in different breeds, due to physiological characteristics and temperament, differ significantly. For puppies, this is a special conversation. Therefore, you should remember the norm and understand what to do when a dog has a fever raised or lowered.

What to do when your dog has an abnormal temperature

Increased rates are always alarming, while thoughts about infectious pathology immediately arise. You should not immediately worry, because when affected by bacteria or viruses, the temperature is also accompanied by:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting;
  • change in the color of the mucous membranes;
  • poor appetite or complete refusal to eat.

But owners do not always pay attention to a reduced temperature, combined with drowsiness, a decrease in the activity of a pet. Although this alarming symptom may indicate:

  • serious violations of cardiovascular activity;
  • various traumatic injuries;
  • kidney failure and other conditions that are most dangerous for a dog.

All the nuances of this problem will be considered in detail in our article and we will tell, what to do, if dog has a temperature different from the norm.

What is the normal temperature for dogs

If the animal is healthy, the temperature can fluctuate from 37.5 to 39. These numbers are individual., they depend on age, breed, weight, temperament, as well as on environmental conditions (heat, cold). Temperature indicators are directly dependent on metabolism - in puppies and small dogs, metabolic processes are always accelerated, therefore the temperature is higher:

  • Small breeds: puppy - 38.6-39.3; adult dog - 38.5-39 degrees.
  • Medium breeds: puppy - 38.3-39.1; adults - 37.5-39 degrees.
  • Large breeds: puppy - 38.2-39; adult dogs - 37.4-38.3 degrees.

The age/weight of the animal are the main determinants of temperature.

The following points are also important:

  • Weather - in hot weather, the dog lives in a room without air conditioning, the temperature can be 1.5 degrees higher, the pet will look for a cold corner, its activity will be reduced.
  • In females, shortly before whelping, the temperature may drop by 1-1.5 degrees.
  • Measuring it helps the breeder determine when this important moment begins.
  • Stressful situations - it all depends on the temperament of the dog.

When a dog has a temperature, only an experienced doctor can tell what to do after examining and studying the data of the necessary tests - there can be many reasons for the increase and decrease.

How to take your dog's temperature correctly

For these purposes, they use the most common human thermometers from a pharmacy - mercury, electronic. Mercury is cheaper, but temperature measurement takes about three to five minutes, which not every animal will allow.

For the procedure the best option would be an electronic thermometer– and it is easier for you, and the dog is more comfortable. It shows the exact result in 20-30 seconds. If you are a breeder, it is recommended to have a separate device for each individual.

The process is not difficult, but if the dog is not accustomed, certain problems may arise. The first few times the procedure should be carried out with extreme caution.

You can measure the temperature without discomfort and get accurate readings like this:

  • Pre-lubricate with vaseline / baby cream, and preferably with levomekol gel, the tip of the thermometer.
  • Knock down the thermometer.
  • Lay the dog down, carefully lifting the tail, insert the thermometer 1.5-2 cm into the anus. Ideally, if possible, lean the thermometer against the walls of the rectum.
  • If a mercury thermometer is used, the procedure will take about 5 minutes, if an electronic one - no more than 50-60 seconds.
  • After measurement, the thermometer is thoroughly washed, disinfected with alcohol.

Temperature can be measured in other ways:

  • The thermometer is placed in the animal's mouth - this method can be used for calm, absolutely obedient pets who will not gnaw on the thermometer.
  • In dogs with a thin or bare belly, temperature can be measured in the groin by wrapping the thermometer in a fold of skin and holding it there until the end of the procedure.

The environment must be calm, otherwise the dog may be very worried and break the thermometer, which is very dangerous when using mercury devices. To calm the animal, talk to him, feed him with all sorts of treats. If the thermometer indicates increased / decreased indicators without precisely defined reasons, only an experienced specialist can tell what to do at such a temperature in dogs.

Fever: benefits and harms

The temperature rises when:

  1. Heat transfer is physically impossible or violated due to various reasons;
  2. Special mechanisms for heat retention are included.

For the first case, a perfect example would be a dog locked up in a car with no air conditioning in hot weather. The animal overheats, gets heatstroke very quickly - at the same time, too much heat is generated in its body, which cannot be removed properly.

The second option is heat is lingered specifically to fight viruses, bacteria, various pathological substances. In this case, fever is caused by the presence of pyrogens (any substance that causes fever) in the body. Pyrogens can be:

  • remnants of the vital activity of viruses / bacteria;
  • destroyed tissues formed during traumatic injuries or during the decay of neoplasms;
  • various substances that cause allergic manifestations.

Thus, in infectious pathologies, injuries and the presence of neoplasms, elevated temperature acts as a protective reaction. It enhances metabolic processes, as a result of which the production of interferon and antibodies is accelerated, which means that the body becomes more resistant to various pathological factors. Many pathogens lose their ability to reproduce.


There are also serious negative effects on the body of the animal:

  • The brain does not receive enough nutrition - the dog is depressed, inhibited, sometimes it can lose consciousness (in severe cases).
  • The gastrointestinal tract functions abnormally - the secretion of saliva / pancreatic juice decreases, less gastric juice is secreted, less bile, intestinal motility decreases.
  • In the body of a dog, water-salt metabolism is disturbed, urination increases, fluid is lost due to rapid breathing. As a result - rapid dehydration, which entails a change in the composition of the blood - and, therefore, the nutrition of the brain and heart will worsen.

What to do if the dog high temperature

So, based on the foregoing, we can distinguish the following main factors that cause an increase in temperature:

  • Infectious pathologies;
  • Neoplasms of various origins;
  • inflammation;
  • Penetration of various allergens;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • Negative effect of heat.

The following symptoms indicate an increase in temperature:

  • rapid breathing;
  • violation of heart rhythms;
  • general weakness;
  • decreased or complete lack of appetite;
  • trembling, tremor of the limbs.

With such clinical manifestations, you should immediately measure the temperature and show the animal to the veterinarian immediately (it is better to call him home). An increase in temperature pathologically affects most of the pet's organs / systems, therefore, before the arrival of a specialist, first aid measures must be taken. Especially if the indicators are more than 41 degrees:

  • Should take the dog to a room where the air temperature is not higher than 18-20 degrees, while the dog should not be laid on the cold floor, drafts are also unacceptable.
  • You can't force your pet to move.
  • To avoid dehydration, provide free access to clean water. If the animal does not drink on its own, force water - it is more convenient to do this using a 20 cc syringe.
  • Categorically force-feeding is prohibited animal.
  • Do not use "human" NSAIDs(aspirin, analgin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.), lowering the temperature - only an experienced specialist can calculate the correct dosage. With a mistake, the development of serious complications that threaten the health and life of the dog is possible.

When a dog has a fever, what to do, only a specialist can say for sure, based on the clinical picture and the results of the tests. The treatment regimen depends on the diagnosis.


Falling temperature is a reason to sound the alarm

Decrease in temperature (the condition is also called hypothermia) - the temperature drops below 37.5 degrees. It is observed when the process of heat transfer prevails over the process of heat production.

Causes of hypothermia can be:

  • hypothermia;
  • loss of strength due to unbalanced or insufficient nutrition;
  • poisoning with various toxins, poisons, drugs;
  • dehydration;
  • intense blood loss due to injuries or prolonged surgical interventions;
  • intoxication;
  • endocrine pathologies of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands;
  • severe heart disease.

In puppies, hypothermia happens quite often, it may not be associated with the progression of any diseases, but develop as a result of imperfection in the mechanisms of thermoregulation in a young body.

An incredibly dangerous condition for a puppy is drop in temperature with viral enteritis. This happens due to intoxication of the baby with decay products, as well as due to dehydration. Without urgent help from a doctor, the dog dies in 2-3 days.

Symptoms of a drop in temperature are as follows:

  • The animal wants to lie down in a warm place, curling up.
  • The wool is ruffled, thus forming an additional protection to keep warm.
  • Muscle tremors are observed as a protective reaction to hypothermia, contributing to the formation of additional heat.
  • The mucous membranes turn pale, become cold, the limbs are cold to the touch - all this speaks of a violation of the heart.

When a dog has a low temperature, only a specialist can determine what to do. The animal should be delivered very quickly to the veterinarian, it is better to call the doctor at home. Before the arrival of a specialist, the owner must:

  • Put the dog in a warm room, covering it with a blanket, overlaying heating pads with warm water.
  • Drink warm meat broth, warm milk.

Critical is the state of hypothermia with indicators below 36- this indicates that the protective forces of the animal have been exhausted. There is a loss of consciousness, a weak pulse, respiratory failure (rare superficial), a decrease in heart rate - the pulse and heart rhythms are difficult to hear. You should urgently call an ambulance veterinary help - only intensive resuscitation will help save your pet.

You don't need to take your temperature every day. This should be done only when the animal is not the same as usual, and there is a characteristic clinical picture for a particular pathology. If you suspect something is wrong, do not hesitate to visit the clinic, because many diseases are successfully treated only in the initial stages. Attentive care will help maintain the health and life of the pet for many years.

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Body temperature is the main indicator of health for people and for our smaller brothers. It determines how the pet feels. That is why it is so important to know temperature indicators (normal, hyperthermia, hypothermia), be able to measure temperature and provide first aid on your own.

Causes of fever in dogs

Body temperature is not a constant value in dogs. It can change during the day or depending on the age and sex of the animal, its physiological state, intensity of physical activity, environmental conditions.

However, there is such an indicator as "normal temperature", which includes an interval, not a single digit. In dogs, the temperature is from 37.5 to 39 degrees, but even in this case, age and size are taken into account:

  • for decorative breeds - 39-39.5;
  • for large dogs - 37.4-38.3;
  • for medium - 37.5-39;
  • for puppies - 38.2-39.3.

Based on these indicators, you can determine the average temperature of the pet and take appropriate measures when raising or lowering.

Causes of hyperthermia:

  • stress;
  • viruses, infections;
  • poisoning;
  • diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
  • overheating, hypothermia of the body;
  • recent childbirth;
  • hormonal disruptions;
  • intoxication of the body;
  • teething (in puppies);
  • joint diseases;
  • the immune response of the body (with allergies);
  • sepsis.


If you see that your pet's temperature has risen by two degrees or more, especially if it has reached 41, take action immediately! It is quite possible that the cause is some dangerous infectious disease (distemper, leptospirosis), and delay is fraught with serious complications, even death.

A tendency to hyperthermia is observed in German Shepherds, Boxers, Pugs and French Bulldogs, Chow Chows, as well as in individuals with a hyperexcitable character and fluffy white dogs. Quite often, the temperature can rise in Cocker Spaniels.

Main symptoms

Many owners believe that the first sign of a fever is a dry nose. It would be wrong to rely on this symptom, since the animal can have a dry and hot nose, for example, immediately after waking up from sleep.

Here are more sure signs of an increase in temperature:

  • weakness, apathy, decreased physical activity;
  • lack of appetite;
  • increased thirst;
  • chills;
  • diarrhea, vomiting (in some cases);
  • convulsions;
  • light tongue and lips;
  • the desire to get comfortable in a cool place, on the floor;
  • redness of the skin (partial).

Another common mistake among inexperienced dog breeders is to consider any increase in temperature, even a slight one, as a signal for action. During the day, it can fluctuate within one degree, and this is also considered the norm. However, if other signs are present in addition to hyperthermia, then a visit to the veterinary clinic should not be postponed.


What to do at home

There is no single treatment regimen for hyperthermia, since this is not a separate disease, but a symptom, and it does not always speak of a pathology developing in the body of a dog.

Of course, you need to show the animal to a specialist in any case, but you can provide first aid at home.

In order for the body to begin to give off excess heat, it is necessary to lower the ambient temperature. It is enough to ventilate the room or turn on the air conditioner for a short time. Ideally, the air temperature should not exceed 20 degrees. Drafts are not allowed!

The dog should be overlaid with ice cubes (in the groin, neck, armpit), cover with a damp towel or slightly moisten the coat, make an enema with warm water. The pet should not be allowed to move a lot, as a lot of thermal energy is generated during the work of the muscles.

If the animal does not want to eat, you should not force feed, as problems may increase - diarrhea, constipation, bloating, vomiting. But a warm drink is very useful.

If the temperature is very high, an adult dog weighing 30 kilograms or more can be given one of the antipyretic drugs intended for humans. For small dogs, it's best to use baby fever medicine.

However, it is better not to risk it, since drugs such as Aspirin, Analgin, Paracetamol can cause side effects in dogs. For example, Ibuprofen is dangerous because it can provoke gastrointestinal bleeding, intense vomiting, and so on.

Possible Complications

Hyperthermia can have serious consequences for the body: disruption of the central nervous and digestive systems, changes in the water-salt balance, dehydration, excessive stress on the heart, multiple organ failure.


The prognosis depends on the diagnosis and timely treatment of the underlying disease. If the dog survives 48 hours after the start of therapy, then in most cases it is favorable.

Prevention measures

Often the problem of temperature rise lies in the careless attitude of the owner to the pet. It is necessary to control physical activity and time spent in the fresh air in order to prevent hypothermia, monitor the quality of nutrition, conditions and, of course, promptly respond to the slightest changes in the health of a four-legged pet.

Bodies are one of the most important indicators of the health of our pets. Even minor deviations from the physiological norm signal systemic functional failures, the development of diseases, infections, and inflammation. Temperature indicators in most cases help to find out what the dog is sick with, to determine the complexity of the situation.

To monitor the condition of dogs, owners must regularly measure and monitor the temperature of the pet, know what is the norm and what is a deviation. Having determined that the dog's temperature is elevated or below the physiological norm, appropriate measures can be taken immediately to normalize its condition. Consider how to correctly measure the temperature of a dog, by what signs you can determine the heat without the use of special devices.

Throughout their lives, dogs are subject to a variety of pathologies and diseases. One of the indicators of general malaise, a sign of many diseases, infections is a change in body temperature in the direction of increasing or decreasing. Therefore, dog breeders must know exactly what the normal body temperature of a pet should be.

Important! Temperature indicators may have slight deviations from the physiological norm in dogs of different breeds and age groups. In addition, during the day the temperature may vary slightly.

Normally, the general body temperature of a healthy dog ​​averages 37.6-38.6 degrees. In a puppy, the temperature indicators are higher than in young, adult pets - 38.8-39.1.

The temperature indicators of the body of animals, as already noted, also depend on the time of day, breed, age, size, and weight. Therefore, they may differ slightly.

So, the older, larger the dog, the lower his temperature will be (37.5-38.3). In puppies, representatives of miniature, small decorative breeds (Yorks, pugs, chins, Italian greyhounds), temperature indicators vary from 38.2 to 38.8-39 degrees.

Important! A temperature change of one or two degrees should be regarded by dog ​​breeders as an alarm signal that cannot be ignored.

A short-term slight increase in temperature is noted:

  • after rest, sleep;
  • transferred, emotional shock, excitement;
  • physical activity, heavy loads;
  • active outdoor games;
  • after being in a hot, stuffy room, after walking in the sun.

In females, the temperature rises by several degrees during (estrus), especially during the rut period, sexual desire. Changes in indicators in females are also noted at, several days, hours before.

Read also: How many times a day to feed a puppy. Healthy eating rules

To know what your dog's temperature should be, measure it twice a day (morning, evening) for seven days, recording the readings.

When to take your dog's temperature

Even if the dog is active, energetic, feels normal, as a preventive measure, veterinarians recommend periodically taking control measurements.

Despite the fact that this procedure is unpleasant for animals, you need to accustom your pet to it from an early age. After the procedure, be sure to reward the dog with a treat, an affectionate tone.

Dogs are required to have their temperature taken in the following cases:

  • with sudden weight loss:
  • in case of a sudden decrease in activity;
  • unnatural, inadequate behavior;
  • if the dog had contact with stray, infected animals;
  • refusal to feed, loss of appetite, indigestion;
  • before and after holding , .

Measure the temperature if the dog is constantly sleeping, reluctant to go for a walk, looks lethargic, lethargic. Cause for concern are: increased thirst, abundant mucous, muco-catarrhal discharge from the eyes, nose, pallor, cyanosis of the mucous membranes.

These and other symptoms that are not typical for a healthy dog ​​may indicate the development of systemic pathologies, diseases of various etiologies.

Healthy dogs also need to have their temperature taken during pregnancy, before birth, and for several days after birth. The day before the birth, the temperature in bitches decreases by about 0.5-1 degrees.

How to take your dog's temperature at home

To measure and find out the dog's temperature, purchase a conventional mercury or digital thermometer in a veterinary pharmacy. To facilitate the procedure, you will also need petroleum jelly or vegetable oil.

Advice! Using a conventional thermometer, the procedure takes 5-6 minutes in time, and when using a digital thermometer, it takes no more than a minute. In addition, electronic devices give a more accurate picture. Contact thermometers are also commercially available.

Body temperature is measured rectally. Before the procedure, soothe the dog with a gentle tone. Do not shout, do not use physical force. Since the dog can break out during the measurement, it is more convenient to carry out the procedure with an assistant who will fix the dog well in the desired position.

We perform actions in the following sequence:

  • Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly, oil. Calm down the animal. Perform the procedure in the most relaxed atmosphere. The animal should not be frightened, excited, as this will affect the performance, and they may be distorted.
  • Lay the dog gently on its side, take the tail up, to the side. You can take your pet's temperature while standing.
  • Slowly insert the thermometer into the anus 2-2.5 cm.
  • Constantly calm the dog, make sure that he does not make sudden movements.

Read also: How to understand that a dog wants to go to the toilet: we study the habits and behavior of a pet

After five minutes, take and write down the readings. Hold digital until you hear a beep. Reward the dog with a treat, praise your pet, wipe the thermometer with alcohol and put it in a protective case and put it away. Note that the thermometer should only belong to your pet!

How to check the temperature without a thermometer

If you do not have a thermometer at hand, you can determine the temperature without a thermometer. Any changes, deviations from the norm will affect the condition and behavior of your dog. In addition, there are certain points on the body of animals by which you can understand whether the dog has a temperature.

You can find out the body temperature of a dog without a digital, mercury thermometer:

  • along the nose, ears;
  • condition of the mucous membranes, along the gums;
  • behavior
  • appearance;
  • skin condition.

Without a thermometer, you can determine the temperature of a dog by the lobe of the nose. In extreme heat, high temperatures, the pet's nose will be warm, hot to the touch. White stains, dry crusts, scabs are noticeable on the lobe. In healthy dogs, the nose is moist, clean, the color of the lobe is not changed. There should be no discharge from the nostrils. But do not forget that a dry dog's nose does not always signal a high temperature. For example, a warm lobe can be after sleep, active games, walking in warm weather.

Touch the back of your hand to the armpits, groin area. In hyperthermia, if the dog has a fever, these places will be hot to the touch. The skin is stretched, slightly swollen.

If fever is associated with infection, palpate regional lymph nodes. They will be hot, painful, enlarged due to inflammation.

Look at your pet's gums. If the dog has a temperature, the mucous membranes will be pale, anemic, or vice versa, hyperemic. The gums at high temperatures are often swollen, dry, warm, bright orange, scarlet. In a healthy dog, the mucous membranes are moist, pale pink. On their surface there should be no sores, ulcerations.

Touch the ears and paws of the dogs. There are many blood vessels in these places, so if the dog has a temperature, they will be hot.

In a dog, not only the general, but also the local temperature rises when the inflammatory process is localized in any organ, part of the body. For example, the skin may be hot in the area of ​​the wound, with damage to the auricle, paws. But you should not relax, because inflammation develops rapidly without treatment, and local temperature often provokes fever and fever.

Other signs of a fever in dogs

A fever in dogs is always manifested by an increase in temperature by several degrees. Note that elevated temperature is a kind of protective reaction of the body. With its increase, a certain part of the brain is activated, which is responsible for thermoregulation, and most pathogenic agents instantly die due to high temperature.

Body temperature is a very important physiological parameter of a living organism. Normal body temperature in dogs is approximately 37.5 - 39°C. The temperature depends on the breed of the dog, its age and physiological state at the time of measurement.

Puppies and dogs of toy breeds have a higher body temperature compared to adult large dogs (38.5-39.2°C). This difference is associated with increased intensity of metabolic processes. In this regard, the temperature in dogs is normally higher than in humans.

An increase in temperature by 0.1-0.3 ° C can be observed in the following situations:

  • stress (for example, during a visit to the clinic)
  • during the flow
  • at high air temperature (heat, travel in a car without air conditioning)
  • after prolonged physical activity

Temperature in a pregnant dog before childbirth declining by 0.5-1°C.

The body temperature of each dog is normal individual. It is necessary that the owner knows what indicators of this parameter are typical for his pet. For these purposes, it is necessary to periodically measure the temperature in a calm atmosphere at home.

Causes of fever in dogs

The temperature deviates from the norm in various diseases. The reasons for its increase may be as follows:

  • heatstroke
  • endometritis (in bitches)
  • distemper
  • piroplasmosis
  • teething in puppies aged 3 to 9 months
  • vaccinations
  • stress, also known as shar-pei fever
  • wounds, abscesses after advanced skin lesions
  • joint inflammation
  • allergic reactions
  • infections

Causes of a decrease in body temperature in a dog

  • helminthic invasion
  • parvovirus enteritis in puppies and young dogs

How to take a dog's temperature

Temperature in a large dog
it is better to measure together

For this purpose, you can use a conventional medical thermometer. Mercury, of course, is cheaper, but with it you need to wait about five minutes, keeping the animal in a calm position. If you take an electronic thermometer, the measurement will take about a minute. It is better that the dog has a separate thermometer.

The dog's temperature is measured in the rectum. The procedure is not complicated, but requires careful handling of the pet:

  • first, the thermometer should be reset, grease the tip with petroleum jelly
  • the dog needs to be laid on its side, gently lift the tail at the base, slowly insert the thermometer into the anus by 2 cm
  • it is important to measure the temperature in a calm environment to avoid excitement or fright, because of which the dog can jump up, break the thermometer or injure himself
  • praise the animal during and after the procedure

What to do if your dog has a fever

An increase in temperature indicates a violation of the dog's body

Since fever is only a symptom of a disease, an accurate diagnosis is necessary. Therefore, a visit to the veterinarian is indispensable. Otherwise, the situation will only worsen.

If you are sure of the cause of your dog's fever, you can lower it with the help of triplets. Troychatka is a mixture of analgin, no-shpy, diphenhydramine (suprastin) in a certain proportion. All this is collected in one syringe and injected into the muscle.

If you are not sure of the reason for the rise or fall in temperature, you should urgently seek veterinary help.

Usually, when a dog's temperature rises, the veterinarian prescribes a blood test to determine the content of red blood cells and white blood cells in it. This analysis will allow you to diagnose the presence of an inflammatory process in the body or a blood disease.

In some cases, to clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a chest x-ray to check the condition of the lungs. Perhaps the animal has a tumor in the lungs or a metastatic process is developing in which the clinical picture is not obvious.

A urinalysis can also help identify the cause of the fever.

Certain types of microbes and viruses affect the kidneys and parts of the digestive system, causing a constant increase in temperature with an uncertain clinical picture, in this case, the dog is prescribed special tests.

An increase in temperature has a negative effect on the parts of the central nervous system. Today, veterinarians are moving away from antibiotics and instead prescribing antipyretic drugs while waiting for test results.

Body temperature is an important indicator of the health of an animal. This is one of the first signs that a dog's body needs help. With a few physiological causes of temperature fluctuations, there are much more pathologies leading to this, which only a veterinary specialist will help to understand.

Normal body temperature in dogs

  • Normal temperature indicators in dogs are not the same as in humans, and fluctuate between 37.7-39°C.
  • In some situations, the limits can be extended from 37.5 to 39.3° FROM.
  • On average, temperature rise above 39°С in adults, this is no longer the norm.
  • Moreover, a smooth increase in temperature is much more dangerous than sharp jumps, because. the vigilance of the immune system is literally "lulled" and the fight against the cause of the heat does not immediately occur.

The temperature in a dog (norm) depends on:

  • age(the older, the lower the indicators of the physiological norm - in small puppies it is considered normal up to 39.2 ° C, in old ones it can be in the range of 37.3-37.8 ° C);
  • gender(the temperature of bitches is slightly higher than that of males, due to the peculiarities of hormonal regulation);
  • breed features(in dogs of small breeds, the indicators are slightly higher than in large breeds at the same age);
  • physiological state(pregnancy, estrus, recovery from illness, etc. factors provoke fluctuations in indicators in one direction or another).

The temperature of dogs, depending on the age and size of the breed:

Physiologically, temperature indicators are growing:

  • in hot weather;
  • during periods of stress or unrest;
  • from prolonged physical activity;
  • during estrus;
  • after eating.

How to take a dog's temperature?

The following instruments may be needed to measure temperature:

  • classic mercury thermometer or veterinary;
  • Digital Thermometer;
  • rectal (mercury or electronic) thermometer;
  • infrared ear thermometer.

Ideally, if the animal has its own personal measuring device that is not used by humans.

Usually, the thermometry procedure does not cause discomfort in the dog, however, an assistant will not hurt, especially if the dog is a large breed.

  1. In small dogs temperature is measured in the supine position - on the side or stomach. If there is an assistant, then he slightly presses the animal to any horizontal surface, and someone else measures it. If there is no assistant, then the dog is placed on its knees across, the tail is held with one hand along the entire length and pushed aside, the thermometer is inserted with the other hand.
  2. In large dogs thermometry is best done together, while at least one person the pet should know very well (for example, the owner). One person holds the dog by the neck and around the torso, the second inserts a thermometer. Large breeds must be muzzled or with a fixed mouth with a rope loop using an ordinary bandage (single knot on top, twisting on the bottom and fixing on the back of the head below the ears).
  3. End gauge before measurements, it is lubricated with a greasy cream, glycerin or petroleum jelly.
  4. Tail gently retracted to the side and with a gentle rotational movement from side to side, the thermometer is inserted into the rectum to a depth of 1-2 cm, depending on the size of the pet.
  5. Digital Thermometer held until the beep classic mercury- in time 3-5 minutes; infrared ear results are almost instantaneous.
  6. After removing the thermometer from the rectum, its tip must be wiped with a swab moistened with any disinfectant solution.

During the procedure, you need to talk to the dog in a soft, relaxed voice. You can teach your pet to a team, such as "treat" or "thermometer", because. the procedure must be carried out on a regular basis. At the end, you can give any treat, praising for good behavior at the time of thermometry.

Unlike cats, dogs have places on their bodies where the owner can determine the presence of a fever without resorting to instrumental thermometry. Such places include the ears, armpits and inguinal cavities, as well as the gums.

  • Ears. Numerous vessels pass through the auricles, which expand at high temperatures, giving higher degrees than usual. Both ears must be equally hot. An increase in the local temperature of only one ear is not a sign of fever - this is more evidence of a local inflammatory process.
  • Axillary and inguinal cavities. Dogs do not have sweat glands in these areas, so an increase in general body temperature is perfectly felt there as a clear heat. A person's hands during tactile measurement should not be cold, so that there is no false-hot sensation.
  • Gums. Normally, a dog's gums are moist and pink. If the animal begins to beat the fever, they become intensely red and, literally, almost dry.

Signs of an increase or decrease in the temperature of the dog's body

There are a number of signs that should prompt the pet owner to take thermometry and find out body temperature. A decrease in body temperature (hypothermia) in a dog is just as dangerous as growth (fever).

Fever symptoms:

  • dry and hot nose (unless at night and after sleep);
  • lethargy and apathy;
  • refusal of food, and, sometimes, of water;
  • pale and dry gums, tongue;
  • sometimes vomiting;
  • convulsions;
  • hard breath;
  • cardiopalmus.

Attention: dry and hot nose is of diagnostic value only if this phenomenon is observed for a long time, and not sporadically!

Signs of a decrease in temperature:

  • drowsiness;
  • shiver;
  • muscle tension;
  • slow heartbeat;
  • lowering blood pressure;
  • rare, shallow breathing;
  • the inability to eat or drink, even if there is a desire.

Causes of fluctuations in body temperature in a dog

A change in temperature in a pet is an indicator of ill health. It is always not low or high indicators that are treated, but their primary sources. Those. it is important to determine the causes of the rise in temperature.

Possible causes of a rise in dog body temperature:

The temperature drops when:

First aid for an increase or decrease in body temperature in a dog

A high or low temperature is a sign that adverse changes have occurred in the health of the dog, i.e. it is not an independent disease, but a compound symptom. At home, it is allowed to independently influence its indicators only in cases where it is impossible to immediately visit a veterinarian or threaten the life of a pet with critical numbers.

With fever

The dog does not sweat the entire surface of the body, so it is very important to reduce the temperature as soon as possible if it has reached a critical point. An independent medication lowering the temperature will blur the clinical picture of the disease, which will make it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Antipyretic drugs for humans on dogs work a little differently and can cause fatal poisoning and internal bleeding.

Remember: dogs are not allowed to give paracetamol! Also, you can not give any other antipyretic drugs from the human first aid kit, but nothing without the appointment of a veterinarian.

If it is impossible to deliver the animal to the veterinary clinic, the temperature can be slightly lowered on your own without medication:

  1. Carry out contact cooling. To do this, apply ice wrapped in a kitchen towel or any medium-weight cloth or cloth to the neck area, inner thigh and paw pads.
  2. In the absence of ice moisten the animal's coat with cool water, including paw pads.
  3. Be sure to drink cool water (not cold!).
  4. Put the pet in any cool place in the house(for example, in a bathroom with a tiled floor). Usually dogs look for such a place on their own when they are feverish, which may initially serve as a signal that the pet should have its body temperature checked.

All of these procedures usually manage to lower the body temperature below a critical limit in order to be able to get to a veterinary specialist.

With hypothermia

At home, when the temperature drops below normal, the dog needs to be literally warmed up. Put in a warm place, apply a heating pad with water up to 38 ° C to the paws, cover with a woolen blanket, give it a warm drink (milk, broth). After normalization of the temperature, the need to visit the veterinarian remains.

What does a veterinarian do?

With fever

When a dog enters a veterinary clinic with an elevated body temperature, the veterinarian conducts a reception in the classical sequence:

  • collection of a detailed anamnesis;
  • complete clinical examination;
  • appointment of urine and blood tests;
  • x-ray and ultrasound diagnostics;
  • biopsy (if the situation so requires);
  • prescribing treatment according to the diagnosis.

The veterinarian always first conducts a complete clinical examination, and then only, if necessary, resorts to medication to lower the temperature.

If the animal arrives already with a critical body temperature, then the veterinarian conducts the usual appointment, only a little faster, in order to give an antipyretic injection after the maximum collection of diagnostic information.

Lowering the temperature with drugs is allowed only in cases where the indicator goes off scale above critical limits, namely above 40.5°С. To reduce it, you can use a mixture of solutions of no-shpa, analgin and diphenhydramine in ratios of 1:1:1 in one syringe, at a dosage of each drug of 0.1 ml / kg. That is, for example, an injection of 3 ml of a mixture is prepared for a dog weighing 10 kg: 1 ml of no-shpa + 1 ml of analgin + 1 ml of diphenhydramine.

At temperatures above 40.5 ° C, a threat to the life of the dog is already being considered, therefore, possible side effects of analgin are not taken into account (no-shpa and diphenhydramine are included in the list of permitted free use in dogs, analgin is allowed with caution and under the supervision of a veterinarian).

With hypothermia

A decrease in body temperature below 36.5 ° C indicates that the dog's strength to resist the disease has been exhausted, the immune system is in a state of suppression (oppression). The animal needs resuscitation.

Depending on other symptoms that accompany hypothermia, the doctor prescribes warming therapy in the form of:

  • "warming" injections and droppers;
  • cardiovascular stimulation;
  • rubbing and massages.

Resuscitation will be carried out until within 14-16 hours the body temperature is kept within the physiological norm without medical assistance.

You can not ignore any signs that are not characteristic of the daily condition and behavior of a pet. It is possible that the dog has a fever or a drop in temperature and how quickly the pet recovers will depend on the speed of the meeting with the veterinarian and the timely diagnosis.