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What should be the normal temperature for dogs? What should be the normal temperature for large breed dogs? Details

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 the owners do not always pay attention to a reduced temperature, combined with drowsiness, a decrease in the activity of the 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 complicated, 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 get 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 readings for no 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 imperfect thermoregulation mechanisms 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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To make sure your pet is healthy and well, you need to take his body temperature. It is this indicator that is a signal to whether the dog needs your help or not. In my article, I will help you figure out what symptoms can be used to diagnose a cold and how to correctly measure the temperature of a sick animal. I will also explain how to properly bring down the fever in your pet with medicines and with the help of improvised means.

Let's talk about the norm. This concept is relative and varies depending on the breed, height, age, sex and some physiological characteristics (pregnancy, long-term recovery from diseases, estrus). It should also be borne in mind that each dog has an individual normal temperature indicator, so its measurement must be constantly monitored.

Puppies have a body temperature of approximately 39.0°C. In adult breeds, it can be 37.4 to 38.6 ° C.

The average data is shown in the table below.

Any large deviation is the first condition for contacting a veterinarian.

How to Tell if Your Pet is Sick: Early Signs and Symptoms

An increase in body temperature is a clear signal that the body is fighting a disease.

Unfortunately, our smaller brothers cannot speak, which means that the responsibility for their health lies entirely with us - their owners. It is the owner who needs to understand that the pet is sick. Whether a pet is sick or not, it is impossible to say for sure. To do this, you need to pay attention to the symptoms.

Increased eye irritation and nasal discharge are a sign of a cold.

  1. Touch your nose.
  2. You need to take the temperature. We have already talked about the norm above.
  3. Notice the dog's fur.
  4. Snot and tearing.
  5. Refusal to eat, but at the same time a manifestation of increased thirst. If your pet does not even want to try his favorite treat, then this sign, together with the above, also indicates that the dog is sick and needs to be diagnosed and treated.
  6. Lethargy. Lethargy and passivity of the dog is another symptom that the dog has begun to get sick.

A strong fever deprives the dog of strength, because the body has thrown all its strength into the fight against the virus.

How to take a dog's temperature with a thermometer?

If you have noted that the above symptoms appear in your pet, then it's time to take decisive action. First of all, remember that the temperature in a pet is not the cause of the disease, but only its consequence, a protective reaction of the body to the virus.

Tarnished "fur" is considered an indicator of malaise.

The procedure with a thermometer should be carried out in the most relaxed atmosphere.

To find out the temperature of a pet, buy a regular mercury (like a human) or digital thermometer at a veterinary pharmacy. We also sell contact thermometers.

Body temperature in animals can be measured in two ways: rectally or by external signs.

Reassure your pet, lay it on its side, lift the tail slightly up and gently insert the thermometer 2 cm into the anus. Remove the thermometer after five minutes and check the readings. The digital thermometer must be held until the beep, this must be done carefully. After the procedure, praise and treat your pet, he deserves it.

How to measure the temperature without a thermometer, signs of a fever in an animal


A dog's nose is an important indicator of its health.

It is possible to determine whether an animal has a high temperature without a thermometer. To do this, it is enough to touch the nose of the dog: in the heat, the nose will be hot and dry. White stains become noticeable on the lobe. However, there should be no discharge from the nostrils. Also touch the armpits, groin, check the paw pads. If your pet has a fever, these parts of the body will be hot to the touch.

If the nose is hot and dry, then most likely the dog has a fever and is sick.

How to bring down a high temperature in a pet

In case of extreme heat, it is better to take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a complete diagnosis, otherwise complications can occur.


If your pet has a fever, take him to the doctor immediately

If it is not possible to urgently take the dog to the doctor, it is better to call a specialist at home. Make sure your pet has free access to drinking water. Ventilate the room, allowing the dog to cool down a bit. In summer, it is especially important to keep the room cool. Use contact cooling techniques. Wet a towel and cover the animal's back with it, or dampen the dog's fur.

What medicines can be given to bring down the fever

You can not treat the dog with medicines on your own!

The only remedy that can be used is paracetamol. In this case, it is necessary to observe the dosage.


Paracetamol

Remember that any signs that are not characteristic of your pet should not be ignored. You are responsible for him and are obliged to control his well-being. How quickly your pet will recover depends on the timely assistance provided and the meeting with a specialist.

It is one of the most important indicators of the pet's health, it is she who will tell the owner if something is wrong with the pet. Any owner should be guided in such matters as normal thermometer readings, how to measure the temperature of a pet, and what to do if he has a fever. It is to these questions that we will give quite comprehensive answers in our article.

Do dogs always have the same temperatures?

Not all dogs have the same thermometer readings as the norm, it depends on which breed this animal belongs to. Puppies or adults of small breeds have higher rates than animals of large breeds. This factor is influenced by the intensity of metabolism.

When an animal is under stress, such as a visit to a veterinary clinic or a trade show can lead to a more agitated state, these rates increase. High temperature in pets is also observed during estrus, in the heat, after a long load. The body temperature of each individual pet is individual, so it is better for the owner to know what temperature is considered normal and will not cause concern for the pet's condition.

What is the normal temperature for dogs?

A healthy animal has indicators from 37.5 to 39 degrees, but they can vary from different factors. Below is the temperature norm for different breeds of animals:

  • Puppies of small breeds 38.6-39.3, adults from 38.5-39.0.
  • Puppies of medium breeds 38.3-39.1, adults 37.5-39.0.
  • Puppies of large breeds 38.2-39.0, adults 37.4-38.3.

A factor such as the indicators of a thermometer is influenced by the time of year, if it is hot outside, then an increase of 0.5-1 degree is possible.

In a pregnant dog, you need to regularly measure the temperature, because you can determine the approach of childbirth using this indicator, it decreases to 1.5 degrees.

What should I do if my dog ​​has a fever?

If the animal has a rise in temperature to 40 degrees, then first of all you need to remember what events happened to him the day before. Maybe he experienced some kind of stress, maybe there was a trip on public transport or a visit to a veterinary clinic. But in any case, when observing a fever in a pet, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary in order to start treatment as soon as possible. When an animal has a fever, it is necessary to bring it down quickly. To bring down the fever in your pet as quickly as possible, you need to do the following activities:

  • Put ice on the neck and thighs of the animal.
  • The pet's coat should be moistened with cold water.
  • Give small portions of water to the dog.
  • Open windows help to bring down the heat of the animal a little with the pet lying on the floor.
  • You can try to bring down the fever with the help of wraps with a wet and cool towel. It is especially good to reduce heat with the help of water vapor from the forehead, neck and inner thighs.
  • When the dog has a high fever, and a visit to the veterinarian is not possible, then Nurofen or Paracetamol can be given to the pet. But you don’t need to abuse this method, because a pet’s fever can cause a rather serious illness.
  • When the fever in the animal appeared as a result of a reaction to the teeth, then you can bring it down at home by mixing ampoules: diphenhydramine, no-shpy, analgin. If the injection fails, then you can try to drink through the mouth.

It is not necessary to give antipyretic drugs without consulting a veterinarian, as they can do more harm than good.

What happens to a dog when it has a fever?

When a pet has a fever, his body experiences serious changes, which include:

  • If the rise is above 40.5 degrees, then dehydration occurs, the pet has a reduced appetite, the heartbeat quickens, lethargy and apathy appear.
  • Especially serious changes occur in the body when rising above 41.1 degrees. At this time, the dog's fluid loss approaches critical levels, in connection with which cerebral edema and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs appear. The pet develops heart palpitations, shortness of breath, wheezing, loss of consciousness, convulsions, impaired motor processes, urine outflow worsens, which causes poisoning of the body, hemorrhage. All these changes can lead to the rapid death of the dog.

How to take a dog's temperature?

Some owners believe that a dry nose can tell if a dog has a fever, but this is a myth. A dry and warm nose is not an indicator of a pet's illness and a reason to visit a veterinarian. Measurements are best done with an electronic thermometer, because it is safer to use. The animal must have a separate thermometer, it does not need to be used for people.

Before taking measurements, it is better to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Measurements should be carried out rectally, so you need to calm the animal, gently talk to him, treat him with yummy. When measurements are taken for the first time, it is best to take them with a dog lying on its side. The thermometer is inserted into the anus of the animal, a calm atmosphere should reign around, it is better to hold the pet so that it does not harm itself. After this procedure is over, you need to disinfect the thermometer and reward the animal with some kind of treat.

If the dog is looking for the coolest place in the house, then you need to pay attention to this, maybe he has a fever? It is necessary to try to surround him with care and attention, rather bring down the temperature, while it is important not to put off visiting the veterinarian for a long time. Only he will prescribe the right treatment.

An important indicator that a dog is doing well is its body temperature. Of course, just like in humans, the indicators may vary depending on individual characteristics. That is why it is worth measuring the dog’s temperature for the first time in a calm state, in order to further navigate the situation based on these data.

It is not worth panicking when the animal’s temperature rises, as this can be triggered not by a disease, but by weather conditions, physical exertion, or weight changes. But nevertheless, it can also signal inflammatory processes in the body.

What temperature should dogs be?

Since a dog's heart beats faster than a human's, the normal temperature in dogs is 37.5 - 38.5 degrees in an adult and 39 degrees in a small puppy. With age, the indicators change, so it is worth periodically fixing what the pet’s normal temperature is now.

When should you take your dog's temperature?

If the dog is healthy, then the temperature is measured before any scheduled vaccinations, as well as during pregnancy (if the temperature drops sharply, this means that the birth will come very soon).

Be sure to measure the temperature if the pet began to refuse his favorite food, looks lethargic, his tongue has become paler, and his nose is dry and hot. With such symptoms, it is recommended to measure the temperature twice: in the morning and in the evening.

How to take your dog's temperature correctly

An ordinary thermometer is fine for this, but of course it is best to use an electronic device, as it gives a value faster. The dog must have its own thermometer, since the temperature is measured rectally, the use of a thermometer by other family members is strictly prohibited due to hygiene rules.

The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with petroleum jelly so as not to cause damage to the pet and reduce stress, since, of course, the four-legged friend will not be very happy with such a procedure.

If you didn’t have experience in measuring the dog’s temperature before, then it would be better to put the animal on its side, lift its tail and insert a thermometer into the anus by 1.5-2 cm. An electronic thermometer will give readings in a minute, but a mercury thermometer will have to hold for 3-5 minutes. After and during the procedure, it is important to encourage the animal and explain that this is done for his own good. Be sure to offer your pet a treat after taking the temperature.

Elevated temperature

If the thermometer reads 38-39 degrees, then everything is in order, but if the dog's temperature is 40-41 degrees, this indicates a fever. By itself, an elevated temperature signals that the body has switched to infection-fighting mode and is trying to get rid of viruses or bacteria on its own. Harmful cells die at high temperatures, but if the indicators have already become too high, this indicates that the body cannot cope, and therefore it needs help. Thus, what temperature should be in dogs depends on the nature of the inflammatory process.

Causes of elevated temperature

Just like in humans, fever in an animal is caused not only by various diseases, but also by violations of the activity of individual organs. The reasons may be:

Body temperature in dogs can rise due to the ingestion of toxic or medicinal substances in the animal's body.

fever symptoms

You can tell if your dog has a fever by looking for the following behavioral changes:


These symptoms can lead to shock later on.

What to do if your dog has a fever

First of all, you should go to a veterinary clinic, and if it's cold outside, then it's better to call a doctor at home. To accurately determine the causes, the doctor will most likely prescribe the following tests and procedures:

  • Analysis of urine.
  • Blood test.
  • Hemogram.
  • Blood smear.
  • Test for the presence of diseases of the immune system.
  • X-rays of light.
  • Biopsy (if necessary).

Based on the results of the tests, the veterinarian will be able to determine what exactly hurts the animal and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment, as well as explain what temperature should be in dogs of this breed.

Finally

What temperature should be in dogs depends on many factors, including the purity and breed of the animal. If the indicators seem elevated, but the dog is active, eating, drinking and going to the toilet, then most likely everything is in order. Even knowing exactly what temperature dogs should have, you should not self-medicate, since the pet cannot say what exactly hurts him and why his behavior has changed. In order to avoid unnecessary stress, it is better to invite a doctor to the house, where the animal will feel calmer on its territory. After each procedure, reward the dog so that she understands that this is not a punishment, but an integral part of the treatment.

Everyone who has a pet should know the norm of his body temperature, if it is not a snake or a turtle. After all, when signs of poor health of a dog or cat appear, the first thing to do is measure the temperature. Today we will tell you what temperature a dog is considered normal.

Normal temperature in small breed dogs

  • In adult dogs of small breeds, the normal temperature is 38.5⁰ - 39.0⁰;
  • In puppies of small breeds, the norm ranges from 38.6⁰-39.3⁰.

As you can see, in puppies, the body temperature is usually a little higher than in an adult dog. This rule is relevant for breeds of all sizes and types.

Normal temperature in medium breed dogs

  • In adult dogs of medium breeds, the normal temperature is 37.5⁰-39.0⁰;
  • In puppies of medium-sized breeds, the norm ranges from 38.3⁰ - 39.1⁰.

Normal temperature in large breed dogs

  • In adult dogs of large breeds, the normal temperature is 37.4⁰ - 38.3⁰;
  • In puppies of large breeds, the norm ranges from 38.2⁰ - 39.0⁰.

So you found out what body temperature in a dog is considered normal, the average is 37.5⁰ - 38.5⁰ C. Let's also consider special cases in which the temperature can be elevated, but this is quite normal.

How to take a dog's temperature

Normal body temperature in special cases

  • A dog's body temperature may briefly rise during estrus, during exercise, or after a test of fear.
  • Normal temperature in dogs also slightly higher than in cold weather.
  • After childbirth and vaccinations, the temperature can also increase, and before childbirth it can decrease.

If a dog's fever persists for a long time, this is probably a sign of some kind of illness. However, to determine the cause, it is necessary to look at other symptoms, since a change in temperature can indicate too many ailments.