What body temperature is considered normal for a dog? Normal temperature in dogs of small and large breeds. How to measure a dog's temperature What is a dog's temperature?

Body temperature is the main indicator of health for people and for our little brothers. It determines how the pet feels. This is why it is so important to know temperature indicators (normal, hyperthermia, hypothermia), be able to measure temperature and provide first aid. medical care on one's 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 physical activity, conditions environment.

However, there is such an indicator as “normal temperature”, which includes an interval rather than a single digit. In dogs, the norm is considered to be a temperature of 37.5 to 39 degrees, but even in this case, age and size are taken into account:

For ornamental breeds - 39-39,5;
for large dogs - 37.4-38.3;
for average - 37.5-39;
for puppies - 38.2-39.3.

Based on these indicators, you can determine the average temperature of your pet and take appropriate measures if it increases or decreases.

Causes of hyperthermia:

stress;
viruses, infections;
poisoning;
heart and vascular diseases;
overheating, hypothermia of the body;
recent birth;
hormonal imbalances;
intoxication of the body;
teething (in puppies);
joint diseases;
the body's immune response (for allergies);
sepsis.

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

A tendency to hyperthermia is observed in German Shepherds, boxers, pugs and French bulldogs, chow-chow, as well as in individuals with a hyperexcitable character and fluffy dogs white color. 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 an animal’s nose can be dry and hot, for example, immediately after waking up from sleep.

Here are more sure signs of a rise in temperature:

weakness, apathy, decline 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 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 normal. However, if other signs are present in addition to hyperthermia, then a visit to veterinary clinic There's no point in postponing.

What to do at home

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

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 needs to be covered with ice cubes (in the groin, neck, armpit area), covered with a damp towel or slightly moistened the fur, and given an enema with warm water. You should not allow your pet to move a lot, as a lot of thermal energy is generated when the muscles work.

If the animal does not want to eat, you should not force feed it, 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. Best for small dogs children's medicine to relieve fever.

However, it is better not to take risks, since drugs such as Aspirin, Analgin, Paracetamol can cause side effects. For example, Ibuprofen is dangerous because it can provoke gastrointestinal bleeding, intense vomiting, etc.

Possible complications

Hyperthermia may have severe consequences for the body: disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous and digestive systems, changes in water-salt balance, dehydration, excessive load 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 rising temperature lies in the owner’s careless attitude towards for a pet. It is necessary to control physical activity and time spent on fresh air to prevent hypothermia, monitor the quality of food, conditions and, of course, promptly respond to the slightest changes in the health of your four-legged pet.

In order to detect health problems in your pet in a timely manner, you need to know what the dog’s temperature is considered normal, since its indicator is considered a guarantee proper development and physical activity. It is worth noting that no universal significance for all four-legged friends, like humans (36.6°C).

What temperature should a healthy dog have?

Studies have established that body temperature in animals depends on breed, size, age, physical activity and other nuances. For example, if you take measurements in the morning and evening, the thermometer readings may differ. There is no point in paying attention to small deviations, but if the dog’s body temperature has increased or decreased by a couple of degrees, then this may already indicate health problems. It is important to pay attention to the appearance of other symptoms.

For those who are interested in what temperature is considered normal in a dog, it is worth indicating the following range: 37.5-39.3°C. If a person sweats for thermoregulation, then the animal is deprived of this opportunity, so he has to breathe frequently with open mouth. The normal temperature may rise even due to stress or other intense emotions experienced by the pet. All this is important to take into account so as not to panic in vain.

Normal temperature in small breed dogs

If we compare representatives of large and small breeds, there are some differences in the way their bodies work. To a greater extent, this concerns metabolic processes, which in the latter occur at high speed. This directly affects temperature indicators. This pattern also applies to puppies when compared with adult animals. As for what temperature dogs have small breeds, then a value of 38.5-39°C is considered normal (for puppies 38.6-39.3°C).

Normal temperature in medium breed dogs

With an increase in body weight, temperature readings will also decrease slightly. Another important nuance that four-legged owners should know is that even within the same age and breed, slight variations in average parameters may appear, which is associated with individual characteristics specific animal. For those who are interested in what body temperature is considered normal for a medium breed dog, it is worth considering the following indicators: 37.5-39°C (for puppies 38.3-39.1°C).

Normal temperature in large breed dogs

The most cold-blooded among all sizes of animals are representatives large breeds, who do not have such an active metabolism and, in comparison with babies, do not have such a frequent heartbeat. The normal temperature for a healthy dog is 37.4-38.3°C (for puppies 38.2-39°C). All the nuances regarding possible changes in indicators mentioned earlier are also relevant for large breeds.

What is the temperature of a pregnant dog?

When an animal is in position, various changes occur in its body, for example, this concerns hormonal levels. The new state of the pet is also reflected in the temperature. In most cases, the indicators either remain unchanged or fall, but no more than a degree. Given this, it is important to know what the normal body temperature is in dogs, so veterinarians recommend that all animal owners make changes from time to time in order to know the values for a healthy pet.

What is a dog's temperature before giving birth?

One of the harbingers that puppies will be born in the near future is considered to be a decrease in temperature by about 1°C, but in some cases a drop of 1.5°C is possible. It is worth noting that experts have recorded cases where such changes are observed two days before the birth of babies. The dog's temperature should be measured twice before giving birth: in the morning and in the evening, in order to be able to control the situation.

A situation is considered dangerous when, instead of decreasing, there is an increase in indicators even by 0.5-1°C. This may indicate problems with the fetus or inflammation, so it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately. When figuring out what temperature is considered normal in a dog, it is worth noting that during childbirth the temperature rises to normal value. This happens during the release of amniotic fluid.

Dog's temperature after birth

After the puppies are born, there should not be prolonged bleeding, and discharge, according to the norm, without unpleasant odor. It is important to know what the dog’s body temperature is at this time, as the value increases and is approximately 39.5°C. Make sure that the readings do not rise to 40°C or higher. If you still experience a fever, consult a doctor immediately, as this can be life-threatening for the new mother.

Low temperature in a dog

Hypothermia can become a problem for the health of the animal, in which the value on the thermometer will be below 37.5°C. Low temperature in a dog occurs due to banal hypothermia, as a result of surgery, after prolonged anesthesia, due to diseases thyroid gland, heart problems and so on. There are three forms of hypothermia:

Lightweight– up to 32°C. Symptoms include drowsiness, trembling and weakness. You need to warm the animal using a blanket and a heating pad, and give warm water. It is recommended to monitor the temperature every 15 minutes.
Moderate– up to 28°C. There is a decrease heart rate, muscle weakness and arterial hypotension. You should warm your body using warming pillows or a heater.
Deep– below 28°C. The functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory system. The dog may fall into a coma.

Fever in a dog

There are a number of reasons that can cause a fever in an animal:

If a pet has experienced severe stress, then its temperature may rise for a short period of time, for example, after moving. Knowing what temperature is considered normal in dogs, the indicators in such a situation will differ by no more than 2°C.
When an infection settles in the body, the body begins to fight it, which leads to the appearance of fever.
In hot weather, the cause of illness often lies in overheating of the body. In this case, it is useful to know what to do if your dog has a fever, since the condition can be critical. It is necessary to transfer the pet to a cool place, be sure to provide it with water and gradually cool the body.
Various inflammations, tumors and even external injuries can cause fever, so it is important for diagnosis to pay attention to other symptoms and consult a doctor for an examination.

What to give your dog for fever?

If it is not possible to take the animal to the clinic or invite a veterinarian home, then you need to help the pet on your own. There are a number of recommendations on how to lower your dog’s temperature at home.

Take ice cubes, wrap them in cloth and place them on your neck and inner side hips You can take wet towel and cover the animal with it. It is not recommended to intentionally wet the fur, as this will disrupt thermoregulation. It is important to consider that at high temperatures, the pet needs to drink, otherwise dehydration may occur.
It is recommended to ventilate the room where the sick dog is. In summer, you can use the air conditioner for cooling.
If you know what the dog’s temperature is considered normal, and the value on the thermometer is much higher, then you can give the animal an antipyretic. The permitted dose is no more than 0.2 tablets, otherwise the pet may be harmed. You can use analgin, nurofen or paracetamol. Puppies should be given baby formula. Please note that the tablet only reduces the temperature, but you can cope with the cause of the malaise. Contact your veterinarian.

How to measure a dog's temperature?

To carry out measurements, you must use a medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. The second option is considered safer, more convenient and you will have to wait no more than a minute for measurements. Better with early age find out what temperature is considered normal in dogs, and the pet itself should be accustomed to the procedure in order to avoid it in the future aggressive behavior. A separate thermometer must be allocated for the animal. There are instructions for doing it at home:

Take a clean thermometer and disinfect it. Lubricate the tip with baby cream or Vaseline. If the dog is obedient, then it can stand, and if not, then lay it on its side. It is important that she is calm, otherwise nothing will work out.
Lift your tail and insert the thermometer into the anus approximately 1.5-2 cm using rotational movements, no deeper is needed. If the measurement is carried out in a standing position, then to prevent her from sitting down, hold her firmly by the root of her tail.
During the procedure, praise and talk to your pet to calm him down. After the sound signal, it is recommended to wait another half a minute, and then you can remove the thermometer. Don't forget to praise and give treats.

How to determine a dog's temperature without a thermometer?

There are several ways to understand that an animal has a fever, but it is important to note that they are not reliable, but only provide a basis for further diagnosis.

There is increased blood flow on the paws and ears, so when the temperature increases, these parts of the body become hot to the touch. Do you need to touch them or back side hands, or cheek.
When figuring out how to determine a dog’s temperature, it’s worth remembering another way - feeling the groin area and armpits. Here are The lymph nodes, which increase in size if the body has an infection or disease. Temperatures are also increasing in these places.
Many, even children, know that the condition of an animal can be determined by its nose; if it becomes hot, it means there are problems.
Experts recommend looking into your pet’s mouth and assessing the condition of the gums. If everything is normal, they will be pink and moist. Any changes can be considered a signal of problems.

A dog's body temperature is an important indicator of its well-being. When the first signs of illness appear, measure the puppy’s temperature or adult dog– the first thing the owner needs to do before calling the veterinarian.

Normally, dogs' temperature is usually slightly higher than that of humans. The average body temperature of an adult dog is 37.5⁰ – 38.5⁰ C . A healthy puppy's temperature is usually half a degree higher (~ 39⁰C). However, there are individual nuances, determined, in particular, by age, breed, body weight and height, due to which normal temperature indicators differ slightly for each individual animal (for example, the body temperature of large dogs is usually lower than that of small ones). In addition, a short-term increase in temperature in a dog can be observed after physical exertion, from excitement or fear, during (in bitches), as well as in hot weather.

Table of average normal temperature values for puppies and adult dogs of small, medium and large breeds (⁰С):

When should you take your dog's temperature?

Body temperature healthy dog it makes sense to measure before and after vaccinations, during pregnancy, as well as before and after childbirth (sharp, as a rule, indicates that there is no more than a day left before childbirth). Breeding puppies have their temperature measured according to a specific schedule, starting at birth. As the dog gets older, it is not necessary to constantly measure the temperature, but it is good if the owner knows what normal temperature indicators are typical for his pet.

General lethargy, refusal to eat, pale gums and tongue, dry hot nose- these are sufficient reasons to measure the dog’s temperature, not to mention more severe symptoms such as vomiting, convulsions, etc.

If the dog is seriously ill, it makes sense to keep a temperature chart, recording the results of morning and evening measurements daily (it is better to take them at the same time).

How to measure a dog's temperature?

In order to determine the dog's temperature, you can use a regular medical thermometer, mercury or electronic. Mercury thermometer cheaper, but with an electronic temperature measurement process it will take much less time. For hygienic reasons, it is necessary to allocate a separate thermometer for the dog, which will not be used by other family members. If there are several animals in the family, it is better to purchase a thermometer for each of them.

How to measure a dog's temperature?

Measuring temperature is a simple procedure, but it requires the owner to carefully and carefully handle the dog during the process. Dogs' temperature is measured through the rectum. Your pet may not like these manipulations for the first time, but gradually he will get used to them. First of all, you need to prepare a thermometer. Reset the scale to zero, then coat the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline. The dog needs to be laid on its side, then carefully lift the tail at the base and slowly insert the thermometer 1.5 - 2 cm into the anal hole. At home, you can also measure the dog’s temperature by fixing it in a standing position, just as veterinarians do in the clinic, but for an inexperienced owner this method will be somewhat more difficult.

If you are using electronic thermometer, measuring the dog’s temperature will take no more than a minute; with a regular thermometer you will have to wait a little longer, from 3 to 5 minutes. It is advisable to measure the temperature in a calm environment to avoid excitement or fear, which could cause the dog to jump up, break the thermometer and injure itself. While taking the temperature, talk kindly to your dog and reward him with treats. You can accustom your pet to a command, for example, “Thermometer” or “Treat,” so that in the future the dog knows what awaits it and calmly allows its temperature to be taken. Be sure to praise your dog and give him treats not only during, but also immediately after the procedure is completed. Most animals tolerate temperature measurement quite calmly if the owner does everything correctly from the very beginning. After you finish, the thermometer must be washed with soap and warm water and disinfected with alcohol, then wash and disinfect your hands.

What to do if your dog has a high or low temperature?

First of all, you need to understand what indicators are considered “low” or “high” temperature for a dog. Objectively low temperature A dog’s body is characterized by thermometer readings of 37⁰C and below; body temperature is considered elevated in an adult dog from 39⁰ and in a puppy – from 39.5⁰ and above. A dog's temperature is 40⁰, as a rule, indicating the presence of a serious illness. Particularly dangerous is a gradual increase in temperature by 1-2 degrees without sharp jumps and recessions. Here are just a few of the many possible reasons why a dog’s body temperature drops or rises:

-heat: canine distemper, piroplasmosis, endometritis (in bitches), heat stroke, etc.

- low temperature: parvovirus enteritis (in puppies and young dogs), helminthic infestation and etc.

Unfortunately, not everyone understands that a dog’s low or high temperature itself is only evidence of the body’s fight against the disease, that is, a symptom, and not the cause of the disease. However, often in such cases the owner thinks something like this: “So, the dog has a fever...What should I do?” and begins to search on veterinary and “dog” forums for answers to the questions “what to give a dog for fever”, “how to bring down a puppy’s temperature”, “how to reduce a dog’s temperature” or, no easier, “treatment of fever in dogs”. And there can only be one “treatment” here - an urgent visit to the clinic or calling a veterinarian at home!

Since temperature itself is not the source of the disease, “lowering” it will not help to cope with the underlying disease that caused this temperature, and in some cases such intervention will only worsen the situation.

If you find that your dog’s temperature is noticeably different from the norm, the best thing you can do is not to waste time on your own, but to seek help from professionals as quickly as possible.

Just like in humans, body temperature in dogs is considered the main indicator of well-being. Significant deviations indicate that not everything is in order in the pet’s body. The temperature norm is most often an indicator excellent health animal. Every owner pet must know temperature standards for dogs, as well as the rules for measuring it.

Many owners are sure that their pet’s normal body temperature is 36.6°C, but this is completely wrong. For a dog, these indicators range from 37.5-39°C. In addition, the numbers may vary depending on several factors:

belonging to a particular breed;
gender;
physiological characteristics;
age;
individual properties of the organism.

For example, in puppies dwarf breeds The temperature normally stays around 39°C, and in large adult pets this figure is much lower.

Dogs' body temperature may increase during hot weather, after intense training, active games, when the animal feels excitement, panic or fear. In females in heat, it is also possible to increase their performance.

There are a number of specific standards that you should rely on when measuring your pet’s temperature:

puppies of small and toy breeds – from 38.6 to 39.3°C;
adult small-breed individuals – from 38.5 to 39°C;
adult representatives of medium-sized breeds – from 37.5 to 39°C;
large breed dog puppies – from 38.2 to 39°C;
adults large dogs– from 37.4 to 38.3°C.

Thus, it becomes obvious that temperature in dogs is not a general, but rather an individual indicator.

When should you measure your pet's temperature?

If the dog does not have health problems, then there is no particular need for daily measurements. It is only important to know what it is normally for this particular pet.

Breeding puppies with good performance For health reasons, it is recommended to regularly measure body temperature, starting from birth. There are special charts for this.

A pregnant bitch's temperature is measured both before giving birth (this indicator indicates how soon the dog will whelp) and after the puppies are born. In dogs, before giving birth, the temperature readings drop significantly. It is also necessary to measure the temperature before.

If the pet is sick, measurements are taken twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. It is advisable to record the data in a notebook.

Causes of changes in body temperature in dogs

Don't rely on folk method– determining the dog’s condition by its nose. According to this method, it turns out that if a pet’s nose is hot and dry, it means that he is sick. This information has nothing to do with the truth, since this is exactly the nose that any healthy animal has during sleep, because a sleeping pet does not lick itself while it sleeps. A dry nose is not a reason to panic and seek help from a veterinarian.

If the pet is cheerful, has normal reaction to the surroundings, a good appetite, plays briskly, his coat is shiny and fits tightly to the body, which means he has no health problems. A sick pet has the opposite condition to the one described:

the dog refuses food for more than a day;
looks lethargic, tired;
shows anxiety that seems unreasonable at first glance (a sign that the animal is feeling pain);
appears profuse drooling(symptom of nausea) followed by ;
stool disorder;
convulsive muscle contractions;
rapid heartbeat and breathing.

If such symptoms are present, then measuring the temperature is mandatory procedure and it must be carried out even before the pet is examined by a veterinarian.

The reason for the change in indicators may be inflammatory process, various infections. Fever bodies in dogs is observed when, heatstroke, piroplasmosis.

The temperature decreases if the pet has parvovirus and other ailments.

How is temperature measured in dogs?

Used for measurement regular thermometer, you can take both mercury and modern electronic. The latter option is more welcome, since the measurement will occur in more short time- one to one and a half minutes, and with a mercury thermometer you will have to wait three to five minutes for the result.

A beloved pet deserves to have its own thermometer, and other family members should not use it for their own needs to maintain hygiene.

Before measuring a dog’s temperature, it is necessary to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with thick baby cream or Vaseline for more comfortable insertion.

Traditionally, measurements are taken rectally (through anus), so you need to be prepared for the fact that your pet most likely will not like this procedure. You need to calm down during the measurement. four-legged friend, talk kindly, stroke, and if the condition is not critical, then give something tasty.

You can insert the thermometer when the dog is in a standing position or lying on its side. The second option is suitable for those dog owners who do not have experience in this matter. While the dog is lying down, you need to lift his tail and insert the thermometer a couple of centimeters.

Often dogs are frightened by the upcoming manipulations and begin to hide, especially if this is done to them for the first time. Therefore, it is worth ensuring peace and quiet during the measurement. When the thermometer is first inserted, you must hold the dog so that it does not jerk, break the thermometer, or injure itself.

After your pet has endured everything, you need to reward him with a treat and praise him for his patience.

The thermometer should be washed with soap and water immediately after the procedure and disinfected using special means or regular alcohol. The same must be done with your own hands.

If there is a desire, the puppy can be taught a command with which the dog will calmly go for measurements - these could be the words “Treat!”, “Thermometer!”, “Go measure!”. Having heard this, the dog will calmly wait for the procedure to end, without interfering with the process.

Temperature is one of the main indicators of the well-being of both people and animals. Its increase or decrease indicates that something is wrong with the pet.

What temperature is considered normal for a dog? How to measure it at home, and what to do if it is very low or high?

The normal value is different for adults and small puppies. In dwarf breeds it may be slightly increased, and this will not be considered a deviation. The normal temperature in dogs is presented in the table, which contains average values for different age and size groups.

Dogs have normal body temperature if it is within the range specified in the table. In addition, there are additionally permissible deviations for different situations. Temperature in a dog: the norm may increase under stress (up to 0.3⁰С), on hot days, after intense training, during estrus. In bitches before giving birth, on the contrary, it decreases by 0.5-2⁰С.

Important! Such changes do not indicate the presence of disease or illness.

There is an opinion that temperature can be determined by the nose, but this is a misconception. Sometimes the ears and groin feel hot to the touch when it's hot, but you can't rely on these signs alone.

How to measure a dog's temperature at home?

To take a measurement use a thermometer (mercury gives more accurate readings, but an electronic one shows the result faster). It is administered rectally (into the dog's anus). Here is an algorithm for how to measure a dog’s temperature correctly:

Calm your pet, lay him on his side, stroke his belly. The dog should relax.
The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with greasy ointment (baby cream is usually used for this purpose).
The animal's tail is raised, the thermometer is slowly inserted into the rectum (2-2.5 cm for large individuals, 1-1.5 cm for small ones).
While the measurement is taking place, talk to your pet, stroke it, and treat it with your favorite treat.
After finishing the measurement (5 minutes for mercury thermometers, 30-40 seconds – for electronic ones) carefully remove the thermometer, praise the animal, write down the data obtained. Wash the thermometer and hands with warm soapy water, and if necessary, disinfect with an alcohol solution.

Thanks to this algorithm, you can easily find out the condition of your pet. Handle the dog carefully and calmly, do not frighten it.

Attention! The pet should know that measuring with a thermometer is a simple and painless procedure.

What to do if your pet has a fever or chills?

How to bring down the temperature?

If the indicator value is very high (above 40⁰С), the best solution will take the pet to the veterinary clinic. This indicator is especially dangerous for children, since in their body metabolic processes proceed much faster.

What to do if your dog has a fever, but veterinarian help is not available? If your pet has a high fever, follow these recommendations:

wet ears, groin and paw pads with cold water;
You can put a wet towel on your head;
move the dog to a cool place (on the tiles in the bathroom, on the balcony, etc.);
Give your pet cold fresh water;
mix three drugs in a syringe: No-Shpu, Analgin and Diphenhydramine (check the dosage with your doctor by phone, it is calculated by the weight of the animal) and inject this mixture intramuscularly into the dog.

How to reduce a dog's temperature and avoid severe dehydration? To do this, inject saline solution under the skin on the withers using a syringe (up to 50 ml for small dogs, up to 200 ml for large dogs).

If measures taken If this is not enough, try calling a specialist to your home or take your pet to a veterinary clinic. A high rate is a sign of a disease, it can be a symptom, or

Important! If you notice other symptoms ( loose stool, change in the color or odor of urine, poor appetite, trembling in the body, etc.), be sure to tell your veterinarian about them.

How to raise the temperature?

If the indicator drops below 37-35⁰C, the pet needs to be warmed up. To do this, wrap the dog in a shawl or a warm woolen blanket, place a heating pad or a bottle of water on its back and stomach. hot water(be sure to wrap it in a towel). An indicator of 32-28⁰C is considered critical (in this case, the pet should be immediately taken to the clinic).

Temperature is an important indicator with which you can recognize the onset in time. But its increase does not always indicate the presence of a disease.

Attention! If your pet has a high fever or hypothermia, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Additionally, check out the video about what temperature a dog should have and how to measure it: