What is the normal temperature in the heat of summer for small dogs. Everything you need to know about dog body temperature Normal temperature for a 4 month old puppy

Domestic dogs are prone to various diseases - invasive, infectious, diseases of internal organs, complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. At the same time, it is sometimes difficult for the owner to understand what is happening. Therefore, it is important to know the list of alarming symptoms, upon detection of which you need to urgently seek medical help. Among them are loss of appetite, apathy and lethargy of behavior, frequent stools with an unnatural smell and color, and vomiting. It is also important to know what a dog's normal body temperature is in order to keep track of changes.

If the appearance or behavior of the dog is alarming, it is worth doing an inspection yourself. The first thing you need to feel the nose. The earlobe of a healthy pet is moist and cool, but if it is hot and dry, then the dog may be sick. However, immediately after sleep, the dog's nose is also dry. You should also check your pulse. It is measured on the femoral artery by feeling the beat on the inner surface of the thigh. Along with the pulse, breathing may also be speeded up.

But to determine what temperature in dogs is more difficult, since for this you will have to insert a veterinary or medical thermometer, the tip of which is lubricated with petroleum jelly, into the animal's rectum. The duration of the measurement is up to five minutes. All this time you need to keep the pet in place by the head and keep the tail up. Therefore, the measurement is best carried out by two people. However, the dog may be too weak to get up or, conversely, aggressive.

Then it will only be possible to approximately determine whether the dog's body temperature is elevated or normal. To do this, feel her paws and ears, where there are many blood vessels. If the dog has a fever, the armpits and groin area will also be hot. In the groin there is a cluster of lymph nodes, which, when sick, grow and become hot. However, it is better to consult a specialist, since it is not enough to understand that the dog has a temperature that is not enough for an accurate diagnosis.

normal temperature

It must be understood that physiological indicators, including the normal body temperature of a dog, are determined by its age, gender, physical activity. The rectal temperature of a healthy animal should not exceed 39.0 °C. It is higher in puppies (by 0.5 - 0.7 ° C compared to adults), although in the first week of life they need constant warming with the warmth of the mother's body and breath. The temperature drops in dogs that suffer from blood viscosity, thyroid insufficiency, or simply have reached old age.

Temperature and childbirth

It was noted that the dog's temperature before childbirth, about a day before the start of contractions, drops by a degree - one and a half, to 37 ° C. In silent, calm animals this may sometimes be the only symptom. It is worth considering that the jump can be short-term, and the temperature at , as a rule, normalizes.

You should check several times what temperature the dog has before giving birth, as this will allow you to more accurately determine the moment the puppies are born. If the process is delayed, unusual discharge is observed, or the temperature exceeds 39.0 ° C, you need to see a doctor for a caesarean section. But in the postpartum period (1 - 2 days), spotting, fever and even diarrhea are within normal limits.

Particular attention should be paid to the health of the dog after a difficult birth with a large number of cubs. The bitch may experience atony of the uterus, when blood and mucus are not removed from it, but are absorbed back. Toxins from them enter the milk, poisoning the puppies. This condition threatens the mother with blood poisoning with a rise in temperature to 41 ° C and death.

Temperature and loads

It is known that dogs exercise thermoregulation by panting. At ambient temperatures above 30 ° C, this becomes insufficient, and the dog may overheat. Immediately after eating, the temperature in dogs also rises. Studies have been conducted on what is the normal temperature in dogs after exercise. In sled and beagle dogs, after running, a temperature of 40.3 °C was noted. (the mark of 41.5 °С is considered critical). A high temperature in this case indicates fatigue, therefore, in untrained individuals, it rises faster. For example, at the beginning of the season, it is necessary to protect from heat stroke. It comes suddenly - the animal's hind legs are braided, and it falls without movement. It has also been established that the darker the color of the dog, the higher will be its temperature after exercise (the difference can be up to two degrees).

Breed and temperature

Small breeds have higher temperatures and heart rates. This is due to a more active metabolism. At the same time, the body temperature in dogs of large breeds and medium breeds is slightly lower - from 37.4 to 38.3 ° C for adults. Problems with thermoregulation are experienced by dogs with narrow nostrils and a shortened muzzle (brachycephalic) - Pugs, Pekingese, Japanese Chins. They are more prone to overheating.

The body temperature of an animal, like that of a person, fluctuates during the day, it can jump from stress (travel, change of familiar environment). In addition, the measurement itself represents stress for the animal and adds a couple of tenths of a degree to the real indicators.

Thus, the temperature in a dog normally depends on many factors, and its decrease or increase does not necessarily indicate health problems. The mechanisms of thermoregulation of dogs allow them to survive in different climates, provided that the animal is well fed and kept clean. So at what temperature the dog freezes and when it overheats is due to many circumstances.

Respiratory diseases

An elevated temperature is accompanied by acute bronchitis of viral origin.

Other inflammatory diseases

In acute tonsillitis in dogs, a sharp rise in temperature to 41 ° C, along with difficulty swallowing and yawning, marks the onset of the disease. In the chronic form of tonsillitis, the body temperature in dogs is normal or rises slightly (typical for the toxic-allergic form).

Infectious enterocolitis in dogs is accompanied by both diarrhea and fever. High fever, tense ("stone") abdomen, urinary retention and defecation may indicate acute peritonitis. The temperature rises even with mild forms of acute pancreatitis. A significant increase in temperature and violent vomiting are characteristic of acute glomerulonephritis. With pyelonephritis, there is often a high temperature and urine with blood in a dog, and with cystitis, pain during urination also joins.

An increase in temperature is accompanied by purulent periodontitis (a complication of caries or pulpitis). Purulent-catarrhal inflammation of the ear necessarily proceeds with a high temperature. It is fraught with a rupture of the eardrum, deafness and inflammation of the inner ear, which can develop into meningitis.

In diseases of the joints, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, the temperature rises in the acute period, decreasing in the sclerotic stage and during remission. Inflammation of the tendons and joint bags are accompanied by fever if they are purulent.

Skin diseases - purulent dermatitis, abscess and phlegmon also cause fever and fever. At the same time, it is not always determined what body temperature is in dogs, since the focus of the disease is obvious.

For a hernia, a rise in temperature is one of the first symptoms of a complication (infringement), which indicates the need for an urgent operation.

With penetrating wounds of the esophagus, high temperature means that the animal develops phlegmon.

The most dangerous diseases with high fever

If the dog has a temperature of 40 - 41 ° C, weakness, loose stools and pallor of the mucous membranes for no reason, a serious disease of the hematopoietic system - lymphocytic leukemia should be excluded.

It affects young animals and, even if treated, leads to death within 4 to 6 months from the onset of the disease.

In puppies and adults, fever and an increase in temperature by 1 - 3 degrees are accompanied by an acute viral disease with high mortality - plague. Infection can be avoided by regular vaccination, and treatment, especially when the nervous system is affected, often does not achieve its goal. A short rise in temperature occurs with pseudorabies (Aueszky's virus).

In classical rabies, hyperthermia is observed in the stage of excitation, and a drop in temperature is observed before the death of the animal. Cases of cure for rabies, or rather, its course in an abortive form, are rare. From dogs, rabies is transmitted to other animals and people, and the only way to avoid infection is vaccination. The temperature also rises with infectious hepatitis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis.

It is important to understand that temperature is only a symptom inherent in many diseases. Therefore, the only thing to do if a dog has a temperature is absolutely impossible - this is to give her antipyretic drugs without a doctor's prescription.
Their action will blur the clinical picture and complicate the diagnosis.

The exception is situations when there is no qualified help nearby, and the thermometer shows 40.5 ° C or more. From what to give the dog from the temperature in such an emergency, it is worth listing analgin, diphenhydramine, no-shpu. They are given in tablets, divided into small pieces, or given as an injection. Children's syrups or antipyretic suppositories are also suitable. But still, the dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

The body temperature of dogs, like other pets, depends on various exogenous and endogenous factors, processes occurring in the body. At the same time, there is a physiological threshold that signals that pet owners should immediately take measures aimed at normalizing the condition of their pet.

An increase or decrease in temperature in dogs may indicate:

the development of inflammatory processes in the body;
exacerbation of chronic, latent ailments;
transferred severe stress;
the development of allergic reactions in the pet's body;
poisoning with strong poisons, toxins, salts of heavy metals;
hypothermia, overheating of the body.

A decrease in temperature in a pregnant bitch may occur a day before the onset of labor. A slight increase in temperature indicators is noted after intense physical exertion, especially during the hot season, strong thirst.

Important! In healthy dogs of large, medium breeds, the normal body temperature is 37.5-38-39 degrees Celsius. In puppies, small breeds, this indicator can be overestimated by no more than 0.5-1 degrees.

An increase in this indicator is often noted in puppies due to imperfect thermoregulation, in dogs of small, decorative breeds, such as Yorkies, Miniature Pinschers, Spitz. As you can see, physiological indicators depend on the breed, the size of the dog.

If you notice any uncharacteristic changes in the behavior of your beloved dog, a slight deterioration in the condition of your pet, but the clinical symptoms and manifestations are mild, do not manifest themselves clearly, be sure to measure the body temperature of the animal. If it is very high / low (below 37 degrees), contact your veterinarian immediately for help!

How to measure or determine the temperature?

Measurement of the general body temperature of the dog is carried out rectally, that is, through the rectum. To carry out this procedure, it is worth purchasing a separate mercury or electronic thermometer for your pet, which should always be in a home veterinary first aid kit.

It should be noted right away that the tactile determination of temperature indicators may be unreliable. Often, pet owners determine the degree of the pet's body by the moisture content of the nose, auricles.

If you don't have a thermometer handy, a sure sign of a fever in dogs is reddening of the gums. Also, in dogs with a high temperature, they note:

decreased physical activity;
lethargy, drowsiness, apathy, depression;
desire to retire;
profuse salivation (salivation);
loss of appetite, refusal of favorite treats;
increased thirst.

If you carefully observe a four-toed friend, you will notice that after waking up, the nose of dogs is dry and warm. In older, older animals, the work of the secretory glands that produce a secret that moisturizes the nose lobe is deteriorating, so the lobe will be almost dry and constantly warm.

We measure with a thermometer

Before measuring a dog's body temperature, the dog must be calmed down. It is advisable to enlist the support of one of the relatives or friends, since for animals this procedure, although absolutely painless, such manipulations can cause discomfort. The assistant must hold the head of the animal, fix the body well in the desired position.

The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with petroleum jelly, any vegetable oil, baby cream, which will reduce discomfort when inserting a thermometer. It is best to lay the dog on its side. If your pet is showing aggression, put a muzzle on the dog or fix the jaws with a bandage.

Raising the tail, gently, with rotational movements, insert the thermometer into the anus by 1.5-2.5 cm. During the procedure, talk in an affectionate tone with the animal, after the end of the manipulation, be sure to reward it with a delicious treat.

When measuring the temperature with a mercury thermometer, hold the thermometer in the rectum for at least three to five minutes. When using electronic (digital), wait for a characteristic sound signal, then remove the thermometer after a minute. After the manipulation, write down the measurements on the tablet, indicating the indicators and the time when the dog's temperature was measured. Such results will greatly help the veterinarian in making a diagnosis.

Remember to disinfect the thermometer after taking the dog's body temperature with antiseptics. You can simply wash the thermometer with warm water and soap.

Re-measure the dog's body temperature after a few hours, but not immediately after the dog wakes up or after your pet has actively participated in outdoor games. Be sure to record all the indicators in a notebook.

If the temperature increase in a dog is caused by outdoor games, prolonged exposure to the sun, you can normalize the condition of your pet on your own.

When the temperature rises to 40-41 degrees, you can give the animal an antipyretic agent: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Nurofen. For small puppies, it is very important to correctly calculate the dosage of the drug. It is best to purchase antipyretics for young children at the pharmacy.

You can bring down the temperature of the dog by applying a cold compress, a damp towel on the forehead, inner thighs, on the back of the animal. You can wet your pet's coat with cold water.

If the house is hot, open the windows, ventilate the room well, turn on the air conditioner. Move the animal to a cool place in the apartment. Drink warm sweet tea, chamomile, St. John's wort to make up for the loss of fluid in the body. If the animal does not drink water on its own, feed the pet every 15-20 minutes, pouring the liquid into the mouth with a syringe without a needle in small portions.

Body temperature is an important indicator of the health status of not only humans, but also animals. A deviation from the norm of this indicator will tell you that the dog needs veterinary care. But if for a person a temperature of 39 degrees indicates a disease, then for a dog, most often, this indicator is not overestimated and is fully in line with the norm.

Factors affecting temperature

Body temperature in pets is not the same as in humans. Normal body temperature in dogs can range from 37.5 degrees to 39, in rare cases up to 39.3. This indicator is not constant throughout life and depends not only on the breed and size of the animal, but also on the ambient temperature, emotional state and physical activity of the animal.

To answer the question of what temperature in a dog is considered normal at a given time, several factors must be taken into account:

Body temperature in dogs depends on several other factors and may fluctuate slightly. By 0.5-1 degree, the thermometer may increase in the following cases:

Hot weather.
Severe stress or anxiety.
Eating.
Estrus.

Decreased for physiological reasons, the temperature is observed in the following cases:

The postoperative period, for example, during the withdrawal of the animal from anesthesia.
During pregnancy, a few days before childbirth.

Signs of deviation from the norm

There is no need to measure the temperature of a healthy pet, with rare exceptions. It is recommended to control it in breeding puppies, before exhibitions, during pregnancy and during vaccinations. In all other cases, if the dog is cheerful and active, you should not create an additional stressful situation for him by this manipulation.

If the behavior and condition of the pet has changed, suspicious symptoms have appeared, it is necessary to measure the temperature of the animal.

The symptoms of a fever are:

Often, the main symptoms of a fever include a hot and dry nose. In fact, you should not rely on this indicator. In dogs, during and after sleep, the nose is always dry and hot. At the same time, even in the case of intense heat, it can sometimes remain damp and cool. Therefore, this indicator should be paid attention to if dryness of the tip of the nose is observed not episodically, but for a long time.

Low temperature also has its own signs:

Shiver.
Shallow breathing.
Slow heartbeat.
Muscular tension.
Drowsiness.
Low BP.

Temperature measurement at home

In the event that the dog shows signs of malaise, it is necessary to check its temperature. You can do this at home on your own, before contacting the veterinarian. For this procedure, you will need a conventional or electronic thermometer, petroleum jelly and a lot of sweets.

How can you measure the temperature of a dog at home so that the stress from this manipulation does not provoke an even greater increase in the thermometer readings? Necessary lay the pet on its side, stroke it and soothe it, while giving your favorite treats. Animals are very susceptible to human intonation, so you need to talk to them as calmly and gently as possible.

It is better that 2 people take part in the process of determining temperature indicators. The one who enjoys the most trust and love of a pet should be closer to his face, stroke, soothe and feed. The task of the second person is the following:

Lubricate the end of the thermometer with petroleum jelly or other greasy cream, having previously disinfected it.
Gently lift the tail up without sudden movements.
In the rectum, to a depth of about 2 centimeters, insert a thermometer.
The mercury thermometer must be held for 5 minutes, and the electronic one until the beep.
At the end of the procedure, the measuring device is carefully removed and then disinfected.

It is important to ensure that during the manipulation the animal does not make sudden movements and does not injure itself. After completing the measurement, the pet should be properly rewarded with treats and praise.

Determination of fever without a thermometer

When there is no thermometer at hand, you can determine the fever without it. On the body of the dogs there are places that will signal the vigilant owner of the danger. Unfortunately, this is not possible for cats.

If a fever is suspected, the four-legged friend should be checked for:

Gums. In a normal state, the gums are moist and have a light pink color. The fever can turn them a rich red color and make them almost dry.

Inguinal and axillary cavities. In these areas, the animals do not have sweat glands, respectively, during a fever, these areas will be hot.
Ears. The auricles are permeated with a huge number of blood vessels located close to the surface. If the body temperature rises, the blood vessels dilate and the ears become hotter than usual. When only one ear is hot, this rather indicates the inflammatory process of the organ itself.

First aid in excess of the norm

The main thing that the owner of the pet should remember is that in case of any temperature deviations, the pet must be shown to the veterinarian. If it is not possible to quickly get to the doctor, and the indicators have reached a critical limit, you should try to lower the dog's body temperature on your own.

It is not recommended to reduce the temperature with medication. In addition to blurring the clinical picture and making it difficult for the veterinarian to quickly make a correct diagnosis, it can also harm the dog. Non-veterinary antipyretics otherwise act on animals and can poison the pet, cause internal bleeding, and even death.

It is permissible to lower the temperature with medicines only if the indicator has reached a critical limit of 40.5 degrees and does not drop. To do this, prepare a mixture in one syringe from solutions of no-shpa, diphenhydramine and analgin in a ratio of 1:1:1. It is necessary to calculate the dose based on the fact that 0.1 ml of each drug should fall on 1 kg of body weight. That is, an injection of 6 ml is prepared for an average dog weighing 20 kg.

Diphenhydramine and no-shpa are drugs that are approved for the treatment of animals. While analgin can give side effects. In the event of a threat to the life of a pet, the side effects of analgin are not taken into account.

In other cases, temperature indicators can be reduced in the following ways:

Apply ice wrapped in a towel to the paws, neck and inner thighs.
If there is no way to apply ice, find the coldest place for the pet, for example, in the bathroom on a tile and put it there.
Give water to drink, but not ice cold.
Moisten paw pads and belly with cool water.

Such actions usually help to reduce the indicator by 0.5 degrees and make it easier to transport the animal to the veterinarian.

Helping a pet with a cold

If the temperature drops below 37 degrees, the first thing to do is warm the dog. To do this, it must be laid in a warm place and wrapped in a blanket made of wool. Prepare a warm heating pad, the temperature of which should be from 38 to 38.5 degrees, and apply it to the paw pads. If the dog does not refuse to drink, give him warm broth or milk.

It is very important to prevent hypothermia of the pet. If possible, call the veterinarian at home. In the absence of such an opportunity, it is possible to transport the animal to the doctor only after the temperature indicators have approached normal.

Veterinary procedures

When a pet with an elevated temperature enters the hospital, the veterinarian, most often, conducts a reception in the following sequence:

History taking and clinical examination.
Blood analysis and, if necessary, urine.
Ultrasound and x-ray.
If necessary, a biopsy.
Establishing diagnosis.
Purpose of treatment.

First of all, the doctor should always conduct a clinical examination and only then proceed to reduce the temperature with medication.

A temperature below 37 degrees indicates that the animal's body is exhausted by the fight against the disease, and the immune system is in the stage of oppression. In this case, resuscitation measures are already needed. Depending on the symptoms that accompany hypothermia, warming treatment is prescribed:

Rubbing paws and massages.
"Warming" droppers.
Stimulation of the cardiovascular system.

Warming therapy should be carried out until the animal's body temperature is kept within normal limits for 15 hours. And general therapy, depending on the disease, will include:

It is impossible to ignore those signs that are unusual for the usual state of a four-legged friend. Any, even the most insignificant deviation can signal a dangerous disease that threatens the dog's life. The sooner the animal is shown to the doctor, the more chances he has for a speedy and complete recovery.

Attention, only TODAY!

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.

Some dog owners, out of inexperience, claim that the normal temperature in dogs is exactly the same as in humans, and it is 36.6 degrees. This is not a true statement, although dogs are warm-blooded animals, their indicators are somewhat different. What is the normal temperature for a dog and what does the indicator depend on? Is there a single temperature threshold for all breeds of these animals, or is it different? All these and many other questions require more careful consideration and professional clarifications.

The variety of dog breeds is very large, animals can vary greatly in size, physiology and other factors. Accordingly, their normal temperatures may differ, and quite significantly.

The general norm at 37.5-38.5 will be too generalized, and therefore it is worth highlighting breed gradations at least in terms of the size of the animal:

Small breeds have the highest temperature in the norm - more than 38.5 degrees. The smallest dogs can have a temperature of 39.3 degrees for puppies and 39 for an adult.
Medium-sized dogs have temperatures between 37.5 and 39 degrees.
Large breed animals have a temperature of 37.4 to 38.3 for an adult, and 38.2-39 degrees for a puppy.

In addition to breed and size, the temperature in dogs varies depending on the sex and physical, physiological condition, age, and even the individuality of the animal. And therefore it is impossible to give such a clear gradation of its norm, as for a person.

Why does the temperature rise

When wondering what is the normal temperature in dogs, a person most often worries about its increase in his pet. Does its increase always indicate the disease of the animal? These fears can be understood, because if a person’s temperature rises, one can say with almost absolute certainty that he is sick. And again, it turns out that this is not the case with dogs. There are a number of reasons why the temperature may rise, and among those it is worth noting the most common:

Due to prolonged activity, after running and training.
In the heat.
In a state of stress, with fear, shock.
During estrus in bitches.

A low temperature can also be a dangerous indicator, but it is worth knowing that it drops significantly in pregnant females before and after childbirth, as well as after walking or staying in the cold.

When to take your temperature

A number of dog owners will wonder how often it is necessary to measure the temperature of an animal, whether it is necessary to do this for preventive purposes. In fact, there is no need to take measurements regularly or constantly, if we are talking about an adult healthy individual. Regular measurements are carried out only in purebred puppies in the first days of their birth - caring owners even keep a graph of changes in the temperature of their small bodies. If the dog is sick, measurements are taken twice a day. Diagnostic measurement is performed when a disease is suspected, when other alarming symptoms are observed.

There are some behavioral points that indicate that the dog may have a fever. Body temperature in dogs is not diagnosed by the nose, this is a big misconception. But the behavior of the animal can tell a lot. If the temperature is exceeded, the dog sticks out his tongue, breathes heavily, tends to lie down and spread his body wide. She may even try to lie down in a puddle or other source of water to cool off. With a decrease in body temperature, on the contrary, she will strive to gather her body into a ball, become lethargic, sleepy. If you notice this behavior, and even more so if it is accompanied by other unhealthy symptoms, you should definitely measure it. It would not be superfluous to measure the temperature also if the dog was injured, there is a risk of physical damage of an internal nature, there are suppurations, and so on.

Alarms

Knowing what temperature the dog should have, and noticing its deviations, every responsible owner will ask himself whether it is necessary to take the dog to the veterinarian, whether he needs medical help. By themselves, temperature variations cannot be an alarm if:

The dog's behavior has not changed, it remains active and friendly.
The coat is in good condition, close to the body and has a typical healthy sheen.
The appetite of the animal is within the normal range.

But there are also a number of indicators that clearly indicate that the dog needs to be shown to the veterinarian, and as soon as possible:

Breathing and heart rate are very fast, and this does not go away, is not associated with increased activity.
The dog refuses the usual food, and this lasts more than a day.
The dog vomits, a lot of saliva is separated from it, diarrhea is observed.
Persistent or intermittent anxiety is noticeable - it can be associated with pain.
There are convulsions.

If there are any of these symptoms, or if you, as a sensitive owner, simply notice that something is wrong with the dog, you should contact your veterinarian.

Temperature measurement is all you can do on your own, and you should not try to do anything on your own unless you have a veterinary education or a lot of relevant experience. No need to try to lower the temperature yourself, as you can remove the symptom, but can you cure the disease that led to its appearance?

Calling the veterinarian at home immediately or visiting the clinic is the best thing you can do for the animal in this situation. You can not postpone the solution of the problem for later, because in some cases it can threaten the dog with death. A decrease in elevated or an increase in a reduced temperature is carried out only during transportation to the clinic - they use heating pads, blankets, or ice, cool objects, applying them carefully and for a short time.

Be attentive to your pet, its health and well-being, because the dog cannot say in words that it hurts and how it feels.

You can also ask a question to our website staff veterinarian, who will answer them as soon as possible in the comments box below.