Content
- What is the normal temperature for a dog?
- When does the temperature indicate a fever?
- How to measure the dog's temperature?
- And if the dog's temperature is low
- Steps to be followed in the face of an unusual temperature
If you suspect your dog may have fever or temperature too low, it will be essential to measure it to identify any problems. The different moments of the dog's life also present different temperatures, as it can be in its puppy stage, in childbirth or in another specific moment.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain what is the normal temperature of a dog to identify fever or other problems as well as various ways to measure it.
Keep reading and find out how measure your dog's temperature and clear up your doubts at once. Don't forget to take your pet to the vet to rule out possible illness.
What is the normal temperature for a dog?
The usual temperature of a dog it is not the same as the human being. Before starting, we must identify which is at each stage of your life:
- Puppy: 34.4°C - 36.1°C
- Adult: 38.5°C - 38.9°C
- Elderly: 38.5ºC - 38.9ºC
- Pregnancy: 37°C
As you can see, the average temperature of the dog it is between 38.5°C and almost 39°C. However, puppies and pregnant bitches, as well as sick puppies, can suffer changes in their daily lives or in specific situations such as childbirth.
Remember that puppies still cannot regulate the temperature well, so they will need special care such as using a thermal blanket among others. Usually between the first and second month of age is when they start to maintain a stable temperature. The temperature of pregnant bitches can also vary at the time of delivery.
When does the temperature indicate a fever?
After analyzing the average temperature of the dogs, we can identify the fever when the temperature meets above 39°C and up to 40ºC we are facing a high body temperature, enough to have to consult a specialist. From 40°C onwards, we must be seriously concerned about our animal's health and hire an emergency or home veterinarian if necessary.
Read our full article on how to tell if your dog has a fever.
How to measure the dog's temperature?
- Rectum thermometer: It is a fast, effective and reliable way to measure our puppy's temperature. You should not use a normal thermometer, remember that the dog could move and break it unintentionally. You should use a plastic one that cannot be broken and you should choose a moment of calm to carry out this process. Take the thermometer and gently insert it into the rectum. You can use some lubricating material so that the dog does not notice you and feel uncomfortable.
- Palpation of the armpits and groin: This method may not be 100% safe, especially if you don't usually touch your puppy's underarms or groin. Still, you should know that the lymph nodes of puppies are in these areas and with an unexpected fever we could see unusual swelling and heat.
- other areas of the body: The nose, paws or ears are other areas that can warn us of the presence of fever in our dog. If you touch them and they have an abnormality, do not hesitate and consult a specialist as soon as possible. In any case, these areas of the body have variable temperatures so it is not a precisely safe method.
And if the dog's temperature is low
A low body temperature can be a symptom that something is not working well and we recommend that you see a specialist as well. THE hypothermia may be one of the causes of excessively low temperature.
Why does a low temperature occur? It can occur at different times in a dog's life: when it is a puppy, young, old, in childbirth or in a cold environment.
At an excessively low temperature should try to protect your pet offering him warmth between blankets and caresses to keep him awake. A hot soup (always unsalted) can help as well as hot moist food, which is more appetizing.
Steps to be followed in the face of an unusual temperature
An unusual temperature is a disease symptom. You can consult some ways to reduce the dog's fever, although the most sensible option is undoubtedly to consult a specialist.
Keep in mind that this could be a slight nuisance or a change in the dog's immune system, although it could also be a serious infection. Clear any doubts at the veterinary appointment or if you think your puppy is in serious condition, call a veterinarian to consult at home.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.