The temperature of a healthy dog. What body temperature is considered normal for a dog? What temperature should dogs be

First, the basic vital signs of a healthy adult toy terrier

Body temperature - 38.5 ° C to 38.9 ° C (from 39 ° C the temperature is considered elevated)

Pulse rate (at rest) - 100 - 130 beats per minute

Blood clotting - within 3-5 minutes (at normal body temperature)

Daily urine output is 0.2 - 0.4 liters.

Toy Terriers are healthy dogs. With proper care and nutrition, they practically do not get sick.

Particular attention must be paid to dental system toya. When changing teeth (approximately from five to seven months), it is necessary to ensure that all milk teeth fall out. Often, milk teeth, especially fangs, do not fall out on their own, while permanent teeth are already beginning to grow. If the extra tooth is not removed in time, it will interfere with the correct position of the permanent one, and over time it will begin to collapse, rot, which will lead to health problems in the dog.

Removal of teeth from a Toy is a little pleasant, time-consuming procedure (small teeth have disproportionately large roots, which prevents them from falling out on their own) and painful, but at the same time necessary. It is impossible to delay the removal, if the row of the dental system or bite is disturbed, the dog will be considered defective. Teeth are removed under local anesthesia. It is not advisable to take this problem to the nearest vet. clinic. There will hardly be an experienced dentist. Contact the nursery, the breeders will tell you who can competently and with the least loss remove a tooth for your pet.

The second problem of all small breeds is plaque (calculus), which very quickly destroys the dog's teeth, leading to the formation of caries and periodontal disease.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the teeth of a toy, remove tartar in time, and it is better not to allow its formation, otherwise by the age of two your pet will turn into a toothless old man. Of the folk remedies, the formation of plaque is prevented by tomatoes. Treat your kids once a week with a slice of tomato and trouble will bypass you.

In specialized stores for animals, special toothpastes for dogs and plaque remover are sold, but, believe me, the systematic use of fresh tomatoes in food is much more convenient and healthy.

Another feature of the health and maintenance of toys is long, powerful for such a baby. claws. The weight of the toy is not enough for the claws to wear down during the walk, as is usually the case with dogs of larger breeds. The claws quickly grow, bend, interfere with walking, and contribute to the development of the spread of the forelimbs.

Very often, a toy with uncut claws clings to the carpet and if the owner is not nearby, the dog can be seriously injured. Often such situations end in a dislocation or fracture of the limb, not to mention the stress that the dog has experienced. Therefore, the nails must be cut once a week, starting from a very early age. The sooner you start doing this, the faster the baby will quickly get used to this not very pleasant procedure.

The advice received about Toy health should include the following - the dog is very small, all processes in the body go very quickly. If you notice the slightest deviation in the health of your friend, immediately seek the advice of a specialist.

The main thing is not to waste time.


The onset of the disease in a toy terrier can be determined by the following signs

- general depressed state (the baby does not play, does not run out to meet you, lies (sits) in one place for a suspiciously long time);

Refusal of food (even if he takes goodies, but refused ordinary everyday food - you should pay attention);

Indigestion (diarrhea, constipation, droplets of blood in the urine or feces, formed feces - and mucus around). It must be remembered that a healthy toy does not have soft stools (except when new components are introduced into the diet, or if it overeats);

Snot, coughing - the impression that the baby choked (1-2 times choked, and more often - already coughing);

Vomit;

salivation;

Sour eyes, crusts around the nose;

A decrease in temperature (below 37.5 ° C) is just as dangerous as an increase;

convulsions;

Desire to hide in a dark corner.

Naturally, the toy should not have fleas. Like any other dog, a toy terrier must be treated for fleas, and in the warm season, also for ticks.

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, a temperature of 37.5 to 39 degrees is considered the norm, 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, as 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.

A Pomeranian or a Chihuahua is not just a pet as a fun toy, it is a living organism that requires careful supervision and care, you are solely responsible for its health.

The temperature in dogs or a puppy of a Yorkshire terrier, Pomeranian, Chihuahua or other breed of dog is a very important indicator of her well-being. An increase in temperature in a dog may indicate an illness in your dog. Therefore, in case of any indisposition of a puppy or an adult dog, the first thing to do is to take the temperature of the dog before visiting the veterinarian, your information will be very important and necessary for him.

Temperature Signs in Dogs

  • hot and dry nose
  • lethargy
  • refusal of food and water
  • nausea,
  • pale gums and tongue

If all the necessary measures are taken in time, the chances of recovery are greatly increased.

Four-legged friends can hardly tolerate air temperatures above 30 ⁰ C, the temperature in dogs rises and, in order to cool down, they breathe intensively with their tongue out. Also, the temperature in dogs can rise due to other factors: during estrus (in bitches), physical exertion, unrest, fear.

What is the normal temperature for dogs?

The temperature of a dog is different from that of a human body, it is slightly higher. Also, the temperature in a puppy is different from the temperature of an adult dog. The body temperature of an adult healthy dog ​​averages 37.5-38.5 ⁰ C, while a healthy puppy has a temperature half a degree higher (39.0 ⁰ C). Also, the temperature in a dog can vary depending on the breed, age, body weight, height. Large breed dogs have a lower body temperature than small breed dogs (Yorkshire terrier, Pomeranian spitz, Chihuahua).

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

  • Puppies of dogs of small breeds - 38.6⁰C-39.3⁰C
  • Puppies of dogs of medium breeds - 38.3⁰ C - 39.1⁰ C
  • Large breed puppies - 38.2⁰ C - 39.0⁰ C
  • Adult small breed dogs - 38.5⁰ C - 39.0⁰ C
  • Adult dogs of medium breeds - 37.5⁰ C; -39.0⁰ C
  • Adult dogs of large breeds - 37.4⁰ C - 38.3⁰ C
How to measure a dog's temperature?

To measure the temperature of a dog (adult) or the temperature of a puppy, you can use a medical mercury thermometer or an electronic one. If you use a mercury thermometer, then for accurate readings you need to measure 3-5 minutes, and an electronic thermometer, more convenient, gives readings within 10-15 seconds. It is desirable that a separate thermometer should be allocated for the animal so that family members do not use it for hygienic reasons.

How to take a dog's temperature

Many people ask us how to measure the temperature of a dog? The process of measuring the temperature itself is not difficult, but not always pleasant for your pet, therefore, teach your pet to this procedure from puppyhood.
  • The temperature in a dog is measured only through the rectum.
  • Fix the dog in a standing position, if this is not convenient, then in a prone position.
  • Prepare the thermometer, zero the readings, raise the dog's tail and slowly insert the thermometer 1.5-2 cm into the anus.
  • If such a procedure is the first for your adult dog, then you need to constantly talk to him affectionately and calmly, in no case shout, so that the dog is not frightened and is not in a stressful state, as this may affect the readings of the temperature measurement in the dog . If words of praise are not enough, then use treats as a reward so that the dog remains calm.
  • Perform this procedure with disposable gloves.
  • After this procedure, wash the thermometer under warm water and disinfect it with alcohol.

It is in the range from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. Small deviations are possible, both positive and negative. If it began to fall significantly below the permissible values, then you need to urgently deliver the pet to the clinic.

Low temperature in a dog Hypothermia is a characteristic of many diseases. Like, this condition can be dangerous. After giving first aid, be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian for examination.

An electronic thermometer is best for measuring a dog's temperature. Animals do not really like this procedure, so it is better to minimize its time.

If the dog is very frightened by the upcoming manipulations, then calm it down. You can cheer up your pet by talking to him in a gentle voice or offering a delicious treat.

  • disinfect the thermometer with a disinfectant solution;
  • lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a greasy baby cream or vaseline oil;
  • insert the thermometer into the dog's anus, after fixing it;
  • praise your pet after the procedure.

Disinfect the thermometer again and remove it, later it can be reused for both animals and people.

Causes of low temperature

Body temperature can drop for many reasons. There are 3 degrees of hypothermia:

  1. Light (up to 32 degrees).
  2. Moderate (up to 28 degrees).
  3. Heavy (less than 28 degrees).

If the dog's body temperature is below 36.5 degrees, then it must be immediately taken to a veterinary clinic.

Hypothermia can be primary (exposure to cold, immersion of the dog in cold water) and secondary (serious injury, extensive blood loss). The most common causes of low temperature:

  • hypothermia of the body in the winter season;
  • anesthesia during surgery;
  • exhaustion;
  • thermoregulation disorder in case of serious injuries, for example, craniocerebral;
  • diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver;
  • poisoning.

Also low body temperature due to the imperfection of their thermoregulation system. At the time when the mother dog left the kids, they must be placed under an infrared lamp or put on a heating pad. If this is not done, then the puppies begin to crawl in circles, show anxiety, they are cold and they feel abandoned.

The optimum temperature in the nest for newborns is about 30 degrees Celsius. Short-term hypothermia is not dangerous for puppies, but if the mother or a heating pad replacing her is not available for a long time, then they can die from hypothermia. In the process of growing babies, the temperature in the nest should gradually decrease. By 3 weeks, the puppies begin to work their own thermoregulation system and they no longer need additional heating.

In pregnant bitches, the temperature begins to drop as labor approaches. On average, it drops to 36.9-36.6 degrees, which means that puppies will be born within 24 hours. After opening the birth canal, the temperature returns to normal and even rises higher. Usually, by the expulsion of the last fetus, it ranges from 39 to 39.5 degrees.

Some dogs don't change their temperature before giving birth, so watch for other signs as well.

In the last days of pregnancy, be sure to monitor the behavior of the dog. Veterinarians advise taking temperature 2-4 times a day so as not to miss the onset of labor.

Symptoms

The best way to measure your dog's body temperature is to use a thermometer. If for some reason this is not possible, then pay attention to the visual signs of hypothermia:


If measures are not taken, then complications may develop: acute renal or cardiovascular failure, bronchopneumonia, pancreatitis. Be sure to show your pet to the veterinarian, as without treatment he may die.

First aid

With hypothermia, you need to deliver the animal to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Before this or during the trip, give the animal first aid:

  • Take your dog to a warm place. When you are away from home, you can go to the store or sit in a warm car;
  • Wrap your pet in a warm blanket or any heat-insulating material;
  • Have your dog drink warm water. It is strictly forbidden to use hot liquids, this can adversely affect the well-being of the animal;
  • Give your pet a light warming massage.

After that, immediately take the dog to the nearest veterinary clinic.


Treatment

Now let's talk about how to raise the dog's body temperature.

The dog is often prescribed droppers. The method of passive superficial and active internal warming of the animal is used.

With a slight decrease in body temperature, the animal is covered with heating pads and covered with a blanket in order to prevent further heat loss. With severe hypothermia, intravenous administration of warm solutions, gastric lavage, and warming enemas are added to these procedures. Upon reaching a body temperature of 36.7 degrees, the animal is given drugs to relieve pain attacks.

Important! The dog's body temperature should rise 1-2 degrees per hour. If warming occurs faster, then shock or pulmonary edema is possible.

Prevention

To prevent hypothermia in a dog living on the street, insulate her booth. It should not be blown by the wind or get wet. Put hay or straw in the dog house to keep the dog warm. Do not use blankets or old jackets for these purposes, they quickly get wet and covered with ice. Frozen things will not only not warm the dog, but on the contrary will cool its body.

Walking with a pet living in an apartment during the cold season should be carried out actively. It is better if they are not very long. Animals either need.

To prevent freezing of the paws, you can purchase boots or special protective dog socks. Do not use human fatty creams for these purposes, they will only worsen the situation.

In winter, the caloric content of the diet increases. This is especially important for young and active pets. Keep an eye on the condition of the dog, as emaciated animals freeze much faster.

If hypothermia still cannot be avoided, then immediately take the pet to a veterinary clinic.

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