Everything you need to know about dog temperature. What is the normal temperature for a Yorkshire Terrier? Normal temperature in a small breed Chihuahua dog

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

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

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

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

The body temperature of dogs can rise during the heat, after intense training, active games, when the animal feels excitement, panic or fear. In estrus females, it is also possible to increase the performance.

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

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

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

When should you take your pet's temperature?

If the dog has no health problems, then there is no particular need for daily measurements. It is only important to know what it is normal for this particular pet.

Breeding puppies with good health indicators are recommended to regularly measure the body temperature, starting from birth. There are special charts for this.

In a pregnant bitch, the temperature is measured both before birth (this indicator indicates how soon the dog will whelp) and after the puppies are born. In dogs, before childbirth, the temperature indicators are significantly reduced. Before you also need to measure the temperature.

If the pet is sick, then 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

Do not rely on the folk method - determining the condition of the dog by its nose. According to this method, it turns out that if the pet's nose is hot and dry, then he is sick. This information is not related to the truth, since any healthy animal has such a nose during sleep, because a sleeping pet does not lick itself while sleeping. Dryness of the nose is not a reason to panic and seek help from a veterinarian.

If the pet is cheerful, has a normal reaction to the environment, has a good appetite, plays briskly, its coat has a shine and a snug fit to the body, then it has no health problems. A sick pet has the opposite condition described:

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

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

The reason for the change in indicators can be an inflammatory process, a variety of infections. Elevated body temperature in dogs is observed with heat stroke, piroplasmosis.

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

How is temperature measured in dogs?

For measurement, a conventional thermometer is used, you can take both mercury and modern electronic. The latter option is more welcome, since the measurement will take place in a shorter time - one to one and a half minutes, and with a mercury thermometer you will have to wait for the result from three to five minutes.

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

Before measuring the dog's temperature, it is necessary to grease the tip of the thermometer with a greasy baby cream or petroleum jelly for a more comfortable introduction.

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

You can enter a 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, it is necessary for him to raise his tail and insert a thermometer a couple of centimeters.

Often, dogs are frightened of the upcoming manipulations, they begin to hide, especially if this is done to her for the first time. Therefore, it is worthwhile to ensure silence and tranquility during the measurement. When the thermometer is just introduced, it is imperative to hold the dog so that it does not twitch, break the thermometer and injure itself.

After the pet has endured everything, it is necessary to encourage him with a treat and praise him for his patience.

Immediately after the procedure, the thermometer must be washed with soap and disinfected with a special agent or ordinary alcohol. The same must be done with your own hands.

If there is a desire, then the puppy can be taught a team with which the dog will calmly go to the measurements - these can be the words “Treated!”, “Thermometer!”, “Go measure!”. Hearing this, the dog will calmly wait until the procedure is over, without interfering with the process.

Our four-legged friends can get sick too. And the main indicator of their well-being is body temperature. Its deviation in one direction or another is a clear sign of ill health, which in no case can be ignored.

When the temperature is normal

Normal in dogs is the temperature from 37.5 to 39.5-39 ° C. But there are nuances that must be taken into account when measuring it. So, the body temperature of a puppy can be 39-39.5 ° C. Such a “heating” is necessary for young animals for better thermoregulation, or in case they have to wait a long time for their mother in the cold. Temperature indicators differ in dogs of different breeds and different weight categories. The smaller the dog, the higher its body temperature. You should also be aware that the temperature may rise briefly:

• after heavy workload
• during the flow
• in very hot weather
• from nervous tension

Knowledgeable people can determine exactly when a dog will start whelping. To do this, you need to regularly measure the rectal temperature. As soon as its performance drops to 36.9 - 36.5 degrees, you can be sure: the dog will bring offspring in the next day. At the same time, if the temperature before childbirth becomes high (above 39.5), this indicates a strong inflammatory process. It is urgent to consult a doctor to avoid big troubles.

Measure, do no harm

Taking the temperature of your beloved pet is not so difficult. For this, a mercury thermometer or its electronic equivalent is suitable. An electronic device is used most often: with it, the procedure is faster and calmer. But the usual temperature meter is no worse. The main thing is to use it correctly.

In order to measure the dog's temperature, you must:

• make sure the thermometer is set to zero
• lubricate the tip of the instrument with Vaseline
• put the dog on its side
• raise the tail
• carefully insert the thermometer into the anus by 1.5-2 cm
• hold a mercury thermometer for up to five minutes, an electronic one - until a beep
• take out the thermometer and record the result
• wash the thermometer thoroughly and wipe it with alcohol

It is very important not to be nervous when measuring temperature: negative emotions can be transmitted to the dog and the result will become inaccurate. It is better to cheer up the pet, gently talk to him, stroke him. He must feel that nothing terrible is happening. After the procedure, treat the dog with some treat, if, of course, health allows.

What does the temperature say?

If the dog is diagnosed with a serious diagnosis, temperature measurement should be taken daily - in the morning and in the evening. It is important not to forget to write down the indicators in a notebook: they will help the doctor in diagnosing and drawing up a treatment regimen.

Attention! Not always an increase or decrease in temperature is a pathology. With changes in normal indicators, it is important to assess the situation as a whole. Analyze whether the dog experienced stress, whether there was any serious physical exertion, what she ate the day before, how much time she spent in a stuffy room. Sometimes it is enough to eliminate the causes to bring the pet's condition back to normal.

Action algorithm

With temperature problems, many pet owners rush from one extreme to another. Someone is trying to find answers to questions on the Internet and on forums, someone is asking for advice from friends. Sometimes, after such treatment, the temperature really can be normalized, but the disease does not go anywhere and begins to progress over time, reducing the chances of recovery. Therefore, the first thing to do with any suspicion of a disease is to contact qualified veterinarians. The doctor will prescribe the correct treatment regimen, which will reduce the risk of complications and qualitatively solve the problem.

If it is not possible to promptly arrive at the clinic, in any case, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian by telephone.

At high temperatures (below 40°C) you can:

• give small amounts of cold water to drink
• apply a wet towel to the sides and back
• wrap the ice in a towel and apply to the paws and back of the head
• ventilate the room without drafts
• put a bowl of cold water on the floor

When the temperature exceeds 40 ° C, you need to act quickly. Urgently go to the veterinary clinic, where the dog can be helped.

At a temperature below the norm by 1-1.5 ° C, the following measures can be applied at home:

• periodically give warm drinks
• make warm compresses to the sides and back
• apply heating pads to the paws.

In the case when the temperature drops below 37 ° C, you need to urgently contact the clinic without wasting precious time.

Important! Do not treat your dog with human medicines: they can be harmful.

If at elevated or low temperatures the dog behaves as if nothing had happened, enjoys life, actively moves - perhaps it is absolutely healthy. You just need to understand what could provoke this imbalance and try to eliminate the cause. But just in case, it’s still better to play it safe and show your beloved pet to the doctor in order to rule out the disease. After all, the best medicine, as you know, is prevention.

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, with any malaise 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 - 38.2⁰C - 39.0⁰C
• 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

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

• 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 carrying out this procedure, wash the thermometer under warm water and disinfect it with alcohol.

In order to detect health problems in your pet in time, you need to know what temperature a dog has is considered normal, since its indicator is considered the key to proper development and physical activity. It is worth noting that there is no universal value for all four-legged friends, as in humans (36.6 ° C).

What temperature should a healthy dog ​​have?

Studies have found 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. It doesn’t build attention to small deviations, but if the dog’s body temperature has risen or dropped 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 specifying the following range: 37.5-39.3 ° C. If a person sweats for thermoregulation, then the animal is deprived of such an opportunity, so he often has to breathe with his mouth open. The normal temperature can rise even due to the stress experienced by the pet or other vivid emotions. All this is important to consider so as not to panic in vain.

Normal temperature in small breed dogs

If we compare representatives of large and small breeds, then there are some differences in the work of their body. To a greater extent, this applies to metabolic processes, which in the latter proceed at a high speed. This directly affects the temperature indicators. This pattern also applies to puppies when compared with adult animals. As for the temperature in dogs of small breeds, the 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 indicators will also slightly decrease. 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 the individual characteristics of a particular animal. For those who are interested in what body temperature is considered normal in a medium breed dog, the following indicators should be taken into account: 37.5-39 ° C (for puppies 38.3-39.1 ° C).

Normal temperature in large breed dogs

The most cold-blooded animals of all sizes are representatives of large breeds, which do not have such an active metabolism and, in comparison with babies, do not have such a frequent heartbeat. The temperature of a healthy dog ​​is considered normal, which is 37.4-38.3 ° C (for puppies 38.2-39 ° C). All the nuances regarding possible changes in the indicators indicated 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 the hormonal background. The new state of the pet is also reflected in the temperature. In most cases, the indicators either remain unchanged or fall, but not more than a degree. Given this, it is important to know what the normal body temperature of dogs is, so veterinarians recommend that all pet owners make changes from time to time in order to know the values ​​\u200b\u200bof a healthy pet.

What is the 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 when such changes are observed two days before the birth of babies. The temperature of the dog before childbirth should be measured twice: in the morning and in the evening, in order to be able to control the situation.

A situation is considered dangerous when, instead of a decrease, an increase in indicators even by 0.5-1 ° C is observed. This may indicate problems with the fetus or inflammation, so it's best to contact your veterinarian right away. Finding out what temperature in a dog is considered normal, it is worth noting that during the birth itself, the temperature rises to a normal value. This happens during the departure of amniotic fluid.

Temperature in a dog after childbirth

After the puppies are born, there should be no prolonged bleeding, and discharge, according to the norm, without an unpleasant odor. It is important to know what body temperature dogs have at this time, as the value rises and is approximately 39.5 ° C. Make sure that the indicators do not rise to 40 ° C and above. If fever is still observed, consult a doctor immediately, as this can be life-threatening for a new mother.

Low temperature in a dog

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

1. Light– 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 control the temperature every 15 minutes.
2. Moderate– up to 28°С. There is a decrease in heart rate, weakness in the muscles and arterial hypotension. The body should be warmed up using heating pads or a heater.
3. Deep– below 28°С. The work of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is disrupted. The dog may go into a coma.

Fever in a dog

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

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

What to give a dog for fever?

If there is no opportunity to take the animal to the clinic or invite the veterinarian home, then you need to help the pet on your own. There are a number of recommendations on how to bring down the temperature of the dog at home.

1. Take ice cubes, wrap them in a cloth and place them on your neck and inner thighs. You can take a wet towel and cover the animal with it. It is not recommended to deliberately wet the coat, as this will impair thermoregulation. It is important to consider that at high temperatures, the pet needs to drink, otherwise dehydration may occur.
2. It is recommended to ventilate the room where the sick dog is located. In summer you can use the air conditioner for cooling.
3. If you know what temperature a dog has is considered normal, and the value on the thermometer is much higher, then you can give the animal an antipyretic. The allowed dose is no more than 0.2 tablets, otherwise you can harm your pet. You can use analgin, nurofen or paracetamol. Puppies should be given baby products. Please note that the tablet only reduces the temperature, and you can cope with the cause of the ailment. Turning to the vet.

How to take a dog's temperature?

For measurements, it is necessary to use a medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. The second option is considered safer, more convenient and it will take no more than a minute to wait for measurements. It is better to find out from an early age what temperature in dogs is considered the norm, and the pet itself should be accustomed to the procedure in order to avoid aggressive behavior in the future. For the animal, it is necessary to allocate a separate thermometer. There is an instruction, at home:

1. Take a clean thermometer and disinfect it. Lubricate the tip with baby cream or petroleum jelly. If the dog is obedient, then it can stand, and if not, then lay it on its side. It is important that she be calm, otherwise nothing will work.
2. Raise the tail and with rotational movements insert the thermometer into the anus by about 1.5-2 cm, no deeper is needed. If the measurement is taken in a standing position, then so that she does not sit down, hold her firmly by the root of the tail.
3. During the procedure, praise and talk to your pet to calm him down. After the beep, it is recommended to wait another half a minute, and then, you can already remove the thermometer. Don't forget to praise and give treats.

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

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

1. There is an increased outflow of blood on the paws and ears, therefore, when the temperature rises, these parts of the body become hot to the touch. You need to touch them either with the back of your hand or with your cheek.
2. When figuring out how to determine the temperature in a dog, it is worth remembering another way - feeling the groin area and armpits. Here are the lymph nodes that increase in size if there is an infection or disease in the body. Temperatures are also rising in these areas.
3. Many even children know that the condition of an animal can be determined by its nose, if it has become hot, then there are problems.
4. Experts recommend looking into the pet's mouth and assessing the condition of the gums. If everything is normal, then they will be pink and wet. Any changes can be considered a signal of problems.

The body of every mammal is capable of fighting infections, diseases and other pathologies by raising body temperature. This is not a symptom at all, but a consequence of some condition of the animal. If you notice a deviation in the readings on the thermometer scale from the norm in your dog, then this can be an alarm signal for an early visit to the doctor and subsequent treatment of the disease.

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What temperature is considered normal?

There is no specific indicator of normal temperature for all animals. Its value depends on the breed of the pet, its physiology, current condition, age and even size. It is believed that the normal temperature in dogs can range from 37.2-39 degrees Celsius. The owner does not need to regularly measure it, causing inconvenience to himself and his pet. This should be done only in some cases, for example, after childbirth.

The temperature in dogs, in principle, should be higher compared to humans due to a more active metabolism in the body. For the same reason, in a puppy, the indicator in a thermometer can, as a rule, be higher compared to an adult animal. In a pregnant bitch before childbirth, the indicator on the thermometer decreases by several indicators (up to 38 and below), and after childbirth it can rise to 40. In these cases, no effect, much less treatment, is required.

Average values ​​for puppies and adults

Ways to measure temperature in dogs

There are several ways to determine if a dog has a fever, regardless of its breed:

1. Palpation of paws and ears. In these parts of the body, there is an increased outflow of blood, and therefore, with an increase in the indicators on the thermometer, these places become hot to the touch. Touch the paws and ears with the back of the hand or cheek.
2. Feeling the inguinal and axillary regions. These parts of the body contain lymph nodes that become inflamed when there is an infection or disease. If you notice swelling in the armpits and groin, and feel hot in these places, this may indicate the onset of a fever.
3. Nose examination. Many people know that normal body temperature in dogs is accompanied by a wet and cold nose. A cause for concern may be a situation in which your pet's nose is hot, and you notice a yellowish or greenish liquid coming out of the nostrils.
4. Changing the color and condition of the gums. A dog's normal body temperature should be accompanied by healthy pink gums that also remain moist. If during the examination you notice that the gums have become dry and hot, then there is cause for concern.
   Using a thermometer as a more accurate and reliable tool.
5. Condition after childbirth. Closely monitor the behavior and condition of the pet.

When is the best time to do the procedure?

Low or high body temperature in dogs can also be accompanied by changes in behavior. If you notice weakness, lethargy, solitude, and the dog also refuses food and usual entertainment, then something is most likely wrong with him. If there are any diseases, more serious symptoms such as indigestion, vomiting, bloody discharge may also occur. In these situations, it is better not to do anything extra and call a doctor immediately, since home treatment can only do harm.

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It is better to measure the temperature of a dog before and after childbirth, with stress, in the heat of summer, as well as in the presence of chills and goosebumps. Low or high temperature in these cases indicates a normal reaction of the body. There are not always prerequisites for bringing it down. I'll just have to check again in an hour. If everything is fine with the behavior and the pet does not refuse food, then there is no cause for concern and she does not need treatment.

In a healthy pregnant bitch, before giving birth, the body temperature drops by several degrees, and after giving birth it rises (as a rule, no more than 40 degrees). Therefore, a week before the appointed time, you can use a thermometer daily so as not to miss the appearance of puppies. It should also be remembered that in small breeds, normal body temperature may be higher than in large representatives.

Temperature measuring instruments

If you do not know how to take the temperature of a dog, then it does not matter. You just need to take a mercury or electronic thermometer. Each of your pets should have their own in order to avoid the transmission of infections, and simply for hygienic purposes. If you decide to measure the temperature, then take a mercury or electronic thermometer, lubricate it with cream (Vaseline) and gently insert a maximum of 2 cm (at least 1.5 cm) into the pet's anus. In this case, the pet can lie on its side or stand. After childbirth, it is better to carry out the manipulation in the supine position.

When you insert the thermometer into the rectum, do not forget to soothe your pet with strokes and kind words. In general, it is better to accustom a puppy at a young age to this procedure. To do this, after each measurement, do not forget to give your pet something tasty.

What to do with an increase (decrease) in temperature

At an elevated temperature of the dog (especially in the heat), you can give her a drink of cool water, you should also try to bring down the indicator on the thermometer before the doctor arrives. The main thing is not to engage in self-treatment in this situation! If an increase of up to 40 degrees or more is caused by unnatural stimuli (stress or heat), but by an infection or disease, then in any case you should consult a doctor and do not jump to conclusions.

With a decrease in degrees on the thermometer, a puppy or an adult pet of small and large breeds is warmed by wrapping it in a blanket. Sometimes this is enough to raise it and improve the condition.

Recall that a decrease in the indicator on the thermometer before childbirth in most cases can be a normal phenomenon. After giving birth, on the contrary, the temperature in dogs may be slightly elevated. But if her score soared to 40 and above, then this may indicate mastitis or other inflammation that requires inpatient treatment. Do not risk the health and life of your pet, call a doctor or go to the clinic yourself! Before the doctor arrives, you can try to bring down the temperature with an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine and no-shpa, and nothing more.