Like a person, for a dog, body temperature is one of the most important indicators of her overall well-being. Deviations from the norm indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. If the temperature is not increased, the dog's health is OK. So what body temperature in dogs is considered normal - this and talk.
What is the normal temperature of a healthy dog?
It should be noted at once that the temperature for a dog is normally somewhat higher than that of a human, and is always in the range from 37.5 to 39.3 ° C. In different animals, it is somewhat different, because it depends on many conditions, such as size, breed, age, sex, physiological condition and individual characteristics.
So, if we are talking about a puppy of small breed , its body temperature can be at 39.3 ° C and be considered normal. They are generally the "hot" representatives of the world of dogs.
The lowest temperature is experienced by adult large dogs. They have them in the range of 37.4-38.4 ° C. It can rise in hot weather, after walking and exercise, in heat , with excitement and fear.
In general, in order to represent what temperature a dog should have, you should know the approximate indicators of the normal temperature of your particular type and dog age, given in the table below.
Rules for measuring temperature in dogs
If you want to know what body temperature your dog has when it is normal, that is, what body temperature it is inherent in, you need to first get a separate thermometer, preferably not a mercury thermometer, but an electronic one.
The measurements are rectal, so be prepared for the dog not to like it. Be affectionate with the animal, distract him with conversations, calm him, treat him something delicious.
To introduce a thermometer to a dog is necessary when the dog is standing or lying on its side. The second method is more suitable for inexperienced hosts. In this case, you need to raise the dog's tail and slowly introduce the thermometer by 1-2 cm, depending on the size of the animal.
In the standing position, it is better to measure the temperature, if you already have experience of such an event. Usually this is how the procedure is performed in veterinary clinics.
In the process of measuring temperature, the animal should be calm, although for the first time it can experience fear and excitement. You can try to accustom your pet to a team like "thermometer", "treat", so that in the future he was ready for the procedure, and she passed quietly.