For most living beings, body temperature is the most important indicator, allowing you to quickly determine its state of health. In many cases, deviation from the norm is considered a sign of the onset of the disease and a great reason for calling a veterinarian. Therefore, any self-respecting owner of an animal must certainly understand what the normal temperature should be for his dog. Knowledge in this area will help save your pet at times of danger, they will make it possible to avoid mistakes.
What is the normal body temperature in dogs?
It turns out that the age of the animal and even its size affect this parameter. In a large breed puppy, the temperature is considered to be within the range 38.2 ° - 39.0 °. For a mature dog of the same breed, the average values are lower and range from 37.4 ° to 38.3 °. Babies of medium breeds have a body temperature a tenth of a degree higher - 38.3 ° - 39.1 °, and their adult parents - 37.5 ° - 39.0 °. The highest body temperature in representatives of miniature breeds is 38.6 ° - 39.3 ° in puppies and 38.5 ° - 39.0 ° in their parents, respectively.
It should also be borne in mind that the temperature is very influenced by physical activity and mental condition of the pet. After running or playing actively, especially in the heat, it can go up a little. The same is observed in the heat period, with strong excitement, with fright.
When should I measure the temperature of my pet?
Constant temperature control with a thermometer of an animal is not needed. It is necessary to check their condition after vaccinations, so as not to miss a major complication due to the reaction to the vaccine. Knowing what the temperature of your dog is considered quite normal, is useful in pregnancy. If the value on the thermometer has decreased, then we can expect the offensive genus in the bitch within the next 24 hours.
What are the signs of fever in dogs?
Even in the absence of a thermometer, an experienced dog breeder will easily see that the animal has disorders in the body. The symptoms are very simple and memorable - the nose becomes dry, visually a feeling of weakness, apathy, lack of appetite, paleness of tongue and gums. Very bad symptoms are bloody diarrhea with vomiting, leg cramps.
How to measure the temperature in dogs?
To find out the temperature of dogs using a thermometer, it should be injected gently into the rectum. In the veterinary clinic, this procedure is practiced in a standing position, but it is easier for a simple master to make measurements a little differently. First, the pet should be calmed down, forced to lie on its side, lift the tail up and insert the Vaseline-smeared device into the anus. An electronic thermometer measures a minute, and a mercury thermometer should be kept longer, about three to five minutes.