Do you own a furry little companion? However, do you have an idea of the normal dog temperature? Owning a pet is a lovely hobby. Why so? Because your cute little always keeps you entertained. Whether it’s that brain training you give your dogs to increase their IQ levels or just casually playing along with them, they are the sharpest of the four-legged breeds. Moreover, they tend to learn really quickly and are super intelligent. But all this comes with a big responsibility. When you keep dogs as pets, you are not only supposed to just let them sit in their kennel all day.
What is really important here is to always check your dog for their optimum body temperature. Now, the question arises here: what is the normal body temperature of these doggos? Well, keep your worries aside as we give you practical vet insight into understanding your dog’s temperature. So that your dog always stays healthy and plays with you!
Normal Dog Temperature
Dogs are beautiful creatures of nature. Whether it be that hiking breeds of dogs or any other mountainous cold breeds like that Siberian husky or the unique doodle dog breeds, for instance, pet owners must understand a dog’s typical temperature. The usual range of a dog’s body temperature is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). Assessing your dog’s health might be aided by taking their temperature with a digital thermometer about one inch into their rectum. In particular, young puppies with temperatures above 103 degrees Fahrenheit should always be treated by a veterinarian when they exhibit symptoms of high temperatures, such as heat stroke or fever in dogs. It’s possible to take quick action to preserve your dog’s health by being aware of their temperature and taking regular checks. Let us take a detailed overview of how we can actually check our dog for temperature.
How to Take Temperature for a Dog?
Ear Thermometers to Check Normal Dog Temperature
Using an ear thermometer is usually more straightforward for you and your dog.
To ensure a more comfortable experience, choose an ear thermometer during preparation.
- Insertion
Slide the thermometer very gently inside your dog’s ear.
- Observe the directions
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure accurate readings.
Rectal Temperature Measurement for Normal Dog Temperature
Rectal thermometers are accurate, but they must be handled carefully.
- Application
Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly or baby oil to make insertion easier.
- Insertion
Insert the thermometer gently into your dog’s rectum. Instructions: Strictly follow the
thermometer’s instructions to ensure proper use.
- Important Advice
Steer clear of glass thermometers; never use them on animals to avoid mishaps.
- Gentleness
Always handle your dog gently to reduce pain and anxiety. Adherence: Comply with all thermometer instructions for optimal outcomes.
A Dog Having High Temperature
Suddenly temperature rises? Your dog may be experiencing heat stroke, have a fever, or be overheating if their temperature is higher than 102.5°F. Acknowledge these indicators and know how to react.
Lethargy, shivering, appetite loss, and red or watery eyes are fever symptoms.
Signs that your dog is suffering of a heat stroke include excessive sweating, drooling, vomiting, clumsiness, and collapse.
Take prompt action to calm down your dog.
- Transfer them to an excellent, shaded spot.
- Provide little glasses of chilly (not icy) water.
- Take some cool water and wet their ears and paws.
- To assist in reducing their body temperature, use fans.
- Steer clear of ice and icy water since they can shock you.
Keep an eye on their condition, and call a veterinarian immediately if any symptoms intensify or continue. Prompt action will help avoid major issues and guarantee your dog’s recovery.
A Dog Having Low Temperature
Dogs can have mild to severe hypothermia when their body temperature falls below 99.5°F.
Indicators of canine hypothermia include;
- Rigid muscles and shivering
- Bewilderment and difficulty walking
- Weakness
- Pale, pink, or gray gums
- Feels cool to the touch
- Crack and astonishment
It might be fatal to suffer from severe hypothermia. To keep your dog warm, you must move fast. Now, How should you proceed?
- Put some warm blankets over your dog.
- Use a towel-wrapped water bottle that is warm, not hot.
- If they can drink, provide warm liquids.
- Make sure they are indoors and dry.
Consult a veterinarian at every stage of the procedure to ensure that you safely elevate your dog’s body temperature.
Basic Signs of Fever in Dogs
Dogs with fever typically have bacterial or viral infections. However, they can also have hazardous chemical intake as a cause. If your dog seems to be feverish, keep an eye out for these symptoms.
- Sluggishness
- Cozy nose and ears
- A parched nose
- Decreased hunger
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing
A fever usually indicates a severe infection or illness in your dog. Do not wait to take your dog to the veterinarian if you think its fever is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. It’s critical to respond quickly for your dog’s well-being and rehabilitation. Early detection of these symptoms can have a major impact on its health.
Final Thoughts
As we come to an end, knowing your dog body’s usual temperature is essential to understand their health. The average temperature range for a dog is usually between 99.5- and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, as you have discovered above in the blog. To ensure reliable readings, place the thermometer about an inch into your dog’s rectum when taking their temperature. Fever symptoms, such as elevated body temperature or sedentary behavior, suggest possible health issues, whereas low body temperature could indicate hypothermia. Depending on the situation, the first actions involve cooling with cool water or wrapping in warm blankets.
In conclusion, a piece of advice; if your dog’s temperature changes from the normal range, always contact your veterinarian, especially if they are newborn puppy of few weeks of age or senior dogs that could be at risk of heat stroke. Using ear or digital thermometers for routine monitoring guarantees that your dog’s health is immediately cared for. Care for your furry companion!