Normal temperature in dogs

Some inexperienced dog owners believe that a dog's normal body temperature is the same as a human's, 36.6 degrees Celsius. This is a misconception. Although dogs are warm-blooded, their body temperature differs from that of humans. What is considered a normal temperature for a dog, what factors determine it, and whether there is a uniform temperature threshold for all breeds—these and other questions require a more detailed and professional examination.

Temperature norms for dogs

Dog breeds vary greatly, and animals can vary greatly in size, physiological characteristics, and other factors. Consequently, their normal temperatures can vary significantly.

The general norm of 37.5-38.5 would be too general, and therefore it is worth highlighting breed gradations at least by the size of the animal:

• Small breeds have the highest normal temperatures—over 38.5 degrees Celsius. The smallest dogs can have temperatures of 39.3 degrees Celsius for puppies and 39 degrees Celsius for adults.
• Medium-sized dogs have a temperature of 37.5 to 39 degrees.
• Large breed animals have a temperature of 37.4 to 38.3 for an adult, and 38.2-39 degrees for a puppy.

In addition to breed and size, dogs' temperature varies depending on their gender, physical condition, physiological state, age, and even personality. Therefore, it's impossible to provide a clear-cut norm for it like for humans.

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Why might the temperature rise?

When wondering what a dog's normal temperature is, people are most often concerned about their pet's elevated temperature. Does a rise in temperature always indicate illness? These concerns are understandable, as a human's elevated temperature is almost certainly a sign of illness. However, it turns out that's not the case with dogs. There are a number of possible causes of fever, and the most common are:

• Due to prolonged activity, after running and training.
• In hot weather.
• In a state of stress, fear, shock.
• During estrus in bitches.

A low temperature can also be a dangerous indicator, but it is worth knowing that it drops significantly in pregnant bitches before and after giving birth, as well as after walks or exposure to cold.

When should you measure your temperature?

Some dog owners wonder how often they should take their pet's temperature, and whether it's necessary for preventative purposes. In fact, there's no need to take temperature regularly or constantly if the dog is a healthy adult. Regular temperature measurements are only taken in purebred puppies during their first few days of life—caring owners even keep a chart of their little ones' body temperature changes. If the dog is sick, temperature measurements are taken twice a day. Diagnostic measurements are taken if illness is suspected or other alarming symptoms are observed.

There are some behavioral signs that indicate a dog may have a fever. Dogs' body temperature can't be determined by their nose; this is a big misconception. However, the animal's behavior can provide a lot of information. If the temperature is elevated, the dog will loll its tongue, breathe heavily, and try to lie down and spread its body wide. It may even try to lie in a puddle or other source of water to cool down. When the body temperature drops, on the contrary, it will try to curl up into a ball and become sluggish, sleepy. If you notice this behavior, and especially if it's accompanied by other unhealthy symptoms, it's essential to take a temperature reading. It's also a good idea to take the dog's temperature if it's injured, there's a risk of internal physical damage, or if there's a purulent infection, etc.

Warning signs

Knowing what a dog's temperature should be and noticing any deviations, every responsible owner will ask themselves whether they need to take their dog to the vet or whether they require medical attention. Temperature variations alone are not a warning sign if:

• The dog's behavior has not changed, it remains active and friendly.
• The coat is in good condition, lies close to the body and has a typical healthy shine.
• The animal's appetite is within normal limits.

But there are also a number of indicators that clearly indicate that the dog needs to be shown to the veterinarian, and as soon as possible:

• Breathing and heart rate are very rapid and do not go away and are not associated with increased activity.
• The dog refuses its usual food, and this lasts for more than a day.
• The dog is vomiting, salivating a lot, and has diarrhea.
• A persistent or intermittent feeling of restlessness is noticeable – this may be associated with pain.
• There are convulsions.

If you have these symptoms, or if you, as a sensitive owner, simply notice that something is wrong with your dog, you should contact a veterinarian.

Taking the temperature is all you can do yourself, and you shouldn't attempt anything else unless you have a veterinary education or extensive experience. Don't try to lower the temperature yourself, as you may be able to alleviate the symptom, but will you be able to cure the underlying condition?

An immediate home visit or a visit to the veterinarian is the best thing you can do for your pet in this situation. Delaying the problem is unavoidable, as in some cases, it can be fatal. Reducing a high temperature or raising a low temperature is only possible during transport to the veterinarian. Use heating pads, blankets, ice, or other cool objects, applying them gently and briefly.

Be attentive to your pet, its health and well-being, because a dog cannot express in words what hurts it and how it feels.

What to do if you have a fever

A fever in a dog may indicate inflammation, overheating, or infection. If the temperature exceeds 102.5°F (39.0°C), consult a veterinarian. If the temperature exceeds 102.5°F (39.5°C), seek immediate medical attention, especially if your pet becomes lethargic, refuses food and water, pants rapidly, or seeks a cooler location.

Don't try to reduce a dog's fever on your own using human medications. Even children's fever-reducing medications can be dangerous and toxic to dogs. Cooling with cold water or ice is also unacceptable. In this situation, the only correct solution is to consult a veterinarian and strictly follow their recommendations.

What to do if your temperature is low

A low body temperature may indicate hypothermia, blood loss, or exhaustion. If the temperature drops below 37.5°C (99.5°F), contact your veterinarian, even if your pet's behavior is normal.

If there's reason to believe your dog is cold—for example, after a walk in freezing temperatures, swimming in a pond, or being in a cold room—it's acceptable to gently warm the animal. Use a warm blanket, a hot water bottle wrapped in cloth, or a space heater, keeping a safe distance to avoid burns.

If your pet's body temperature drops without an obvious cause, don't take any measures on your own. Consult a veterinarian as soon as possible, as delays can worsen your pet's condition.

Knowing how to measure a dog's temperature helps owners quickly spot signs of illness and seek veterinary care. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of a speedy recovery.

You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.

Read also:

• How to measure a dog's temperature
• Heat in dogs
• Distemper in dogs