If your dog is sick, it is very important to determine if she has a fever. This physiological indicator allows you to objectively assess the condition of the animal, as well as help you determine whether the pet needs urgent veterinary care. It's quite easy to measure the temperature of a dog. All you need is to have at your fingertips a regular medical thermometer (thermometer).

The normal temperature in dogs is in the range of 38 to 39 degrees.

A higher temperature is a signal that it is necessary to contact the veterinarian in the shortest possible time. Subjective tactile detection of the temperature of the ears, nose, or head is not a reliable method. The most accurate use of medical mercury or digital thermometers.

How to measure the temperature of a dog? What is the normal temperature of the dog? Methods for measuring temperature in animals.

Instructions on how to measure the temperature of a dog.

Dogs can react differently to this procedure, so it will be prudent to find an assistant to hold the dog for a few minutes.

Then do the following:

When using a mercury thermometer, do not forget to shake it with a quick hand movement. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or cream on a water base.
The helper must hold the head and the front of the dog's body.
Raise the tail and insert the thermometer slowly and carefully into the rectum, located just below the base of the tail to a depth of about 1.5-2 cm. The mercury thermometer should be held for 2 to 5 minutes, and the digital thermometer must be held for 2 to 5 minutes.
Remove the thermometer and record the measured temperature.

Ifyour dog has a body temperature below 38.0 degrees or more than 39.0 degrees, contact your veterinarian immediately. A high fever can mean that your dog is ill, possibly an infectious disease. The temperature below normal can be just as serious a factor, and points to other problems, for example shock, poisoning.

It happens that there is a need to measure the temperature of the dog. But not every dog can be clamped in the vise and stand the prescribed 2-3 minutes to find out more information about the state of her health. In this article, we will describe in more detail this not very pleasant procedure for a dog.

Some veterinarians say that if the dog can not be forced to measure the temperature, then it's healthy. It happens, but not always. It is advisable to measure the temperature of your dog before she could supposedly get sick. The fact is that the normal temperature for dogs varies within fairly wide limits. It depends on age, growth, breed and some special physiological conditions.

For example, during the heat it is increased. Also the temperature is increased in puppies, dogs small breeds (after all, their metabolism is faster), after a serious physical exertion. But a decrease in body temperature may occur in a pregnant dog just before delivery. It is to be sure that your pet has everything in order to measure its temperature periodically. In addition, such a familiar procedure will not cause stress in the animal, when there is a suspicion of the onset of the disease.

It is best for a dog to have a separate thermometer, which will lie in that box (or on that shelf), where all the medicines, combs and other accessories of your hairy friend lie. I propose to start an electronic thermometer. It should be taken into account that the electronic thermometer is not as accurate as the mercury thermometer and can slightly overestimate degrees. Even scary to imagine what would happen if the dog jerks sharply or sits down and the mercury thermometer can break. But even if this happened, do not panic. Give the dog one or two teaspoons of vegetable oil and call a veterinarian.

[To measure the temperature in dogs?] So, to measure the temperature in a dog, you need to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with baby cream or petroleum jelly, then rotate it into the dog's hole in the anus at 1.5-2 cm. It is better to put the dog on its side and raise its tail . If the dog is standing, then hold it by the root of the tail. Be sure to talk with the pet, calm him, stroke. After squeaking the thermometer, it still should not be taken out. The peep of the thermometer says that the rate of growth of the numbers on the thermometer has decreased. But it still exists. Wait for one more minute after the squeak. Then take out the thermometer and praise the dog for his patience.

One-time temperature measurement is not indicative. Measure it every hour. And if the condition of your pet makes you uneasy, go to the vet. A sheet with records, where the time and the thermometer will be indicated, will help greatly in the diagnosis.

What to do if the thermometer is not around or the dog is not given this procedure?

How to measure the temperature of a dog without a thermometer?

There are certain places on the body of the dog that can show its owner that the dog has a fever. Such places include ears. There are many blood vessels on the tips of the ears. Also, the groin area can be swollen and feel hotter than usual. In places near the groin and underarms of the hair is very small, so you can easily feel the skin of the skin. Touch the place under your armpits and near the groin you need warm hands and the back of your hand.

Another sign of the dog's heat is redness of the gums. Usually the gums of the dog look, like a man's pink and shiny. But if they have become red and dry, then this is the reason to be on the alert.

In addition, the dog's unhealthiness can be assumed by its behavior. Each attentive owner will immediately notice these changes from his pet. What are these signs?

drowsiness
appetite disorder
lack of playfulness
weakness
desire to retire
thirst

The dog seems to retreat into itself. If you have these signs, you should take a closer look at the dog's behavior.

It would be desirable to notice, that the raised temperature at a dog is a normal reaction of an organism to disease. It means that the body is at the height of the struggle and it is not always worth it to interfere. But everything should be prompted by a veterinarian.

What body temperature is normal for a dog?

As already mentioned at the beginning of the article, the body temperature of a dog depends on a large number of factors. But there is a threshold, the transition for which tells the owner that it's time to take action. Average body temperature adult dog is between 37.8 and 39.2 degrees Celsius. But if the dog's temperature is below average, then it can also talk about the ill health of the pet. For example, this way a dog can react to stress, experience shock or poisoning. If the temperature of your pet is below 37 degrees Celsius, be sure to wrap it and call a veterinarian.

In this article, we discussed how to measure the temperature of a dog. Now you know that sometimes you can manage without a thermometer. But without consulting a competent veterinarian to cope with fever in a dog I do not advise.

Dog body temperature is an important indicator of her well-being. When the first signs of malaise appear, measuring the temperature of a puppy or an adult dog is the first thing that a host needs to do before calling a veterinarian.

Normally, the temperature in dogs is usually somewhat higher than in humans. Average the body temperature of an adult dog is 37.5⁰ - 38.5⁰ C. In a healthy puppy, the temperature is usually higher by half a degree (~ 39 ° C). However, there are individual nuances that are determined, in particular, by age, breed, body weight and height, due to which the indicators of normal temperature differ slightly in each particular animal (for example, body temperature large dogs usually lower than that of small ones). In addition, a short-term temperature increase in a dog can be noted after physical exertion, from excitement or fear, during (at bitches), and also in hot weather.

Table of average values of normal temperature for puppies and adult dogs of small, medium and large breeds (⁰С):

When it is necessary to measure the temperature of the dog

The body temperature of a healthy dog is worth measuring before and after vaccinations, during pregnancy, and before and after childbirth (a sharp, as a rule, indicates that there is no more than a day left before delivery). Tribal puppies are measured according to a specific schedule, beginning with birth. As the dog grows up, the temperature is not always necessary, but it's good if the owner knows which indicators of normal temperature are characteristic of his pet.

General lethargy, refusal of food, pale gums and tongue, dry hot nose are good reasons for measuring the dog's temperature, not to mention more serious symptoms such as vomiting, convulsions, etc.

If the dog is seriously ill, it makes sense to keep a temperature map, recording daily the results of morning and evening measurements (they are better spent at the same time).

How to measure the temperature of a dog?

In order to determine the temperature of the dog, you can use a conventional medical thermometer, mercury or electronic. A mercury thermometer is cheaper, but with an electronic temperature measurement process it will take much less time. For hygienic reasons, it is necessary to allocate a separate thermometer for the dog, which other family members will not use. If there are several animals in the family, it is better to purchase a thermometer for each of them.

How to measure the temperature of a dog?

Temperature measurement is a simple procedure, but it requires the owner to carefully and carefully handle the dog in the process of conducting it. The temperature of dogsmeasured through the rectum. The first time these manipulations your pet may not like, but gradually he will get used to them. First of all, you need to prepare a thermometer. Reset the scale values, then cover the thermometer tip with petroleum jelly. The dog should be laid on its side, then gently lift the tail at the base and slowly introduce a thermometer for 1.5 - 2 cm into the anus. At home, you can also measure the temperature of the dog, fixing it in a standing position, just as veterinarians do in the clinic, but for an inexperienced host this method will be somewhat more difficult.

If you use an electronic thermometer, measuring the temperature of a dog will take no more than a minute, with a conventional thermometer you will have to wait a little longer, from 3 to 5 minutes. It is advisable to measure the temperature in a calm environment to exclude excitement or fright, because of which the dog can jump, break a thermometer and injure itself. During the temperature measurement, talk gently with the dog and encourage it to "yummy". You can accustom a pet to a team, for example, "Degree" or "Treat", so that in the future the dog knew what was waiting for her and calmly allowed her to measure the temperature. Be sure to praise the dog and give her a treat not only during, but also immediately after the completion of the procedure. Most animals tolerate the measurement of temperature quite calmly, if the owner does everything right from the very beginning. After you finish, the thermometer must be washed with soap and warm water and disinfected with alcohol, after which it should be washed and disinfected.

What should I do if my dog has high or low temperature?

First of all, it is necessary to understand what indicators are considered "low" or "high" temperature for a dog. Objectively, a low body temperature in a dog is characterized by an indicator of a thermometer from 37 ° C and lower, an increased body temperature in an adult dog from 39 ° and in a puppy from 39.5 ° and above. The temperature of the dog 40⁰, as a rule, indicates the presence of a serious disease. Especially dangerous is a gradual increase in temperature by 1 to 2 degrees without sudden jumps and falls. Here are just a few of the many possible reasons that a dog's body temperature falls or rises:

-heat: plague of dogs, pyroplasmosis, endometritis (in bitches), heat stroke, etc.

- low temperature: parvovirus enteritis (in puppies and young dogs), helminthic invasion, etc.

Unfortunately, not everyone understands that, in itself, a low or high fever in a dog is only evidence of the body's struggle with the disease, that is, a symptom, not the cause of the disease. However, often in such cases, the host thinks in approximately the following way: "So, the dog's temperature ... What to do?" And begins to look for veterinary and "dog" forums for answers to the questions "what to give the dog from the temperature", "how to knock down the temperature of the puppy" "How to lower the temperature of the dog" or, it is not easier - "treatment of temperature in dogs". A "treatment" here can be only one thing - an urgent visit to the clinic or call the vet at home!

Since the temperature itself is not a source of the disease, its "reduction" will not help to cope with the underlying disease that caused this temperature, and in some cases such interference will only worsen the situation.

If you find that the temperature of the dog is significantly different from the norm, the best thing to do is not to waste time on self-activity, but as quickly as possible to seek help from professionals.

How to understand that the dog is unwell, and she needs the help of a qualified specialist.

What indicators are considered the norm for dogs of different breeds, how to make a measurement to an animal and what to do if the values obtained do not fit within the limits of normal values.
And also cases when the animal needs to be shown to the vet as soon as possible.

What is the normal temperature?

Each dog has an individual body temperature and can be within
37,4 - 39,3 degrees Celsius.

There are some generalized data depending on the size of the breed and age:

In adult dogs

In puppies

When to pay attention

It makes sense to measure the temperature if your pet has the following symptoms:

How and what to measure

The body temperature of a dog is measured by a conventional thermometer, it can be mercury or electronic. The latter is more convenient to use, since the measurement takes less time (up to 30 seconds).

The device must be individual and after handling it must be washed and treated with alcohol. Hands also need to be washed well and disinfected.

For measurement it is required to perform a number of simple actions:

Disinfect the thermometer and oil its tip with a fat cream (petroleum jelly or ordinary child's).
Put the dog on its side (you can stand up if it is quiet).
Raise the tail upward, holding it by the base.
Insert the thermometer into the rectum to a depth of 2 cm.
Wait for the time required for the measurement (5 minutes or until the alarm sounds).
Carefully remove the appliance.

If everything is done correctly, the pet will not experience any discomfort.

A few tips to facilitate this procedure:

It is better to accustom the animal to measurements in childhood, then in adulthood this manipulation will not give you trouble.
Perform the manipulation of the command ("Treat" or any other at the discretion of the owner).
During the procedure, behave naturally and with a firm hand perform the measurement.
After the procedure, encourage the pet delicacy.

Possible reasons for the change

Temperature can rise when:

emotional shocks;

fright;

heat;

on hot days;

teething teeth;

reactions to vaccination;

diseases: plague, endometritis, inflammatory process, inflammation of joints, pyroplasmosis, adenovirus infection.

Temperature can fall when:

close childbirth (within 1 day);
diseases: parvovirus enteritis of puppies, helminthic invasion.

What if the temperature is not normal?

The temperature can rise and fall in the dog not only from physical and psychological factors, but also be symptom of a serious illness.

If the action of external factors you exclude, you should immediately show the pet to the veterinarian. He will make an examination and put a correct diagnosis, and after that will prescribe an effective treatment.

When the temperature rises up to 40 and above degrees or a significant decrease her visit to the vet should be immediate, even if you have determined that the reasons are due to physical changes.

If the change is caused by a clearly physiological factor or by teething, it is recommended to give a crushed tablet of analgin when it is increased. In case of ineffectiveness of this method, intramuscular injection of a mixture of three components is possible: no-shpas (0.2 ml), analgin (0.4 ml) and dimedrol (0.2 ml).

If a drop in temperature is observed, not related to, then the pet should be warmed (using a heating pad or a warm blanket) and urgently delivered to the animal care point or call the doctor at home.

If signs of an increase or decrease in temperature appear in dogs, it is recommended to immediately seek help from a veterinarian and only in the absence of this possibility can measures be taken to normalize it.

To list all reasons for the growth or fall of body temperature is impossible - there are too many. But if the owner knows what should be the normal temperature in dogs, he will notice the changes in time and turn to the veterinarian in time. Of course, if the owner can correctly measure the temperature.

Physiological Norm

The organism of a small puppy develops rapidly, learns to respond to the environment, learns to identify and defeat enemies. The puppy can freeze if the mother does not return for a long time from the hunt, so it is stored with heat. And the teeth are cut, the stomach learns to digest new food, eyes and ears open - countless processes! Therefore, the puppy has a slightly higher temperature than the adult dog - about 39 ° / 39.5 °.

By the half-year, the thermoregulation system "grows up," and with it the body temperature in dogs becomes conditionally constant, from 37.5 to 39 °. This is an individual indicator, and the norm for each dog is different. The average index, regardless of the breed and degree of wooliness - 38.5 °.

In naked dogs, the temperature is the same as that of hair-covered pets. Dwarf breeds in general are slightly higher than those of giant dogs. Short-haired dogs quickly overheat faster and are supercooled faster, so changes in body temperature depending on air temperature are more noticeable than dogs in thick fur coats.

It is important with a prophylactic goal to measure the temperature of a growing baby once a month, not trusting folk methods such as palpation of the nose. Upon reaching a year-old darling, the owner will already know the normal temperature of his pet's body, and it will not be mistaken, trying to reveal a change in one direction or another. About how to measure body temperature in a dog, is told just below.

Pathology or norm?

In addition, the fever in a dog can be a symptom of a chronic disease, an oncology, a disruption in the functioning of any body system. As a rule, in this case it is not a sudden jump, but a constantly raised temperature of 1-1.5 ° from the norm.

But high fever is not always a disease. The organism of dogs is influenced by many factors (individually, therefore general rules no). In some pets, the temperature is high immediately after awakening, in others it grows towards the end of the day (0.5 ° from the norm). The temperature can jump because of severe stress or excessive stress, due to heat or stuffiness. Therefore, noticing the temperature increase, be sure to try and identify other symptoms. But in any case, it is worthwhile to see a doctor, even if the visit proves to be an excessive precaution.

A constant high or, conversely, a low temperature in a dog can be a symptom of heart and vascular disease, a thyroid gland, hormonal disorders. The temperature drops during hypothermia and blood loss (including and with internal bleeding, imperceptible to the owner). When poisoning, the temperature can rise or fall rapidly, depending on the type of toxin. In early pregnancy and several hours before delivery, the temperature of the body of the expectant mother falls by 1-1.5 °, and this should not cause concern. Sometimes the temperature decreases after an unusually long walk, sharp loads, emotionally exhausting workouts.

The main mistake of an aspiring dog breeder is to think that a high fever is always a sign of illness, and a normal one is always a sign of health. This is not true. During the day and in some cases not associated with illness, the normal body temperature in dogs fluctuates slightly, within 1 °. Of course, if other symptoms are noticeable, be sure to show the pet to the doctor.

How correctly to measure temperature?

To measure the temperature, the dog is put on its side or put in a rack - as it is more convenient for a dog (if the pet is standing calmer, do not force it to lay it). The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with oil or petroleum jelly, and gently injected into the anal opening to a depth of about 1 cm (dogs up to 20 kg) or 1.5-2 cm (dogs weighing more than 20 kg). Calmly speak with the pet, act gently, without compulsion. The mercury thermometer (used only as a last resort) is held for 5 minutes, the electronic one - up to the sound signal.

Before you measure the temperature of the dog, make sure that you can simultaneously hold the pet in a stationary position and keep the thermometer. If the dog breaks out, it is better to invite an assistant: even an electronic thermometer can accidentally damage the intestine, not to mention a mercury thermometer in a glass flask.

What if the temperature is high?

At home (without the advice of a veterinarian) it is advisable not to use antipyretics. You can inject no-shpu or diphenhydramine with analgin (or papaverine), you can give nurofen or put a candle. But any human preparation is capable of causing serious harm to the health of the dog. As the reason of the raised or increased temperature is unknown, and it is not known, whether it is possible to lower it or her without risk of an exacerbation of an illness.

You can not dramatically cool the dog - water from the shower or obkladivat from head to foot with ice. A sudden temperature difference can cause shock, vasospasm, a stroke or. Cope with these conditions is difficult even with timely assistance!

But how to knock down the temperature of the dog, if there is no way to contact the doctor immediately? By the way, to go to the clinic at night is not necessary - just call and get advice, agreeing on a visit the next day. So, if the temperature is high, but below 40 °:

drink cool water, in small portions;

on the sides and back compresses (towel soaked in cold water, change as the heat);

to the paws and the occiput mound with ice bags (wrap the ice with a towel so that there is no local hypothermia);

if the room is hot, open the window (but do not allow a draft);

you can give from the temperature of the dog something from the "folk" antipyretic - anti-inflammatory collection, a decoction of chamomile, raspberry or currant (leaves), cooled to room temperature. In small portions, on a spoon;

put a few bottles of cold water on the floor. Most likely, the dog will lie next to them.

Measure the temperature every half hour. As soon as the picture improves, stop cooling and continue to monitor the temperature. In the near future, consult a doctor. If the temperature is above 40 °, the clinic should go immediately (or at least get through to the veterinarian).

What if the temperature is low?

If the dog has a low temperature (1-1.5 ° from the norm), the pet should be warmed - warm drink in small portions, warm compresses to the sides and back, warmers to the paws. After changing the temperature you need to watch to not overheat the pet. If the temperature is below 37 ° C, it is urgent for the clinic. But in any case, you need to see a doctor - even with trivial overcooling, you need to examine and assess the condition by a professional.

Please do not risk your pet's health! Do not rely on your own resources - contact your veterinarian.