If you decide to purchase a dog of a particular breed, be prepared for the fact that, among other things, you will have to take care of your pet's health. And the first indicator, indicating the health of the dog (as, indeed, and any warm-blooded creature) is the body temperature. Therefore, a basic knowledge of what the temperature of dogs is a pledge to raise a healthy four-legged friend and to provide, if necessary, timely assistance.
Temperature of a healthy dog
First of all, it should be noted that, unlike a person, the indicator of normal temperature in dogs depends on several factors: breed, age, body weight, sex cycle, even weather conditions, not to mention individual characteristics. For adult dogs, the normal temperature ranges from 37.5 to 38.5 degrees. But for puppies it is normal to even raise the temperature to 39 degrees. In large dogs, the temperature may be somewhat lower than in dogs of small breeds . If the dog is in a stressful situation (excitement, fear or similar emotions) or experiences physical exertion, there may also be a brief rise in temperature. In addition, hot, dry weather - another factor that affects the temperature increase in dogs. The increase in temperature can be observed in young animals during the period of teething, especially of the indigenous ones (approximately at the age of three to nine months).
Some temperature jumps can be observed in bitches during a certain period of physiological development. So for a bitch, some temperature increase is quite normal. But, on the contrary, a decrease in temperature in a pregnant dog by several degrees is a sign of an approaching birth. The lowered temperature is normal and for newborn puppies - about 33-36 degrees. And only at the age of about two weeks the temperature will rise almost to normal.
There is an opinion that the dryness of the nose can serve as an indicator of fever in dogs. This is not quite the correct statement. Take a good look at your pet. During sleep, the nose of a healthy dog can also be dry. Therefore, the symptoms that indicate a fever in dogs can be considered the following: lethargy, pallor of the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue, refusal to eat more than a day, increased thirst, trembling, in some cases even vomiting. ATTENTION! The temperature above 41 degrees is dangerous for the life of the dog and requires immediate medical attention!
How to determine the temperature of a dog?
As noted above, the dog's temperature is a very individual indicator. Therefore, in order to clearly know which temperature can be considered normal in your dog, its (temperature) should be measured periodically. The measurement is performed rectally using a conventional thermometer, either mercury or electronic. The thermometer is reset, its tip should be smeared with petroleum jelly (baby cream) and slowly inserted into the rectum about 1-2 cm.