Body is one of the most important indicators of the health status of our pets. Even minor deviations from physiological norm signal about systemic functional failures, the development of diseases, infections, and inflammation. Temperature readings in most cases help to find out what the dog is sick with and determine the complexity of the situation.
To monitor the condition of their dogs, owners must regularly measure and monitor their pet’s temperature and know what is normal and what is abnormal. Having determined that the dog’s temperature is elevated or below the physiological norm, you can immediately take appropriate measures to normalize its condition. Let's look at how to correctly measure a dog's temperature and what signs can be used to determine fever without the use of special devices.
Throughout their lives, dogs are susceptible to a wide variety of pathologies and diseases. One of the indicators of general malaise, a sign of many diseases and infections, is a change in body temperature up or down. Therefore, dog breeders must know exactly what the normal body temperature of a pet should be.
Important! Temperature readings may have slight deviations from the physiological norm in dogs different breeds And age groups. In addition, the temperature may vary slightly throughout the day.
Normal general body temperature is healthy dog the average is 37.6-38.6 degrees. A puppy’s temperature readings are higher than those of young, adult pets – 38.8-39.1.
The body temperature of animals, as already noted, also depends on the time of day, breed, age, size, and weight. Therefore, they may differ slightly.
So, the older and larger the dog, the lower his temperature will be (37.5-38.3). For puppies, representatives of miniature, small decorative breeds (Yorkies, pugs, quinines, Italian greyhounds), temperature indicators vary from 38.2 to 38.8-39 degrees.
Important! A change in temperature of one or two degrees should be regarded by dog breeders as an alarming signal that should not be ignored.
A short-term slight increase in temperature is noted:
- after rest, sleep;
- suffered, emotional shock, excitement;
- physical activity, heavy loads;
- active outdoor games;
- after staying in a hot, stuffy room, after walking in the sun.
In bitches, the temperature rises by several degrees during estrus, especially during the period of rutting and sexual desire. Changes in indicators in females are also noted at, several days, hours before.
Read also: How many times a day should you feed your puppy? Healthy eating rules
To know what your dog's normal temperature should be, measure it twice a day (morning, evening) for seven days, recording the readings.
When to take your dog's temperature
Even if the dog is active, energetic, and feels normal, veterinarians recommend periodically taking control measurements for preventive purposes.
Despite the fact that this procedure is unpleasant for animals, a pet with early age. After the procedure, be sure to reward the dog with a treat and a gentle tone.
It is mandatory for dogs to have their temperature measured in the following cases:
- for sudden weight loss:
- in case of a sudden decrease in activity;
- unnatural, inappropriate behavior;
- if the dog had contact with stray, infected animals;
- refusal to feed, decreased appetite, indigestion;
- before and after , .
Measure the temperature if the dog constantly sleeps, is reluctant to go for a walk, looks lethargic, and apathetic. Causes for concern are: increased thirst, profuse mucous, mucous-catarrhal discharge from the eyes, nose, pallor, cyanosis of the mucous membranes.
These and other symptoms that are not typical for a healthy dog may indicate the development of systemic pathologies and diseases of various etiologies.
Healthy dogs should also have their temperature taken throughout pregnancy, before giving birth, and for several days after the birth of the offspring. The day before giving birth, the bitches’ temperature drops by about 0.5-1 degrees.
How to correctly measure a dog's temperature at home
To measure and find out your dog’s temperature, purchase a regular mercury or digital thermometer from a veterinary pharmacy. To facilitate the procedure, you will also need Vaseline or vegetable oil.
Advice! Using a regular thermometer, the procedure takes 5-6 minutes, and when using a digital thermometer, it takes no more than a minute. In addition, electronic devices provide a more accurate picture. Contact thermometers are also commercially available.
Body temperature is measured rectally. Before the procedure, calm the dog down in a gentle tone. Don't shout, don't use physical strength. Since the dog can break free during measurement, it is more convenient to carry out the procedure with an assistant who will properly fix the dog in the desired position.
We perform actions in the following sequence:
- Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline and oil. Calm the animal. The procedure takes place in as calm an environment as possible. The animal should not be scared or excited, as this will affect the indicators and they may be distorted.
- Lay the dog gently on its side, move its tail up and to the side. You can measure your pet's temperature while standing.
- Slowly insert the thermometer into the anus 2-2.5 cm.
- Constantly reassure the dog, make sure that it does not make sudden movements.
Read also: How to understand that a dog wants to go to the toilet: we study the habits and behavior of the pet
After five minutes, remove and record the obtained readings. Hold digital until a beep appears. Reward the dog with a treat, praise the pet, wipe the thermometer with alcohol and put it in a protective case, put it away. Please note that the thermometer should only belong to your pet!
How to find out temperature without a thermometer
If you don’t have a thermometer at hand, you can determine the temperature without a thermometer. Any changes or deviations from the norm will affect the condition and behavior of your dog. In addition, there are certain points on the animal’s body that can be used to determine whether the dog has a fever.
You can find out your dog’s body temperature without a digital mercury thermometer:
- along the nose, ears;
- condition of mucous membranes, gums;
- behavior;
- appearance;
- skin condition.
Without a thermometer, you can determine your dog's temperature by looking at his nose. In extreme heat, high temperature your pet's nose will be warm and hot to the touch. White stains, dry crusts, and scabs are noticeable on the lobe. Healthy dogs have a moist, clean nose, and the color of the earlobe is not changed. There should be no discharge from the nostrils. But do not forget that a dry dog nose does not always indicate a high temperature. For example, a warm earlobe can be after sleep, active games, or a walk in warm weather.
Touch back side palms to armpits, groin area. With hyperthermia, if the dog has a fever, these places will be hot to the touch. The skin is stretched and slightly swollen.
If the fever is due to infection, palpate regional lymph nodes. They will be hot, painful, and enlarged due to inflammation.
Look at your pet's gums. If the dog has a fever, the mucous membranes will be pale, anemic or, conversely, hyperemic. At high temperatures, gums are often swollen, dry, warm, bright orange, scarlet in color. A healthy dog's mucous membranes are moist and pale pink. There should be no sores or ulcerations on their surface.
Touch the dogs' ears and paws. There are many blood vessels running through these areas, so if your dog has a fever, they will be hot.
In a dog, not only the general, but also the local temperature increases when the inflammatory process is localized in any organ or part of the body. For example, the skin may be hot in the area of the wound, if the auricle or paws are damaged. But you shouldn’t relax, since inflammation develops quickly without treatment, and the local temperature often provokes fever and fever.
Other signs of fever in dogs
Fever in dogs always manifests itself as an increase in temperature by several degrees. Note that elevated temperature is a kind of protective reaction of the body. When it increases, a certain part of the brain is activated, which is responsible for thermoregulation and most pathogenic agents die instantly due to high temperature.
Elevated temperature (hyperthermia) in dogs, as in humans, usually indicates health problems. A dog owner needs to be able to recognize signs of a fever in their pet, as well as be able to take its temperature and provide first aid before seeing a veterinarian.
What to do if your dog has a fever?
To determine whether your dog's body temperature is elevated, you need to know what is considered normal.
Normal temperature in a dog
The normal body temperature of a dog is higher than that of a person, and is slightly different in dogs and puppies of large and small breeds.
The average body temperature of a dog can range from 37.5 to 39 degrees:
- in large breed dogs it reaches 37.4-38.3 degrees;
- in dogs of medium breeds – 37.5-39 degrees;
- in small breed dogs – 38.5-39 degrees;
- in puppies - from 38.2 to 39.3 depending on the breed.
With such a wide range, it can be difficult to determine exactly what temperature your dog might be considered elevated. Therefore, it is recommended that every owner know the average normal temperature of their dog.
To do this, measure the animal's temperature several times when it is healthy and in a calm state. You can determine the average value for yourself and consider it the norm.
A temperature higher than that is considered elevated normal indicator on 1.5-2 degrees.
An elevated temperature is usually accompanied by certain signs that the dog owner should study in order to notice in time possible violation pet's health.
Signs of a high temperature in a dog:
- lethargy;
- dry nose;
- poor appetite;
- light lips and tongue;
- the desire to settle down in a cool place - on the bathroom floor, on cold tiles;
- with a significant increase - vomiting, convulsions.
How to take a dog's temperature
To measure, you can use a mercury or electronic medical thermometer. Dogs' body temperature is measured rectally, so it is advisable to have a separate thermometer for your pet.
To measure, lay the dog on its side, lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline and, raising the tail, carefully insert the thermometer into the dog’s rectum to a depth of 1.5-2 cm.
During the measurement, it is advisable to talk affectionately to your pet, you can give him a treat. You should hold the dog so that it does not jump up with the thermometer and break it. It is advisable to accustom the dog to a certain command “Treat” or “Thermometer” so that it gets used to such a procedure and is not afraid of it.
To take a measurement with a mercury thermometer, you will have to wait about 5 minutes; for an electronic one, one minute is enough.
How to measure a puppy's temperature
If your puppy is a very small breed, it is better to purchase an electronic thermometer for him, since such a thermometer has a thinner tip than a mercury thermometer. In addition, you will not have to hold your pet for so long - after all, puppies can behave more restlessly than adult animals. Reward your baby with treats.
The rest of the procedure is the same.
Why does my dog have a fever?
An increase in temperature tells the owner about some abnormality in the dog’s body or disease. Most often, hyperthermia is observed in the following cases:
- eruption of permanent teeth in puppies;
- overheating (especially in summer, in the heat);
- after vaccinations;
- allergic reactions;
- stress;
- infectious diseases;
- joint inflammation;
- suppuration of wounds.
It should be remembered that among infectious diseases, at which the temperature rises, there are also very dangerous ones, for example, plague, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis etc. Therefore, if you find an increase in the dog’s body temperature by 1.5-2 degrees, and especially - up to 40-41 degrees, you need immediately show the dog to the veterinarian.
How to reduce a dog's temperature
What to do if your dog has a fever? Before your dog is examined by a veterinarian, there are several steps you can take to help ease your pet's condition:
- give the dog something to drink;
- lightly moisten the wool or cover with a damp, cool towel;
- You can apply ice packs to the dog’s neck and inner thighs;
- open a window or turn on the air conditioner;
- with significant hyperthermia, you can give your pet antipyretic drugs based on paracetamol. The dose should definitely be checked with your veterinarian!
But even if you have lowered your pet’s temperature, do not delay a visit to the veterinarian! You don't know what causes hyperthermia. It is better to play it safe and make sure that the dog does not have serious infectious diseases.
Low temperature in a dog
Low body temperature, or hypothermia, may also indicate various diseases your pet.
In what cases does a dog have a low temperature? Most often the reasons are:
- parvovirus enteritis is a rather dangerous infectious disease;
- helminthic infestation;
- poisoning;
- significant blood loss;
- prolonged hypothermia;
- dehydration;
- the approach of labor in pregnant bitches (by this sign it can be determined that labor will occur in less than a day).
Signs of hypothermia:
- weakness, drowsiness, trembling paws - with a slight drop in temperature (up to 32 degrees);
- slow pulse, decreased blood pressure, severe muscle weakness - with moderate hypothermia (from 32 to 28 degrees);
- dilated pupils, impaired breathing and heartbeat, coma - with significant hyperthermia (below 28 degrees).
Since hypothermia can occur at quite dangerous diseases and lead to the development of serious consequences for the animal, you should immediately show the dog to the veterinarian!
Before seeing a doctor, you can wrap the animal in a woolen blanket, place it on a heating pad, and if there is significant hypothermia, do an enema with warm water. Keep in mind that prolonged hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest.
Monitor your pet's condition!
So, if you are a happy dog owner, you need to learn to notice in time the symptoms of an increase or decrease in your pet’s temperature, as well as other manifestations possible diseases and ailments.
Remember that when vaccinating your puppy, you need to monitor its temperature and measure it regularly. It is also recommended to regularly measure the temperature of pregnant bitches to avoid pregnancy complications and determine the onset of labor.
If you are attentive to your pet, you will quickly learn to distinguish his bad health from good, and immediately take measures to cure the dog. And your pet will delight you with excellent health and loud, cheerful barking!
A dog’s body temperature is a question that worries many four-legged owners. After all, there can be many reasons for both its growth and its decline. However, knowing about the normal temperature that your pet should have, it is much easier to detect the problem and begin the required treatment. Correctly measuring the temperature of an adult dog or puppy is not difficult, but there are some subtleties here too.
First, you need to understand exactly what is considered the temperature norm. In a puppy of any breed, an elevated temperature can most often be measured before the age of six months. It stays within 39 degrees. If we do not talk about the presence of inflammatory processes in the body, then there may be several reasons for its fluctuations in healthy babies:
- due to the growth and development of systems, internal organs;
- reaction to the environment, external stimuli;
- an insufficiently established thermoregulation mechanism (for example, in the absence of the mother, the body cools down, and in the summer when it’s hot, the puppy’s temperature will have to be measured more often, as it will rise);
- teething.
The temperature in dogs of such a young age is not a static indicator, and in order to know what is normal for a puppy, you should measure it at least once a week. A wet and cold nose is not a completely reliable criterion for the health of an animal, which is mistakenly trusted by supporters of traditional methods.
Features of body temperature of adult pets
A mature dog already has conventional body temperature values, which vary from 37.5 to 39 degrees depending on a number of factors. For example, the degree of hairiness does not play a role and is not a determining factor in what the temperature norm for an animal should be. But pets of dwarf breeds, if you measure their temperature and compare them with the indicators of larger dogs, have always been distinguished by greater heat transfer. Human short-haired friends succumb to overheating and hypothermia much faster than their counterparts with thick woolen coats.
In addition, a dog’s body temperature, just like a person’s, is the main indicator of the presence of an infection in the body or the occurrence of an inflammatory pathological process. Of course, if the increase is not caused by weather conditions: it is quite possible that in the heat the body temperature will be higher than normal. However, additional symptoms are a clear signal that it’s time to sound the alarm. For objective information about your pet’s condition, it is advisable to measure its temperature several times during the day. If an increased or decreased temperature (by 1-1.5 degrees) has been regularly observed over the course of a week, the body is probably affected by some kind of disease.
Causes of changes in a dog's body temperature
Most often, the high temperature of dogs, which had to be measured day after day, indicated:
- hormonal imbalances in the body;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- endocrine system disorders;
- internal bleeding;
- intoxication of the body.
No matter what temperature your dogs have, there is no need to panic. In addition to pathologies, other circumstances can also affect the animal’s body:
- after sleep or towards the end of the day, some animals may experience a slight increase of no more than 0.5 degrees. Meanwhile, dogs' normal body temperature may drop during sleep.
- Stress or excessive exercise can cause an increase in body temperature;
- in case of prolonged exposure to the street, where it is cold or very hot.
If there is the slightest doubt, you should immediately measure the dog’s temperature. It’s great if, worried about the pet, the owner has to go with him to the veterinarian, who will say that everything is fine with the dog. This visit will be carried out for preventive purposes. If during the examination one of the above diseases is discovered, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
In order to measure the temperature of a furry pet, the dog is usually laid on its side or placed on its paws. The main thing is that the animal remains calm. You should not put your pet down by force. Once you are at peace with yourself, you need to begin the procedure. Once you start measuring your dog’s temperature, you should constantly talk to it, pet it, and act gently and naturally. In order for the thermometer to enter the anus without pain, its tip must be lubricated with a lubricant (vaseline is ideal for this purpose). Immersion of 1 cm is enough if the pet’s weight does not exceed 20 kg, but if the temperature of a large breed dog has to be measured, then it can be moved another 1 cm. In the absence of an electronic device, you can only use a mercury device, although the advantage in convenience and safety is given to the first.
The main recommendation before measuring the temperature of dogs is the following: you should not start the procedure if there is no confidence that you will be able to hold the four-legged one yourself and, perhaps at such a moment, even aggressive dog. It is better to find yourself an assistant in advance. The point here is not only the danger for the owner, which is threatened by an angry pet. If you measure the temperature incorrectly, you can damage the integrity of the intestine or injure the anus, which will require additional treatment.
First aid for high and low temperatures
No matter what the thermometer shows, no matter what the dog’s temperature is, the norm can only be achieved by consulting a doctor. It is strictly prohibited to arbitrarily prescribe treatment to an animal, and even with drugs intended for humans. Not all components are suitable for temperature balancing human body, can benefit dogs. But this does not mean at all that you need to sit back and do nothing.
In case of elevated temperatures, the following actions can be considered as optimal first aid measures:
- Give the animal to drink cool water in small portions.
- Cover your back and sides with towels soaked in cold water.
- Apply ice wrapped in cloth between the ears and to the paws.
At low temperatures, the owner’s only goal will be to warm the tailed pet. The actions are almost the same as those that need to be performed at elevated temperatures. But there is one difference: instead of ice there are warm heating pads, instead of cold water there is warm water.
At the first opportunity, the dog must be shown to a specialist. You should not risk the health of your faithful and devoted friend.
It is known that normal temperature in dogs is the key to proper development and physical activity. It is its indicators that indicate the health and well-being of the animal as a whole. It does not have constant indicators; it is individual for each breed. If in the human body body temperature is regulated by sweating, then dogs cannot sweat, since only some breeds have sweat glands, the rest cool their body by breathing frequently and sticking their tongue out.
Normal temperatures in dogs can vary throughout the day, especially as they age. Significant deviations in one direction or another indicate the presence of some kind of disease.
For a healthy animal, the normal temperature should be 37.5°–39.3°. The indicator may vary depending on the physiology, age of the dog, the environment where it is located and the breed.
In addition to size and age, a slight increase in temperature (0.5–1.5 ° C) may occur in hot weather. The animal is looking for a cool place, breathing frequently. Large dog breeds have a particularly hard time withstanding heat.
Emotions play a very important role for dogs; for example, when they are frightened, in an aggressive state or overexcited, the temperature can jump. This is normal physiology and you should not be afraid of it.
Important! If the temperature deviates significantly from the norm, especially in the presence of other clearly observable symptoms of the disease, the animal should be immediately shown to a veterinarian.
A certain dependence of the temperature of dogs on breed, age and size was revealed. For example, in small dogs it is slightly higher than in adults. This happens due to metabolic processes in the body - in puppies they pass faster, therefore, the puppy’s body is much warmer in comparison with an adult dog. Moreover, the heart rate of puppies is also higher and ranges from 60 to 120 beats/min. If the normal temperature in a healthy dog is 37.5° and higher (up to 38.5°C), then in puppies it is about 1 degree higher.
Below is a table of average body temperatures depending on the age and size of the animal:
But there is individual characteristics, which affect the deviation of values from the norm, they exist in every breed and in every specific animal. This is associated, for example, with physical exertion, a state of fear, during childbirth or during the female’s estrus.
Timely treatment and diagnosis are the key to successful recovery from even serious illnesses. That is why monitoring changes in temperature and health is considered the main task of a dog owner if he decides to get one and place it in his home.
Important! If the pet refuses to eat and drink, and the nose has become dry, possibly hot, when other signs of illness are observed, then the most correct thing to do is the right decision- measure body temperature.
For these purposes, you can use a conventional medical thermometer: electronic or mercury. This manipulation is not difficult, but it still requires careful handling with a dog.
Measurements are made by inserting a thermometer into the rectum (anus):
- First, the thermometer should be completely zeroed and lubricate its tip with Vaseline.
- The animal is laid on its side, the tail rises slightly, slowly and very carefully the measuring device is inserted into the depths of the anus, about 2 cm.
- The dog at this moment must be absolutely calm; excitement or fear are unacceptable, since they can provoke an increase in temperature values. Also, if the dog suddenly jumps up, it can injure itself or break the thermometer, so the animal should be secured in a lying position if possible. To calm her down or as a reward, you can give her some goodies.
- Positive emotions have a beneficial effect on the animal, so it should be praised both before and after the procedure.
To measure the temperature mercury thermometer It’s very inconvenient because it will take at least 5 minutes. It is much easier to measure it electronically - it will show the exact result in just 1 minute.
Therefore, it is more advisable to purchase an electronic thermometer, especially if the pet participates in exhibitions or competitions, because such dogs should have their temperature measured several times a day.
To understand the reasons for the increase in body temperature in a dog, you need to know the main features of heat exchange processes. In a calm state, the animal receives the required amount of heat and must release the same amount of heat into the environment.
When the body receives significantly more than it is capable of releasing, the dog develops a fever, which contributes to disturbances in the functioning of the body and vital processes in it.
Symptoms accompanied by an increase in body temperature in a dog:
- loss of appetite (complete or partial);
- lethargy and weakness;
- gastrointestinal disorder (diarrhea);
- vomiting or frequent urge to vomit;
- complete refusal of normal activity;
- dryness of the nose, sometimes it can be hot;
- the appearance of seizures;
- hair loss.
Remember! A high temperature is only a symptom of some disease, so if it is present, the animal should be diagnosed to identify the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.
Several main reasons for a drop or rise in temperature:
- A significant increase in indicators may indicate the development of piroplasmosis, endometritis (usually in females), when receiving heatstroke and so on.
- A decrease in value may be evidence of parvovirus enteritis (in young individuals or puppies), the presence of helminthic infestations, and so on.
That is why it is very important to know what the animal’s temperature is. Unfortunately, not every dog breeder understands that low or high temperature is only a symptom, the result of the pet’s body’s struggle, and not the disease itself.
In such a case, consultation with a veterinarian is simply necessary. You can call a specialist to your home or take your pet to the veterinary hospital yourself. During transportation, the following rules should be followed if the temperature:
- above 40° C - the dog should be disturbed less, if possible, put cold on the body (a bag of ice);
- 36.5° C and below - the dog needs to be wrapped up and a warm heating pad applied to the body so that the animal does not become hypothermic.
Regardless of what temperature the dog has (high or low), self-medication is extremely undesirable. If you bring down a high temperature before visiting a veterinary hospital, then there is a possibility that: firstly, you can greatly aggravate both the dog’s condition and the disease itself, and secondly, it will make it difficult to establish the correct diagnosis.
Important! Only after a correct diagnosis in a veterinary clinic, the type of infection, the severity of the disease and the prescription of therapy can be started. drug treatment as prescribed by a veterinarian.
The owner of a sick dog can independently try to bring down the high temperature a little to make the pet feel better, before starting full-scale treatment. These simple steps will help avoid dehydration of the animal’s body at elevated temperatures:
- ventilate the room;
- cool the room by at least 2° C;
- curtain the windows with thick fabric or curtains to protect it from the sun's rays;
- wet a regular cloth in cool water and apply it to the dog’s tummy;
- Place a bowl of cold water next to it, changing it regularly.
Medication methods should be used exclusively in emergency cases, when the temperature is much higher than normal and exceeds 40.5 ° C:
- An injection is considered an effective antipyretic. The injection should consist of: 2 ml of analgin solution, 1 ml of no-shpa in liquid form and 0.5 ml of diphenhydramine. The injection is administered intramuscularly.
- If it is not possible to give an injection, then you can give the dog 0.2 tablets (this is one fifth): analgin, paracetamol, diphenhydramine or suprastin. Any of the above remedies can bring down a high fever. The main thing is not to exceed the dosage, as this is very dangerous for the health of the animal.
- What is the treatment method for puppies? To reduce the fever, the baby should be given children's medications. Products intended for adults are strictly prohibited from being given to puppies.
It is best to use medications specifically designed for dogs, for example: vedaprofen(quadrisol) and carprofen(Rimadyl). These medications are safe for animals, unlike most analogues used in human treatment.
Even if you managed to cope with the fever, you do not need to calm yourself down; you should definitely show the dog to a veterinarian to find out the reasons for what happened.
The body temperature of dogs, like other pets, depends on various exo- and endogenous factors and processes occurring in the body. At the same time, there is a physiological threshold that signals that animal owners must immediately take measures aimed at normalizing the pet’s condition.
An increase or decrease in temperature in dogs may indicate:
- development of inflammatory processes in the body;
- exacerbation of chronic, latent ailments;
- suffered severe stress;
- development allergic reactions in the pet's body;
- poisoning with strong poisons, toxins, salts heavy metals;
- hypothermia, overheating of the body.
A drop in temperature in a pregnant bitch may occur a day before labor activity. A slight increase in temperature is noted after intense physical exertion, especially during the hot period of the year, and severe thirst.
Important! U healthy dogs Large, medium-sized breeds have a normal body temperature of 37.5-38-39 degrees Celsius. In puppies, small breeds this indicator can be overestimated by no more than 0.5-1 degrees.
An increase in this indicator is often noted in puppies due to imperfect thermoregulation, in dogs of small, decorative breeds such as Yorkies, miniature pinschers, Spitz. As you can see, physiological indicators depend on the breed and size of the dog.
If you notice any uncharacteristic changes in the behavior of your beloved dog, a slight deterioration in the condition pet, but the clinical symptoms and manifestations are weak and do not appear clearly, be sure to measure the animal’s body temperature. If it is very high/low (below 37 degrees), immediately seek help from a veterinarian!
How to measure or determine temperature?
The dog's general body temperature is measured rectally, that is, through the rectum. To carry out this procedure, it is worth purchasing a separate mercury or electronic thermometer for your pet, which should always be in your home veterinary medicine cabinet.
It is immediately worth noting that tactile determination of temperature indicators may be unreliable. Often, pet owners determine the body temperature of their pet by the moisture of the nose and ears.
If you don't have a thermometer at hand, reliable sign heat in dogs - reddening of the gums. Dogs with high temperatures also experience:
- decreased physical activity;
- lethargy, drowsiness, apathy, depression;
- desire to be alone;
- excessive salivation (salivation);
- loss of appetite, refusal of favorite treats;
- increased thirst.
If you carefully observe your four-toed friend, you will notice that the dogs have a dry, warm nose after waking up. In older animals, the functioning of the secretory glands, which produce secretions that moisturize the nose lobe, deteriorates, so the nose lobe will be almost dry and constantly warm.
We measure with a thermometer
Before measuring a dog's body temperature, the dog must be calmed. It is advisable to enlist the support of one of your relatives or friends, since although this procedure is absolutely painless for animals, such manipulations can cause discomfort. The assistant must hold the animal's head and secure the body well in the desired position.
The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with Vaseline, any vegetable oil, baby cream, which will reduce discomfort when inserting the thermometer. It is best to place the dog on its side. If your pet shows aggression, put a muzzle on the dog or secure the jaws with a bandage.
Lifting the tail, carefully, using rotational movements, insert the thermometer into the anus 1.5-2.5 cm. During the procedure, talk in a gentle tone to the animal, and after completing the manipulations, be sure to reward it with a tasty treat.
When measuring your temperature with a mercury thermometer, hold the thermometer in your rectum for at least three to five minutes. When using electronic (digital), wait for the characteristic sound signal, then remove the thermometer after a minute. After the manipulation, write down the measurement indicators on a plate, indicating the indicators and the time when the dog’s temperature was measured. Such results will greatly help the veterinarian when making a diagnosis.
Don't forget to disinfect the thermometer after measuring your dog's body temperature with antiseptic agents. You can simply wash the thermometer with warm water and soap.
Re-measure your dog's body temperature after a few hours, but not immediately after your dog wakes up or after your pet has actively participated in outdoor games. Be sure to write down all indicators in a notebook.
If a dog’s fever is caused by active games or prolonged exposure to the sun, you can normalize your pet’s condition on your own.
When the temperature rises to 40-41 degrees, you can give the animal an antipyretic: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Nurofen. For small puppies, it is very important to correctly calculate the dosage of the drug. It is best to purchase antipyretic drugs for young children at the pharmacy.
You can lower your dog’s temperature by applying a cold compress, a damp towel to the forehead, inner thighs, or the animal’s back. You can wet your pet's fur with cold water.
If the house is hot, open the windows, ventilate the room well, and turn on the air conditioning. Move the animal to a cool place in the apartment. Give your dog warm sweet tea, a decoction of chamomile, or St. John's wort to replenish the loss of fluid in the body. If the animal does not drink water on its own, feed the pet every 15-20 minutes, pouring liquid into the mouth with a syringe without a needle in small portions.
