What is the normal temperature in dogs? How can we find out which one our furry has? Knowing him is very important, especially if we suspect that he is sick, since fever is one of the first symptoms that appear.
For this reason, if you see your four-legged friend down, not really wanting to do anything, we recommend you keep reading.
What is the normal temperature in dogs?
Our dog's body temperature is different from what we have. While that of the human body oscillates between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, that of the dog is 39ºC (half a degree up or down is still considered normal). These degrees are given by the energy that is administered through food and its movements, but it must be taken into account that depending on the part of the body that is as well as the exercise you are doing and your exposure to the sun, these grades will be slightly higher or lower.
For example: a dog that is lying in the sun in midsummer will have a higher temperature than one that is indoors near a fan. Likewise, the legs will be "cooler" than the head, since they do not need as much energy as the brain to function. Also, puppies have a lower temperature than adults.
How is the dog's temperature measured?
To find out if the dog has a fever, is hypothermic or has a normal temperature, what is done is to take the anal temperature, which is the most stable since it does not depend so much on the climate and on the exposure. For it, the digital animal thermometer must be inserted about 2 centimeters into the anus, speaking in a calm and cheerful tone of voice after having lubricated it a little so as not to hurt him.
It is normal for you to feel very uncomfortable and even move. If this happens, the ideal would be for one person to hold it while the other inserts the thermometer.
How do I know if my dog has a fever?
Fever is the symptom of an illness, but often accompanied by many others who are:
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressiveness
- Apathy
- Runny nose
- Watery or cloudy eyes
- Hot and dry nose
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- General discomfort
- Increased hours of sleep
If when taking the temperature the thermometer indicates that it is between 39 and 41ºC, it should be taken immediately to the vet.
Home remedies to lower dog fever
If the dog has only a few tenths we can try to lower the fever with these home remedies:
- We will pass a cloth with cold water over the belly, armpits, groin and face.
- In the event that he trembles, we will cover him with a light blanket and we will be with him so that he feels calmer.
- You have to try to stay hydrated. If he has lost interest in drinking, we will make him a meat rub (boneless) or we will give him wet dog food which contains at least 70% moisture.
- We will monitor the state of the nose at all times to know if the temperature is dropping.
- If it worsens, we will urgently take him to the vet.
What are the symptoms of hypothermia in dogs?
Hypothermia is a drop in body temperature. It can be mild if it drops to 32ºC or severe when it is below 28ºC. It is a very serious symptom since it can affect the heart, and therefore breathing. The symptoms are:
- Marginal: weak, tremors.
- Moderate: in addition to the above, muscle stiffness, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing.
- Severe- In severe cases, the pupils dilate, the pulse is almost imperceptible, coma and death.
How is it treated?
If our dog suffers from hypothermia must be protected with a blanket, heaters and / or heating pads. In more serious cases, it must be taken to the vet where they will administer hot fluids by enemas and intravenously; they will also put on an assisted breathing mask.
Has it been useful to you?