Normal pace for a dog. The dog has a fever

Like humans, body temperature in dogs is considered the main indicator of well-being. Significant deviations signal that not everything is in order in the pet's body. The temperature norm is most often an indicator of the excellent health of the animal. Every pet owner should know the temperature standards for dogs, as well as the rules for measuring it.

Many owners are sure that their pet also has a normal body temperature of 36.6 ° C, but this is fundamentally wrong. For a dog, these figures range from 37.5-39 ° C. In addition, the numbers may vary, depending on several factors:

• belonging to a particular breed;
• gender;
• physiological characteristics;
• age;
• individual properties of the organism.

For example, in puppies of dwarf breeds, the temperature normally stays around the mark of 39 ° C, and in adult pets of large sizes, this figure is much lower.

The body temperature of dogs can rise during the heat, after intense training, active games, when the animal feels excitement, panic or fear. In estrus females, it is also possible to increase the performance.

There are a number of specific standards that you should rely on when measuring the temperature of a pet:

• puppies of small and dwarf breeds - from 38.6 to 39.3 ° C;
• adult small-breed individuals - from 38.5 to 39 ° С;
• adult representatives of medium-sized breeds - from 37.5 to 39 ° C;
• puppies of large breed dogs - from 38.2 to 39 ° C;
• adult large dogs - from 37.4 to 38.3 ° C.

Thus, it becomes obvious that the temperature in dogs is not a general, but rather an individual indicator.

When should you take your pet's temperature?

If the dog has no health problems, then there is no particular need for daily measurements. It is only important to know what it is normal for this particular pet.

Breeding puppies with good health indicators are recommended to regularly measure their body temperature, starting from birth. There are special charts for this.

In a pregnant bitch, the temperature is measured both before birth (this indicator indicates how soon the dog will whelp) and after the puppies are born. In dogs, before childbirth, the temperature indicators are significantly reduced. Before you also need to measure the temperature.

If the pet is sick, then measurements are taken twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. It is advisable to record the data in a notebook.

Causes of changes in body temperature in dogs

Do not rely on the folk method - determining the condition of the dog by its nose. According to this method, it turns out that if the pet's nose is hot and dry, then he is sick. This information is not related to the truth, since any healthy animal has such a nose during sleep, because a sleeping pet does not lick itself while sleeping. Dryness of the nose is not a reason to panic and seek help from a veterinarian.

If the pet is cheerful, has a normal reaction to the environment, has a good appetite, plays briskly, its coat has a shine and a snug fit to the body, then it has no health problems. A sick pet has the opposite condition described:

• the dog refuses food for more than a day;
• looks lethargic, tired;
• shows unreasonable at first glance anxiety (a sign that the animal feels pain);
• there is profuse salivation (a symptom of nausea), followed by;
• stool disorder;
• convulsive muscle contractions;
• rapid heartbeat and breathing.

If such symptoms are present, then temperature measurement is a mandatory procedure and must be carried out even before the pet is examined by a veterinarian.

The reason for the change in indicators can be an inflammatory process, a variety of infections. Elevated body temperature in dogs is observed with heat stroke, piroplasmosis.

The temperature drops if the pet has parvovirus and other ailments.

How is temperature measured in dogs?

For measurement, a conventional thermometer is used, you can take both mercury and modern electronic. The latter option is more welcome, since the measurement will take place in a shorter time - one to one and a half minutes, and with a mercury thermometer you will have to wait for the result from three to five minutes.

A beloved pet deserves to have its own thermometer, and other family members, for hygiene reasons, should not use it for their needs.

Before measuring the dog's temperature, it is necessary to grease the tip of the thermometer with a greasy baby cream or petroleum jelly for a more comfortable introduction.

Traditionally, the measurement is carried out rectally (through the anus), so you need to be prepared for the fact that the pet will most likely not like this procedure. During the measurement, you need to calm your four-legged friend, talk affectionately, stroke, and if the condition is not critical, then give something tasty.

You can enter a thermometer when the dog is in a standing position, or lying on its side. The second option is suitable for those dog owners who do not have experience in this matter. While the dog is lying, it is necessary for him to raise his tail and insert a thermometer a couple of centimeters.

Often, dogs are frightened of the upcoming manipulations, they begin to hide, especially if this is done to her for the first time. Therefore, it is worthwhile to ensure silence and tranquility during the measurement. When the thermometer is just introduced, it is imperative to hold the dog so that it does not twitch, break the thermometer and injure itself.

After the pet has endured everything, it is necessary to encourage him with a treat and praise him for his patience.

Immediately after the procedure, the thermometer must be washed with soap and disinfected with a special agent or ordinary alcohol. The same must be done with your own hands.

If there is a desire, then the puppy can be taught a team with which the dog will calmly go to the measurements - these can be the words “Treated!”, “Thermometer!”, “Go measure!”. Hearing this, the dog will calmly wait until the procedure is over, without interfering with the process.

Hello dear readers! Today I propose to talk on an interesting topic: “Body temperature in animals”, and more specifically, talk about high temperature in dogs. In the article we will analyze the following points:

How is temperature regulation in dogs and cats

Body temperature is not a constant value, it changes during the day, these changes depend on age, gender, intensity of physical activity, as well as environmental conditions.

But there is such a thing as normal temperature, this is not one figure, but an interval. For example, for a dog, the norm is from 37.5 to 39.5, and even in this case, size and age must be taken into account. For a large adult dog, 39.5 is already an elevated temperature, but for a puppy it is acceptable. More details like and than temperature.

In a living body of warm-blooded animals, heat is constantly generated, its main producers are muscles and the liver. Therefore, after a run and a delicious lunch, the body temperature tends to rise. When “overheated” blood enters a certain area of ​​the brain, the mechanisms for removing excess heat are turned on.

Most likely, you have noticed how your cat or dog, on a warm day, stretches to its full length, and if it is very hot, it begins to breathe intensively, opening its mouth wide. This is how animals stay cool.

Semych shows you how to cool down properly 🙂

Of course, I gave a simplified scheme, in fact, the thermoregulation mechanism is much more complicated. The main idea is that the temperature of the body is constantly changing, but remains within certain limits, homeostasis is maintained. Deviation from normal parameters may indicate a disease.

It is also important to know that the formation of heat is a biochemical process, and its return is physical. Important for proper care. And yet, a high temperature in a dog is not a disease, but only a symptom.

Some Causes of Temperature Rise

The temperature rises when heat transfer is disturbed or physically impossible, or when heat retention mechanisms are activated during its increased generation. Now I will try to decipher what I wanted to say so as not to confuse you.

Consider the classic example of a dog being left in a car with the windows closed on a hot day. In such a trap, the animal will overheat due to the inability to remove excess heat from the body - it is too hot in the car.

Either you got on a bike, took your dog with you and decided to ride, you rode fast and for a long time, the dog ran beside you. In this case, a lot of heat is generated in a short time, which does not have time to be removed. These are two examples of the influence of the environment and conditions that the dog has been placed in.

But most often the temperature rises in response to the action of certain substances, they are called pyrogens. For example, pyrogens can be parts of bacteria, during an infectious disease, destroyed tissues of the body, formed during trauma or tumor decay.

Also, those substances to which the animal has an individual sensitivity, that is, an allergy, can raise the temperature.

When I spoke about a dog locked in a car, it is clear that practically nothing depends on the animal, it got into such conditions. Overheating is coming.

In the second case, with the development of an infectious disease, the body itself reduces heat transfer, and sometimes accelerates heat generation. The defense mechanism is activated.

What gives a high temperature, why is it?

An increase in temperature is a nonspecific protective reaction of the body. That is, the introduction of a virus, bacteria, allergen, severe stress or injury will have the same response. It's an ancient defense system and not too picky.

What's positive? With an increase in temperature, metabolic processes in cells increase, energy is produced faster, interferon and antibodies are produced. The overall resistance of the body to infection increases. It also creates unfavorable conditions for microorganisms.

Certain conditions are necessary for the division and normal functioning of cells, including bacterial ones. At elevated temperatures, many bacteria and viruses cannot reproduce normally.

Yes, prolonged fever has a negative effect on the dog, but animal cells divide much more slowly than bacteria. Due to the different growth rates, microorganisms are in a worse position.

Complications

But, in addition to positive effects, high temperatures can harm. First of all, the central nervous system suffers, the animal becomes inhibited, depressed, loss of consciousness and hallucinations are possible. The nutrition of the brain is disrupted.

With an increase in temperature, the heart rate increases, by about 10-15 beats per minute, by 1 "extra" degree. On the one hand, this is good - better blood flow, but the heart works under load.

The digestive system is not working properly. The secretion of saliva decreases, the tongue and mucous mouths become dry. The secretion of pancreatic juice, the secretion of bile and gastric juice is also significantly reduced. Intestinal peristalsis slows down, which leads to constipation, fermentation and bloating.

Violated water-salt metabolism in the body. The fluid is retained in the tissues due to the redistribution of sodium and chlorine. Urination increases, and a lot of fluid is lost with rapid breathing.

As a result, dehydration quickly sets in, and this leads to changes in the blood. And again we come to an increase in the load on the heart and a deterioration in the nutrition of the brain. One violation leads to another.

How to help an animal?

Friends, once again I want to remind you that fever is not a disease, but a reaction of the body, therefore, first of all, you need to find the cause of the disease.

But until you get to the doctor:

1. Allow the body to easily give off excess heat, for this you need to lower the ambient temperature. Of course, the dog does not have to be driven out into the cold, it is enough to ventilate the room or turn on the air conditioner. The air temperature should ideally be 18-20 degrees. We will not allow a draft and a cold floor where the animal lies.
2. Reduce physical activity as much as possible, during muscular work a lot of heat energy is generated.
3. Be sure to give your dog or cat clean water to drink if it doesn't drink on its own. See how to do it in this video.

What not to do

When a dog has a high temperature, people have the idea to use their own, "human" drugs, but this is a bad idea. For example, they give: ibuprofen, paracetamol, analgin, aspirin, diclofenac and others. Most of the listed drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and they have a lot of side effects.

Some side effects in animals appear much stronger and more often than in humans. For example, after taking an ibuprofen tablet, a dog may develop gastrointestinal bleeding, which will lead to death if not helped.

In addition, intense vomiting may begin, the kidneys and liver may suffer, blood clots may form, and confusion may occur.

With drugs, it’s clear, but there is one more opportunity to do harm - to feed. For some reason, many try to feed a sick dog, force, persuade, push the food into the mouth. When you ask why? The answer is simple - so that she does not lose strength.

But at elevated temperatures, the food cannot be digested normally, by force-feeding, you add problems. Now the animal, in addition to fever, will also have bloating, constipation or diarrhea.

Summing up

We remember that temperature is not a disease, but only a symptom, so we do not fight the symptom, but look for the real cause, preferably together with the doctor. Eliminate the cause, the temperature will pass, in extreme cases, the veterinarian will use a safe remedy.

Do not give animals human drugs for fever - it is dangerous. In extreme cases, when there is no doctor and his appearance is not expected, but already above 42, then dexamethasone can be used. But he also has many side effects, so read before use.

Wow, the article turned out to be great, I will be glad for your questions, additions, it is interesting if you share your personal experience in the comments. Until we meet again, friends!

To provide first aid to an animal, it is important to know the exact body temperature of the pet. Normal body temperature in dogs ranges from 38 to 39.2 degrees Celsius.. If your pet's temperature does not match this indicator, then you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Body temperature over 40 degrees is a sign of the need for urgent assistance.

The first thing to pay attention to is that in no case should you try to measure body temperature in the oral cavity. You risk being bitten! Even if the dog allows this to be done, the measurement results will be far from the truth. The most effective way to measure the body of an animal is rectal. To do this, you will need an electronic thermometer and a special water-based lubricant. You can also use regular baby cream or petroleum jelly.

Most dogs, for obvious reasons, do not like when they perform certain manipulations in the rectum. Therefore, it will be nice if someone helps you to carry out this procedure. Have your helper place a hand around the dog's neck and place the other hand under the animal's belly, thus enclosing it in an embrace. Raise the dog's tail and slowly insert the greased thermometer into the dog's rectum to a depth of about a centimeter. Press the start button on the thermometer and wait for the beep.

Tips for measuring body temperature in a dog:

• For a quicker measurement of your dog's body, use a digital thermometer.
• A thermometer is a must have in any veterinary first aid kit!
• When using a mercury thermometer, be extremely careful, make sure that the dog does not make sudden movements.
• Avoid using glass thermometers, especially if you have a very active animal. It happens that thermometers burst and harm the pet.
• Some dog owners use ear thermometers. Their use is not prohibited, but the results of such a measurement are approximate, so you cannot be sure of the accuracy of the set temperature.
• A person is unable to assess the body temperature of an animal by touch. A warm or dry nose is also not a mandatory sign of fever, and also does not indicate the presence or absence of health problems, this is a myth.

Can't measure your dog's body temperature rectally?

If you decide to adopt a pet, then need to understand that the pet will require constant care for his health.

One of the main indicators of a dog's well-being is its body, because even a slight one can be the first sign that something is wrong with the pet's body.

This is especially true for small breed dogs. which are more susceptible to various diseases. That is why, in order to timely identify the pathologies that are present in the animal's body, you need to know as accurately as possible what temperature norm is inherent in one or another.

Small breeds of dogs, depending on their size, are divided into three subgroups:

• small- no more than 45 cm at the withers and 10 kg of weight;
• dwarf- no more than 35 cm at the withers and 5 kg of weight;
• toi- no more than 30 cm at the withers and 4 kg of weight.

In total, there are about 150 breeds of small dogs in the world, but only 45-50 of them are widespread.

What should be the normal body temperature?

It was noted that in different representatives of small breeds temperature may be different. Below are some of the most common breeds and their inherent body temperature:

• – 38.5-38.9°С;
• spaniel - 38.0-39.5 ° С;
• – 38.0-39.0°С;
• pinscher - 37.5-38.0 ° С;
• beagle - 38.4-38.7 ° C;
• bichon - 38.0-39.2 ° С;
• – 38.0-39.9°С;
• lap dog - 38.5-38.9 ° С;
• Pekingese - 38.5-38.8 ° С;
• dachshund - 38.0-39.5 ° С;
• – 38.0-39.5°С.

How to measure?

Emergency situations, which often put your pet's life at stake, happen quite often, and in order to always be ready for this or that incident, it is very important to know how to manage your miniature pet on your own.

Important! Of course, the process of measuring the temperature for an animal, no matter how large it may be, is a stressful situation, so it is necessary to measure the temperature only in extreme cases.

To know for sure whether it is worth disturbing your pet once again, you need to pay attention to his behavior.

If the following changes are observed, then the temperature must be measured:

• at some point, the pet stopped leading an active lifestyle, he has apathy;
• the dog's appetite has worsened, and a complete refusal to eat is possible;
• the pet refuses to drink water or, conversely, is constantly very thirsty;
• the pet has recently been in contact with a sick animal;
• the animal constantly seems tired and prefers sleep to games.

The pathological condition, in whatever form it may be, is the first of what your four-legged friend has or.

To take your dog's temperature at home, follow these steps:

1. Before proceeding directly, care must be taken to ensure that the animal is in relaxed and least anxious state. To do this, it is enough to lay the pet on its side, soothe with strokes and a gentle voice.
2. When the animal has stopped fussing, gently lift its tail and insert the tip of a thermometer into the rectum(lubricate it with baby cream in advance), adhering to a depth of no more than 2 cm. Any home thermometer will be suitable for measuring temperature, however, if you are dealing with a mercury thermometer, then this model must be kept in the animal's body for 3-4 minutes.
3. Remember that in the process of measuring the temperature, the animal, no matter how affectionate it may seem, will try to free itself from the hands, and in such a stressful situation, cases of painful bites and aggressive growls are not uncommon. Exactly because of this reason it is recommended to measure body temperature together with someone and not alone.

How to raise a lower one?

Among the most common reasons for a decrease in temperature, the following are distinguished:

• all kinds internal diseases pet (disorder of the nervous system, diseases of the thyroid gland, vascular, cardiovascular system), including fractures and external injuries;
• long stay in a cold environment, low temperature exposure;
• prolonged anesthesia and any operations in the thoracic and abdominal region.

Having dealt with the reason for lowering the body temperature of the dog, you can proceed to methods that contribute to its increase:

1. First of all, a dog with a low temperature need to calm down, at best - pick up, thereby trying to calm the possible trembling of the animal. In order to provide first aid to the pet before the arrival of the veterinarian, it should be remembered that now a dog with a low temperature, more than ever, needs warmth and comfort.
2. Wrap your pet in a warm blanket, which, if possible, should be placed near the battery or in some warm room. You can also cover the animal with pillows, rubber heating pads with warm (not hot) water, offer warm water or broth that can briefly restore strength and energy to the pet.
3. As the animal's condition improves or worsens, measure his body temperature and draw appropriate conclusions.

How to downgrade?

Attention! Body temperature, slightly or significantly higher than normal, is a serious reason to think about the health of the animal.

Among the reasons for small breeds are:

• poor resistance to stress nervous experiences;
• sun or heat stroke due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
• inflammation both inside the animal's body and outside (inflammation of a wound, fracture);
• the body's response to viral diseases, the infection that got inside and its further spread.

To reduce body temperature in dogs of small breeds in the following ways:

1. Move the animal to cool room, periodically it, airing it, opening the windows, turning on the air conditioner or fan.
2. Offer the animal cool water, in the most difficult situations, pour the drink into the pet's mouth through a syringe.
3. Try to alleviate the condition of the pet, wetting a towel with water and applying it to the sides, back, inner thighs of the animal.
4. If the animal's condition does not improve, and the temperature is kept at a high level (40 degrees), use the approved antipyretics.

When making a faithful four-legged friend, remember that we and only we are responsible for the preservation and well-being of those we have tamed. Only a responsible approach to will allow him to spend a long and happy life side by side with you.

In contact with

The most important indicator of a dog's health is its normal body temperature. There are many factors that can change the temperature in one direction or another. It depends on the sex of the dog, its breed, physical condition, height, weight and other individual characteristics.

The temperature of the dog should be measured when it is in a normal state. If the owner knows what temperature his dog has, then he can find out about any problem with her health at any time.

Short-term temperature increase in dogs of any breed, it can arise from excitement, fear, or exercise. Of course, it still rises in hot weather, and in bitches during estrus.

A decrease or increase in the body temperature of a dog is the first sign of its illness, which is the norm.

What should you pay attention to?

Temperatures should be taken properly in dogs when:

• she refuses food;
• refuses water;
• she has cramps, vomiting or diarrhea;
• she has an elevated temperature of the nose and it is dry;
• she is lethargic, has a pale tongue and mucus in her mouth.

The heat of this animal can be measured with any thermometer - conventional or electronic. Thoroughly wash the device and hands after measurement and wipe with alcohol.

What temperature should a dog have?

Any breed of dog, from small to large, must have an individual (normal) body temperature, it can range from 37.4 to 39.3 degrees Celsius. There are some features that should be the norm:

Adult dogs:

• large breed - 37.4–38.3;
• medium breed - 37.5–39;
• small breed - 38.5–39.

Puppies:

• large breed - 38.2–39;
• medium breed - 38.3–39.1;
• small breed - 38.6–39.3.

How to take a dog's temperature?

To measure, you can use an ordinary thermometer, but in this case you have to keep the dog in a calm state for about five minutes. It is better to use an electronic thermometer, with it the procedure will take about a minute. The pet must have its own thermometer.

The dog's temperature is measured through the rectum. Although the procedure is simple, it requires careful handling of your pet.

• first, grease the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly or any greasy cream;
• lay the animal on its side (you can stand), raise the tail and gently insert the thermometer into the anus to a depth of about 2 cm;
• the temperature measurement should take place in a normal environment so that the dog is not worried or frightened. Otherwise, the pet may jump up and injure itself by breaking the thermometer. During the procedure, you can feed him with all sorts of sweets;
• be sure to praise the dog during the procedure and after.

Signs and causes of temperature deviation from the norm

Many dog ​​breeders determine it in their pet by the nose. They think that if the nose is dry and hot, then their pet is sick. All this is just a myth. Dryness of the nose should not cause the owner any concern. Dry and warm nose at night is normal, since animals do not lick it during sleep.

If the animal is healthy, then it is cheerful, eats normally, plays, actively reacts to all events around it. His coat is shiny and close fitting. A sick animal looks exactly the opposite, the first signs of the disease appear - fever, refusal to eat for a whole day, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat.

When observing the above symptoms, you should immediately measure the pet's fever, see if it is normal. The cause of the fever may be infection or any disease- plague, endometritis, piroplasmosis, heat stroke. The decrease occurs with worms, parvovirus enteritis and other diseases.

What should be done if the temperature is raised (lowered)?

If deviations occur, this means that the body begins to fight the infection or with some symptom of the disease. With its increase (decrease), you should not fight on your own. Normal indicators can be achieved at home, but it will not be possible to get rid of infection and disease.

It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor or call him at home. If the animal has thermometer shows above 40 degrees then you need to take it to the veterinarian. During transportation, something cold should be applied to his body. This must be done very carefully so that the dog does not overcool. When reduced - on the contrary, it is necessary to attach a heating pad to the body and cover with a blanket.

You can not give the animal medications at your discretion, this will only worsen the situation. Deviations from the norm in dogs happen only with infection, tumors, endocrine diseases.

In the veterinary clinic, doctors will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe necessary medicines. The owner will only need to follow these recommendations. If the dog gets better, you should not cancel the medication on your own. This is the business of the veterinarian, only he can be sure that the normal temperature will not change, the animal has fully recovered and nothing threatens its life.