Fever in dogs is a defense mechanism used by the dog's body to fight pathogenic agents, due to an infection or inflammation, for example. If you suspect that your dog has a high body temperature, it is best to find out and take his temperature, only in this way will you know if it is really necessary go to the vet
In this article on our site we will explain how to take a dog's temperature, if it is possible to take a dog's temperature without a thermometer, how to know if a dog has a fever and most importantly, know what to do and how to proceed. Keep reading!
What is a normal temperature for a dog?
The normal temperature of a dog is not the same as that of a human. Before we begin, we must identify what it is at each stage of its life:
- Puppy: 34.4ºC - 36.1ºC
- Adult: 38.5ºC - 38.9ºC
- Elder: 38.5ºC - 38.9ºC
- Pregnant: 37ºC
As you have observed, the average temperature of the dog is between 38.5ºC and almost 39ºC Despite puppies and Pregnant women, like sick dogs, can experience alterations in their daily life or in specific situations, such as childbirth.
Remember that the puppies still cannot regulate their body temperature well, so they will require special care of the puppies, such as the use of a thermal blanket among others. Generally, between one and two months of age, it is when they begin to maintain a stable temperature. Likewise, the temperature of pregnant dogs can also vary at the time of delivery.
When does a dog have a fever?
Once we've been able to identify normal values in dogs, we'll wonder how to tell if a dog has a fever, right? However, it is much simpler than it seems: a dog has a fever when its body temperature exceeds normal values.
Therefore we will know that a dog has a fever when its values are between 39ºC and 40ºC, but also when the temperature of the dog exceeds 40ºC we should really worry, going to an emergency veterinarian if necessary.
How to take a dog's temperature with a thermometer?
To start you will need a thermometer. You may be considering buying a specific dog thermometer, however, you can use your own and then properly disinfect it with alcohol. Next we will show you how to take a dog's temperature with a digital or mercury thermometer, however, we advise you to use a digital one, as it is much more sure.
How and where to put a thermometer on a dog?
When we take a dog's temperature we must place the thermometer in the rectum It is a fast, effective and reliable way to identify the temperature of our dog. We can facilitate the introduction by wetting the thermometer or adding Vaseline. We must introduce it into the rectum gently and wait the necessary time. That easy.
How to take a dog's temperature without a thermometer?
We can take a dog's temperature by palpation of armpits and groin, however, it is important to note that this methodis not 100% reliable , especially if we are not used to doing this practice. Even so, you should know that the lymph nodes of dogs are found in these areas and in the event of an unexpected fever we would observe unusual swelling and warmth.
We can also perform palpation in other areas of the body, such as the nose, legs and ears, as they are other areas that can warn us of the presence of fever in our dog. If you touch them and they present an abnormality, do not hesitate and go to the specialist as soon as possible. In any case, these areas of the body have variable temperatures, so it is not exactly a safe method.
When the dog's body temperature is low
Low body temperature can be a sign that something is wrong and we also recommend that you see a specialist. hypothermia may be one of the causes of excessively low temperature. Why does the low temperature appear? It can occur at different times in a dog's life: when he is a puppy, young, old, giving birth or in a cold environment.
When the temperature is too low, you should try to protect your pet by offering him warmth between blankets and caresses to keep him awake. You can help yourself with a hot soup (always without s alt or onion) as well as hot wet food, which is more appetizing.
How to lower a dog's fever?
When our dog has a high temperature we must know that we are facing a he alth problem, therefore, veterinary assistance is essential Only the specialist will be able to determine the cause of the problem and offer us a diagnosis, in addition to prescribing an appropriate treatment for the case.
In no case should we self-medicate our dog, wet him or use other methods to lower his body temperature. Remember that it can be a mild annoyance or an alteration of the dog's immune system, although it could just as well be a serious infection. Discard any doubts at the veterinary consultation or if you consider that your dog is very serious, call one to visit your home.
