What is a Dog's Normal Temperature?

Do you know how to check a dog's temperature? Is there a different pregnant dog temperature range? Are you aware of the signs of dog fever? 

Here is all that you need to know about your lovely pooch!

Dog's Temperature Range

It's a quick judgment to touch a dog's nose and tell whether he/ she is feeling well or not. But just because the nose feels warm doesn't mean they are unwell or its a sign of dog fever. And if he/she feels warmer/ colder throughout the day also doesn't mean that they are sick. Just like humans, a dog's temperature range too keeps varying from day to night. The variation might occur due to vaccinations, surrounding temperature, inflammation, consuming something toxic, infections, etc. Usually, when they get sick, the owner can make out if something's wrong, but exceptions are always there!

So, the typical dog temperature range remains between 101° to 102.5° Fahrenheit which is normally between 38.3° to 39.2° Celsius. And even for a pregnant dog, the temperature remains the same. However, if the temperature drops below 100° F, delivery of the pups need to be within the next 24-hours.

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How To Check A Dog's Temperature?

The wet and dry nose check or ear testing is a totally unreliable thing. One surely needs to take a thermometer test. An instrument that has safer and flexible ends along with being mercury free (digital) would work best. You can also choose a thermometer that is specially designed for pets and does not harm them.

For the first time pet owners, temperature check might come out as a shock, so take help from a professional. It won’t be the easiest and happiest thing you’ll do. This is how to check a dog's temperature:

Ask a family member to cautiously hold the dog in one place so you can check the temperature. Take the thermometer and gently insert an inch or half inside your dog’s rectum. Make sure to apply some baby oil or petroleum jelly before doing so. Let the thermometer stay there for around 50-60 seconds and slowly get it out to see the readings.

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Signs Of Dog Fever

When your dog's temperature range goes below 99° F (37.2° C) which is a low dog temperature or gets above 104° F (40° C), it's a matter of concern. The condition gets really critical when he/ she might show signs of dog fever. There aren't any definite signs for both high and low dog temperature, but a combination may show up. Take your dog to the vet if they show any of the below-mentioned symptoms:

#1. Lethargy

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#2. Decreasing activity levels

#3. Excessive panting

#4. Warmer than usual

#5. Stiffness

#6. Loss of appetite

#7. Coughing

#8. Vomiting

#9. Nasal discharge

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#10. Shivering

#11. Reddish eyes

#12. Warm ears

#13. Appear depressed

#14. Body pain

Due to any reason, you aren't able to visit the vet, immediately apply a cold water soaked cloth on his/ her ears and paws just like the process is carried out in humans. Keep monitoring the temperature and continue with the soaked cloth remedy, until it comes to a normal dog temperature range. 

Do not resist going to the vet in case the dog temperature range goes critically high or low, It may result in severe internal injuries or death. Human antidepressants or fever reducers are to be avoided. However, you can give them mild human pain killers.

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