What Is The Normal Temperature For A Dog

You all know that body temperature has a huge role in health and it is one of the signs we can use to tell when a person is fine or sick. The situation is the same with dogs but there are a lot of differences. Below we will explain all the things you need to know and help you understand this matter completely. What is the normal temperature for a dog? Do pregnant dogs have a higher temperature? What should I do if my dog has a fever? All the answers await you below.

Normal Temperature In Dogs 

The first thing you need to know is that dogs have a higher temperature than humans. We have between 97.6 and 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Dogs have a temperature between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. What is the normal temperature for a dog? It is any temperature in this range. If your pet has a temperature at a lower number or at a higher temperature, you don’t need to worry. He is fine.

The temperature will vary every single time when you measure it but it will always stay within the range. If it gets too high, it means a problem! Keep in mind that if a dog has a temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, he has a fever. If the temperature continues rising and it reaches 106 degrees Fahrenheit, he is at severe risk! 

Temperature Of A Pregnant Dog

A pregnant dog will have the same temperature as any other dog. It should be between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no need to expect the temperature to go up or down dramatically. This is something that will be present and something that happens during the whole pregnancy except in the end.

During the last couple of days, you need to measure the temperature of your dog 3 times per day. Make a chart and monitor the temperature. You will notice that it is normal in 99% of cases. Some variations will be present but these are minor and irrelevant. As you can see above, the temperature of a dog will vary every single time when you measure it. Ideally, you will measure the temperature during the last week, 3 times per day. You can measure 2 times per day as well but it is much better to measure 3 times per day.

The temperature will start dropping eventually. You will see temperatures between 98 and 99.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that labor is close. Usually, this means that the labor will start in the next 24-48 hours. Unless you are an expert or a professional breeder, you need to take your pet to a vet and prepare her for labor. This is even more important for dogs who are prone to complications during labor. 

One thing we must add here is that some owners can notice that the temperature goes in and out of the zone we have above every single time they measure it. This happens when calcium level is low and it can cause uterine inertia! You can proceed by giving her calcium tablets to raise the level. 

The chart is useful and it will help you deduce when your pet is going to start labor so you can adapt better and start preparing. Labor will not start the first time when the temperature starts dropping, but it will start soon!

Here’s What Should You Do If Your Pet Has Fever

If your pet has a body temperature that is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit it means he has a fever. The first thing you need to do is to soak blankets in cold water and wrap them around your pet. This is mandatory in order to decrease the temperature and prevent possible complications. In simple terms, you will help him maintain a low fever and can even help your pet get back to normal temperature.

Allow your pet to drink water. Don’t force him to drink a lot of water or don’t give him medications for humans. Such is ibuprofen. These are not made for dogs and they can cause a lot of issues. 

If the temperature starts rising and you see 106 degrees Fahrenheit you must take your pet to a vet. There is nothing you can do at home and this is a severe problem. It means that there is a massive issue and something that causes his body to react like this. A vet will start treatment as soon as possible. 

Causes of fever in dogs can vary and you are looking at a variety of issues. The only thing we can add here is that each one of these can be severe and each one will require proper treatment. Anyway, the most common causes are:

• Urinary tract infection
• Poisoning
• Viral, fungal, or bacterial infection
• Ear infection
• Infected site
• Tooth infection 

As you can see all of these can be severe and you don’t have a lot of things to provide for your pet at home. 

You also need to know something about the symptoms that will be visible in this case scenario. These can help you deduce the cause of fever and you also should tell the vet these. In addition, dogs may have multiple symptoms or just a couple of these. Dogs who have fever usually show symptoms such as:

• Panting
• Shivering
• Runny nose
• Glassy looking eyes
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Low level of energy
• Lack of appetite
• Warm ears
• Warm nose 

The Final Word 

We hope that you now know all the things related to the temperature of your pet. What is the normal temperature for a dog? It is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit and it must not go up. If it goes up your pet has a fever and you need to help him. It is a much better decision to take him to a vet as soon as possible than to try to help him at home. This is not something you should ignore or wait for a dog to get better by himself.