What body temperature is considered normal for a dog? What should be the normal temperature for dogs? Normal temperature for a West puppy

Domestic dogs are prone to various diseases - invasive, infectious, diseases of internal organs, complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. At the same time, it is sometimes difficult for the owner to understand what is happening. Therefore, it is important to know the list of alarming symptoms, upon detection of which you need to urgently seek medical help. Among them are loss of appetite, apathy and lethargy of behavior, frequent stools with an unnatural smell and color, and vomiting. It is also important to know what a dog's normal body temperature is in order to keep track of changes.

If the appearance or behavior of the dog is alarming, it is worth doing an inspection yourself. The first thing you need to feel the nose. The earlobe of a healthy pet is moist and cool, but if it is hot and dry, then the dog may be sick. However, immediately after sleep, the dog's nose is also dry. You should also check your pulse. It is measured on the femoral artery by feeling the beat on the inner surface of the thigh. Along with the pulse, breathing may also be speeded up.

But to determine what temperature in dogs is more difficult, since for this you will have to insert a veterinary or medical thermometer, the tip of which is lubricated with petroleum jelly, into the animal's rectum. The duration of the measurement is up to five minutes. All this time you need to keep the pet in place by the head and keep the tail up. Therefore, the measurement is best carried out by two people. However, the dog may be too weak to get up or, conversely, aggressive.

Then it will only be possible to approximately determine whether the dog's body temperature is elevated or normal. To do this, feel her paws and ears, where there are many blood vessels. If the dog has a fever, the armpits and groin area will also be hot. In the groin there is a cluster of lymph nodes, which, when sick, grow and become hot. However, it is better to consult a specialist, since it is not enough to understand that the dog has a temperature that is not enough for an accurate diagnosis.

normal temperature

It must be understood that physiological indicators, including the normal body temperature of a dog, are determined by its age, gender, physical activity. The rectal temperature of a healthy animal should not exceed 39.0 °C. It is higher in puppies (by 0.5 - 0.7 ° C compared to adults), although in the first week of life they need constant warming with the warmth of the mother's body and breath. The temperature drops in dogs that suffer from blood viscosity, thyroid insufficiency, or simply have reached old age.

Temperature and childbirth

It was noted that the dog's temperature before childbirth, about a day before the start of contractions, drops by a degree - one and a half, to 37 ° C. In silent, calm animals this may sometimes be the only symptom. It is worth considering that the jump can be short-term, and the temperature at , as a rule, normalizes.

You should check several times what temperature the dog has before giving birth, as this will allow you to more accurately determine the moment the puppies are born. If the process is delayed, unusual discharge is observed, or the temperature exceeds 39.0 ° C, you need to see a doctor for a caesarean section. But in the postpartum period (1 - 2 days), spotting, fever and even diarrhea are within normal limits.

Particular attention should be paid to the health of the dog after a difficult birth with a large number of cubs. The bitch may experience atony of the uterus, when blood and mucus are not removed from it, but are absorbed back. Toxins from them enter the milk, poisoning the puppies. This condition threatens the mother with blood poisoning with a rise in temperature to 41 ° C and death.

Temperature and loads

It is known that dogs exercise thermoregulation by panting. At ambient temperatures above 30 ° C, this becomes insufficient, and the dog may overheat. Immediately after eating, the temperature in dogs also rises. Studies have been conducted on what is the normal temperature in dogs after exercise. In sled and beagle dogs, after running, a temperature of 40.3 °C was noted. (the mark of 41.5 °С is considered critical). A high temperature in this case indicates fatigue, therefore, in untrained individuals, it rises faster. For example, at the beginning of the season, it is necessary to protect from heat stroke. It comes suddenly - the animal's hind legs are braided, and it falls without movement. It has also been established that the darker the color of the dog, the higher will be its temperature after exercise (the difference can be up to two degrees).

Breed and temperature

Small breeds have higher temperatures and heart rates. This is due to a more active metabolism. At the same time, the body temperature in dogs of large breeds and medium breeds is slightly lower - from 37.4 to 38.3 ° C for adults. Problems with thermoregulation are experienced by dogs with narrow nostrils and a shortened muzzle (brachycephalic) - Pugs, Pekingese, Japanese Chins. They are more prone to overheating.

The body temperature of an animal, like that of a person, fluctuates during the day, it can jump from stress (travel, change of familiar environment). In addition, the measurement itself represents stress for the animal and adds a couple of tenths of a degree to the real indicators.

Thus, the temperature in a dog normally depends on many factors, and its decrease or increase does not necessarily indicate health problems. The mechanisms of thermoregulation of dogs allow them to survive in different climates, provided that the animal is well fed and kept clean. So at what temperature the dog freezes and when it overheats is due to many circumstances.

Respiratory diseases

An elevated temperature is accompanied by acute bronchitis of viral origin.

Other inflammatory diseases

In acute tonsillitis in dogs, a sharp rise in temperature to 41 ° C, along with difficulty swallowing and yawning, marks the onset of the disease. In the chronic form of tonsillitis, the body temperature in dogs is normal or rises slightly (typical for the toxic-allergic form).

Infectious enterocolitis in dogs is accompanied by both diarrhea and fever. High fever, tense ("stone") abdomen, urinary retention and defecation may indicate acute peritonitis. The temperature rises even with mild forms of acute pancreatitis. A significant increase in temperature and violent vomiting are characteristic of acute glomerulonephritis. With pyelonephritis, there is often a high temperature and urine with blood in a dog, and with cystitis, pain during urination also joins.

An increase in temperature is accompanied by purulent periodontitis (a complication of caries or pulpitis). Purulent-catarrhal inflammation of the ear necessarily proceeds with a high temperature. It is fraught with a rupture of the eardrum, deafness and inflammation of the inner ear, which can develop into meningitis.

In diseases of the joints, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, the temperature rises in the acute period, decreasing in the sclerotic stage and during remission. Inflammation of the tendons and joint bags are accompanied by fever if they are purulent.

Skin diseases - purulent dermatitis, abscess and phlegmon also cause fever and fever. At the same time, it is not always determined what body temperature is in dogs, since the focus of the disease is obvious.

For a hernia, a rise in temperature is one of the first symptoms of a complication (infringement), which indicates the need for an urgent operation.

With penetrating wounds of the esophagus, high temperature means that the animal develops phlegmon.

The most dangerous diseases with high fever

If the dog has a temperature of 40 - 41 ° C, weakness, loose stools and pallor of the mucous membranes for no reason, a serious disease of the hematopoietic system - lymphocytic leukemia should be excluded.

It affects young animals and, even if treated, leads to death within 4 to 6 months from the onset of the disease.

In puppies and adults, fever and an increase in temperature by 1 - 3 degrees are accompanied by an acute viral disease with high mortality - plague. Infection can be avoided by regular vaccination, and treatment, especially when the nervous system is affected, often does not achieve its goal. A short rise in temperature occurs with pseudorabies (Aueszky's virus).

In classical rabies, hyperthermia is observed in the stage of excitation, and a drop in temperature is observed before the death of the animal. Cases of cure for rabies, or rather, its course in an abortive form, are rare. From dogs, rabies is transmitted to other animals and people, and the only way to avoid infection is vaccination. The temperature also rises with infectious hepatitis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis.

It is important to understand that temperature is only a symptom inherent in many diseases. Therefore, the only thing to do if a dog has a temperature is absolutely impossible - this is to give her antipyretic drugs without a doctor's prescription.
Their action will blur the clinical picture and complicate the diagnosis.

The exception is situations when there is no qualified help nearby, and the thermometer shows 40.5 ° C or more. From what to give the dog from the temperature in such an emergency, it is worth listing analgin, diphenhydramine, no-shpu. They are given in tablets, divided into small pieces, or given as an injection. Children's syrups or antipyretic suppositories are also suitable. But still, the dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

An elevated body temperature in a dog is a signal to the owner that urgent attention needs to be paid to the health of the dog. But first, let's figure out what should be the normal temperature for a dog.

The body temperature of a healthy dog ​​in the range of 37.5 - 39 degrees is normal

But, the figures may vary slightly, depending on the size and age of the animal.
For example, the normal temperature in small breed dogs will be slightly higher than in large or medium breeds. It depends on the more intensive metabolism in small tetrapods.

The temperature in dogs is normal if:

Small breeds (puppies) 38.6-39.3, (adults) 38.5-39.0
Medium breeds (puppies) 38.3-39.1, (adults) 37.5-39.0
Large breeds (puppies) 38.2-39.0, (adults) 37.4-38.3

Causes of high temperature

In fact, there are a sufficient number of them and therefore it is worth talking about it thoroughly.

Let's first look at the possible causes of fever in puppies.

Regardless of the breed, puppies up to six months old can see the number 39 on the thermometer. And if the babies are healthy, then the reasons are as follows:

teething
intensive growth of all organs and systems
the thermoregulation mechanism is not yet balanced (without a mother, cooling occurs and the temperature drops, and on hot days the temperature can rise)
stress
graft

The ideal solution is to take the temperature of the puppies at least 2 times a week. This increases the chances of not missing serious diseases.

But it is necessary to control the temperature after vaccination several times a day. Both adult dogs and puppies. Necessarily!

Unfortunately, the following causes of fever in puppies and adult dogs are more serious. This:

Heatstroke
distemper
enteritis
piroplasmosis
bitch endometriosis
allergy
abscess
severe stress
hormonal disorders
internal bleeding
after operation
poisoning
and other diseases

In any case, if you notice even a slight change in the behavior and condition of the dog, immediately measure the temperature.

How to understand that an animal has a temperature?

We all know a certain myth that a dry and hot nose is necessarily a high temperature. Not always. Warm nose can be after sleep. Conversely, a dog with a wet and cold nose may not always be healthy.

To understand that a dog has a temperature, of course, it is necessary to measure it. Recall that the temperature in dogs is normal if its indicators are from 37.5 to 39 degrees.

The first symptoms that should alert the owner:

lethargy
refusal to eat
diarrhea
vomit
convulsions
pale gums and tongue
whining
the dog stops barking, playing and constantly lies

How to measure the temperature of a dog at home?

First of all, the dog must have its own thermometer. If there are several dogs, it is better if each has its own. Of course, electronic, as it is safe for both animals and people.

Taking a dog's temperature is not difficult. But the procedure must be performed carefully and delicately. You may need help from loved ones.

Lay the animal on its side
apply baby cream or petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer
take the tail to the side and very carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum by 1-1.5 cm
wait for the beep and wait another 2-3 minutes
remove the thermometer and take readings

By the way, it is not necessary to lay the dog. You can take your temperature while standing. To do this, you need to hold the animal by the collar and in the groin area.

What to do if the temperature rises to 40?

1. It is urgent to call the veterinary clinic, tell the situation and ask what drug is better to bring down the high temperature.

2. If it is not possible to get through to the doctor, then you can give the dog paracetamol for fever. A large dog is given an adult dosage, a small one - exclusively for children. But keep in mind that the unauthorized prescription of drugs from your medicine cabinet is extremely dangerous for dogs.

3. Give your dog cold water. Better in small portions, but often. If the animal refuses to drink, you can drink it with a tablespoon, gently opening your mouth and pouring water over the cheek.

4 . Cover sides and back with wet towels

5 . Briefly apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the paws and between the ears. Not for long!

6. Apply a damp towel to your inner thighs.

But, do not forget that only a doctor can solve the problem. Therefore, immediately take the dog to the clinic

We have already said above that fever can be a symptom of a serious and dangerous disease, in which delay can cost the animal its life.

What happens in a dog's body when the temperature is high?

Temperature 40,5 and higher:

Dehydration
decreased appetite
cardiopalmus
apathy
lethargy

Temperature 41.1 and higher:

Critical dehydration
possible disturbances in the work of internal organs and swelling of the brain
cardiopalmus
shortness of breath
convulsions
wheezing
loss of consciousness
reduced motor activity
impaired urine flow

We are sure that a high temperature in a dog will not scare you. And you will act quickly, decisively and correctly.

Causes of Low Temperatures in Dogs

Yes, it happens. Low temperature is the other side of the same coin. Hypothermia is also extremely dangerous for dogs. First of all for puppies and dogs at respectable age. Why hypothermia occurs, how to recognize and what to do, we will talk already in

Be healthy!

Always yours, Balabaki Dogs.

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Body temperature is an important indicator of the health of an animal. This is one of the first signs that a dog's body needs help. With a few physiological causes of temperature fluctuations, there are much more pathologies leading to this, which only a veterinary specialist will help to understand.

Normal body temperature in dogs

• Normal temperature indicators in dogs are not the same as in humans, and fluctuate between 37.7-39°C.
• In some situations, the limits can be extended from 37.5 to 39.3° FROM.
• On average, temperature rise above 39°С in adults, this is no longer the norm.
• Moreover, a smooth increase in temperature is much more dangerous than sharp jumps, because. the vigilance of the immune system is literally "lulled" and the fight against the cause of the heat does not immediately occur.

The temperature in a dog (norm) depends on:

• age(the older, the lower the indicators of the physiological norm - in small puppies it is considered normal up to 39.2 ° C, in old ones it can be in the range of 37.3-37.8 ° C);
• gender(the temperature of bitches is slightly higher than that of males, due to the peculiarities of hormonal regulation);
• breed features(in dogs of small breeds, the indicators are slightly higher than in large breeds at the same age);
• physiological state(pregnancy, estrus, recovery from illness, etc. factors provoke fluctuations in indicators in one direction or another).

The temperature of dogs, depending on the age and size of the breed:

Physiologically, temperature indicators are growing:

• in hot weather;
• during periods of stress or unrest;
• from prolonged physical activity;
• during estrus;
• after eating.

How to take a dog's temperature?

The following instruments may be needed to measure temperature:

• classic mercury thermometer or veterinary;
• Digital Thermometer;
• rectal (mercury or electronic) thermometer;
• infrared ear thermometer.

Ideally, if the animal has its own personal measuring device that is not used by humans.

Usually, the thermometry procedure does not cause discomfort in the dog, however, an assistant will not hurt, especially if the dog is a large breed.

1. In small dogs temperature is measured in the supine position - on the side or stomach. If there is an assistant, then he slightly presses the animal to any horizontal surface, and someone else measures it. If there is no assistant, then the dog is placed on its knees across, the tail is held with one hand along the entire length and pushed aside, the thermometer is inserted with the other hand.
2. In large dogs thermometry is best done together, while at least one person the pet should know very well (for example, the owner). One person holds the dog by the neck and around the torso, the second inserts a thermometer. Large breeds must be muzzled or with a fixed mouth with a rope loop using an ordinary bandage (single knot on top, twisting on the bottom and fixing on the back of the head below the ears).
3. End gauge before measurements, it is lubricated with a greasy cream, glycerin or petroleum jelly.
4. Tail gently retracted to the side and with a gentle rotational movement from side to side, the thermometer is inserted into the rectum to a depth of 1-2 cm, depending on the size of the pet.
5. Digital Thermometer held until the beep classic mercury- in time 3-5 minutes; infrared ear results are almost instantaneous.
6. After removing the thermometer from the rectum, its tip must be wiped with a swab moistened with any disinfectant solution.

During the procedure, you need to talk to the dog in a soft, relaxed voice. You can teach your pet to a team, such as "treat" or "thermometer", because. the procedure must be carried out on a regular basis. At the end, you can give any treat, praising for good behavior at the time of thermometry.

Unlike cats, dogs have places on their bodies where the owner can determine the presence of a fever without resorting to instrumental thermometry. Such places include the ears, armpits and inguinal cavities, as well as the gums.

• Ears. Numerous vessels pass through the auricles, which expand at high temperatures, giving higher degrees than usual. Both ears must be equally hot. An increase in the local temperature of only one ear is not a sign of fever - this is more evidence of a local inflammatory process.
• Axillary and inguinal cavities. Dogs do not have sweat glands in these areas, so an increase in general body temperature is perfectly felt there as a clear heat. A person's hands during tactile measurement should not be cold, so that there is no false-hot sensation.
• Gums. Normally, a dog's gums are moist and pink. If the animal begins to beat the fever, they become intensely red and, literally, almost dry.

Signs of an increase or decrease in the temperature of the dog's body

There are a number of signs that should prompt the pet owner to take thermometry and find out body temperature. A decrease in body temperature (hypothermia) in a dog is just as dangerous as growth (fever).

Fever symptoms:

• dry and hot nose (unless at night and after sleep);
• lethargy and apathy;
• refusal of food, and, sometimes, of water;
• pale and dry gums, tongue;
• sometimes vomiting;
• convulsions;
• hard breath;
• cardiopalmus.

Attention: dry and hot nose is of diagnostic value only if this phenomenon is observed for a long time, and not sporadically!

Signs of a decrease in temperature:

• drowsiness;
• shiver;
• muscle tension;
• slow heartbeat;
• lowering blood pressure;
• rare, shallow breathing;
• the inability to eat or drink, even if there is a desire.

Causes of fluctuations in body temperature in a dog

A change in temperature in a pet is an indicator of ill health. It is always not low or high indicators that are treated, but their primary sources. Those. it is important to determine the causes of the rise in temperature.

Possible causes of a rise in dog body temperature:

The temperature drops when:

First aid for an increase or decrease in body temperature in a dog

A high or low temperature is a sign that adverse changes have occurred in the health of the dog, i.e. it is not an independent disease, but a compound symptom. At home, it is allowed to independently influence its indicators only in cases where it is impossible to immediately visit a veterinarian or threaten the life of a pet with critical numbers.

With fever

The dog does not sweat the entire surface of the body, so it is very important to reduce the temperature as soon as possible if it has reached a critical point. An independent medication lowering the temperature will blur the clinical picture of the disease, which will make it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Antipyretic drugs for humans on dogs work a little differently and can cause fatal poisoning and internal bleeding.

Remember: dogs are not allowed to give paracetamol! Also, you can not give any other antipyretic drugs from the human first aid kit, but nothing without the appointment of a veterinarian.

If it is impossible to deliver the animal to the veterinary clinic, the temperature can be slightly lowered on your own without medication:

1. Carry out contact cooling. To do this, apply ice wrapped in a kitchen towel or any medium-weight cloth or cloth to the neck area, inner thigh and paw pads.
2. In the absence of ice moisten the animal's coat with cool water, including paw pads.
3. Be sure to drink cool water (not cold!).
4. Put the pet in any cool place in the house(for example, in a bathroom with a tiled floor). Usually dogs look for such a place on their own when they are feverish, which may initially serve as a signal that the pet should have its body temperature checked.

All of these procedures usually manage to lower the body temperature below a critical limit in order to be able to get to a veterinary specialist.

With hypothermia

At home, when the temperature drops below normal, the dog needs to be literally warmed up. Put in a warm place, apply a heating pad with water up to 38 ° C to the paws, cover with a woolen blanket, give it a warm drink (milk, broth). After normalization of the temperature, the need to visit the veterinarian remains.

What does a veterinarian do?

With fever

When a dog enters a veterinary clinic with an elevated body temperature, the veterinarian conducts a reception in the classical sequence:

• collection of a detailed anamnesis;
• complete clinical examination;
• appointment of urine and blood tests;
• x-ray and ultrasound diagnostics;
• biopsy (if the situation so requires);
• prescribing treatment according to the diagnosis.

The veterinarian always first conducts a complete clinical examination, and then only, if necessary, resorts to medication to lower the temperature.

If the animal arrives already with a critical body temperature, then the veterinarian conducts the usual appointment, only a little faster, in order to give an antipyretic injection after the maximum collection of diagnostic information.

Lowering the temperature with drugs is allowed only in cases where the indicator goes off scale above critical limits, namely above 40.5°С. To reduce it, you can use a mixture of solutions of no-shpa, analgin and diphenhydramine in ratios of 1:1:1 in one syringe, at a dosage of each drug of 0.1 ml / kg. That is, for example, an injection of 3 ml of a mixture is prepared for a dog weighing 10 kg: 1 ml of no-shpa + 1 ml of analgin + 1 ml of diphenhydramine.

At temperatures above 40.5 ° C, a threat to the life of a dog is already being considered, therefore, possible side effects of analgin are not taken into account (no-shpa and diphenhydramine are included in the list of permitted free use in dogs, analgin is allowed with caution and under the supervision of a veterinarian).

With hypothermia

A decrease in body temperature below 36.5 ° C indicates that the dog's strength to resist the disease has been exhausted, the immune system is in a state of suppression (oppression). The animal needs resuscitation.

Depending on other symptoms that accompany hypothermia, the doctor prescribes warming therapy in the form of:

• "warming" injections and droppers;
• cardiovascular stimulation;
• rubbing and massages.

Resuscitation will be carried out until the body temperature is kept within the physiological norm for 14-16 hours without medical assistance.

You can not ignore any signs that are not characteristic of the daily condition and behavior of a pet. It is possible that the dog has a fever or a temperature drop and how quickly the pet will recover will depend on the speed of the meeting with the veterinarian and the timely diagnosis.

Unlike humans, dogs have a normal body temperature 2-3 degrees higher. But, as in humans, in pets, t ° can rise and fall for a number of reasons, including those that are painful. In some cases, fluctuations in t ° may be completely unnoticed by the owner.

How to measure

First of all, you need to purchase a thermometer, usually they use an electronic one, used exclusively for animals. Glass models are not safe and take longer to measure. It is impossible to measure t ° by touch on the nose, because a dry and warm nose does not always indicate health problems. In dogs, the temperature is measured rectally, because this method gives the most accurate readings. The best time to measure is in the evening, before meals, but not after walking or training.

No matter how unpleasant it is, there is no other exact way. For the animal, the process is also not pleasant. Therefore, the help of one of the family members, a friend, who would hold the animal, especially the large one, may be required. The assistant must act correctly, namely, put one hand around the neck of the animal, and wrap the other around the stomach, pressing the animal to him. It is possible to measure the temperature of a dog in a standing position, but it is much more convenient if the animal is in a lying position on its side.

Before using the thermometer, its tip is smeared with petroleum jelly or baby oil. Then you need to lift the tail and gently but quickly insert the thermometer into the rectum by about 1-2 cm, depending on the size of the pet. The thermometer is held for 1-3 minutes (depending on the type of thermometer). Then, also gently remove the thermometer.

If you still have problems with measuring t°, then, in extreme cases, you can measure t° in the armpit. The thermometer is placed in the armpit and the pet is kept calm until the values ​​​​appear, which the device will report with a sound signal. This method takes a little more time and gives approximate results.

normal temperature

The body temperature of dogs can vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of the animal. By the way, in bare breeds, t ° is the same as in representatives of breeds with a coat. The difference is only in the perception of the sensation when the hand touches the skin and wool, the skin seems warmer, and the wool is cooler.

The normal body temperature of a dog is 37.2-38.9 degrees. In puppies and older individuals, the indicators are lower - about 38.5, and in active animals - higher.

The temperature in small dogs is slightly higher than in representatives of large breeds, is 38.5-39 degrees.

*excluding pregnant bitches, if there are no complications during childbirth

Temperature in a dog before childbirth

Two weeks before delivery, it is recommended to measure the body temperature of the bitch twice a day (morning and evening) and record the results. 24 hours before delivery, the dog's temperature drops to 36.6-37.2 degrees, which is completely normal. There are exceptions, in some bitches there are no changes in the rectal t ° of the body, or the indicators may change before the first birth, and remain unchanged in the subsequent ones.

Decreased values ​​can be kept for 1-2 days after birth, but if symptoms of fever, signs of depression are observed, the bitch drinks a lot of water, then you should contact your veterinarian. Perhaps these signs signal a uterine infection, retained placenta, or even a puppy.

If the bitch is unable to whelp within 24 hours of the temperature drop and the gestation period is more than 68 days, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Causes of low and high temperature

An increase in t ° in pets after physical exertion is completely normal, since the work of the muscles stimulates the production of heat. After eating, t ° can rise by 1-2 degrees, which is caused by the process of digestion.

If the pet is worried, is in a stressful state, then the t ° of his body may increase. High fever can be caused by heat stroke, poisoning, brain tumors, infectious diseases.

Newborn puppies have a body temperature of 38.5 degrees, but babies are not able to control their own body temperature and are very dependent on external heat. Even at normal room temperature, they are prone to hypothermia. Therefore, it is important to keep puppies in a warm place (about 30 degrees Celsius).

Hypothermia is characterized by an abnormally low body temperature. Hypothermia comes in three forms. With a mild form, t ° of the body is 32-35 degrees, with an average - 28-32 degrees, with a severe one - below 28 degrees. When hypothermia, the body is not able to retain heat, which leads to depression of the central nervous system, there is a negative effect on the functions of the cardiovascular system, respiration. The result can be coma and death. More susceptible to cold and prone to hypothermia are representatives of small breeds, animals with injuries, elderly individuals, and puppies.

Certain drugs, such as those used in anesthesia, can help lower body temperature. As well as diseases of the hypothalamus, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious diseases that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.

The reaction of the animal's immune system to diseases of a bacterial or viral nature (pneumonia, encephalitis, urinary tract infections) is fever. An increase in t ° at the same time indicates that the body is fighting an infection that could enter the body through cuts, bites, scratches, and bad teeth. Other causes include cancer, complications during childbirth. In such cases, it is highly not recommended to bring down the temperature of the dog on your own.

What to do if your dog has a fever

If the dog's body temperature is above 39-40 degrees or below 37 degrees and we are not talking about a puppy bitch before childbirth, then you should contact your veterinarian. No need to try to bring down the dog's temperature on your own, because at home it is impossible to determine the exact cause of the fluctuations. Low or high t ° in animals is only a symptom. Therefore, compresses or medicines will not help heal the animal. In addition, medicines intended for humans can be toxic. Given that a dog's temperature above 40 degrees can cause complications, taking toxic drugs only exacerbates the situation. Therefore, it is advisable to take the pet to a veterinary clinic or call a veterinarian at home. But if the cause is heatstroke, then a cold compress should be applied to the body, especially on the head, legs and ears. In this case, you should be careful not to allow hypothermia.

If we are talking about low t ° of the body, then it is necessary to take first aid measures. The animal must be kept warm to prevent additional heat loss. It is considered safe to warm the body by 0.5-1.5 degrees per hour. For mild hypothermia, blankets wrapped around the animal will help prevent heat loss. In moderate hypothermia, external heat sources (heating pads, hot water bottles, heaters) are used. In case of severe hypothermia, the help of a veterinarian is required, because they use fluids that are administered intravenously, oxygen. Warming should occur gradually, otherwise there may be complications, a sudden drop in blood pressure, a low pulse. Depending on the degree of hypothermia, body warming therapy continues for 2-10 hours.