1. The dog’s body temperature is related to the dog’s age
A puppy is slightly higher than an adult dog but slightly higher than other dogs. Below is a dog’s rectal temperature, which is about 0.5 degrees warmer than the body surface temperature.
1. Milk dogs. Milk dogs are born with a low body temperature, about 34.5-36 degrees for a week; the body temperature will rise to 36-39 degrees in 2-6 weeks. (intestinal temperature)
2. Puppy. The average body temperature range is 38-39 degrees. (Intestinal temperature)
3. Adult dogs. The standard temperature range is 37.5~38.5 degrees. (Intestinal temperature)
Under normal circumstances, a dog’s body temperature is usually slightly lower in the morning and a little higher in the afternoon. The body temperature difference during the day is generally not more than 1 degree.
Second, the correct way to measure the dog’s body temperature
For dogs, rectal thermometers, oral thermometers, or ear thermometers can be used, of which the most commonly used are rectal thermometers and posteromedial thermometers. What’s the difference between those two methods?
Rectal thermometry is the most accurate, convenient, and quickest way to measure body temperature. Typically, veterinarians take a dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer.
The method of measuring the temperature of the inside of the hind leg needs to increase the temperature by 0.5 degrees based on the measured body temperature, and the measurement time is longer. In theory, rectal temperature measurement is the best method, but if it is a mercury thermometer, be careful not to break it and hurt the dog due to its resistance or accidentally slip it into its body.
It is recommended to use a rectal thermometer to measure the temperature. There is a small hole at one end of the rectal thermometer for temperature measurement to prevent the dog from sliding in.
Third, the steps to measure a dog
1. Rectal temperature measurement:
Disinfect the rectal thermometer with alcohol and adjust its temperature to zero.
Apply a small amount of Vaseline to one end of the rectal thermometer for lubrication. If Vaseline is not available, pure water can be used instead.
It is recommended to take measurements while the dog is sleeping or lying down to avoid strong resistance from the dog. The best way is to have someone help you soothe it and attract its attention. Take the temperature separately.
Put one end of the rectal thermometer into the rectum about 2cm. Do not put the thermometer into the anus more than 3cm.
Wait for about 5 minutes and remove the rectal thermometer.
2. Determination of the temperature of the inside of the hind legs:
Disinfect the thermometer with alcohol and adjust the temperature to zero.
Small dogs can hold a thermometer to take their temperature or take their temperature while sleeping or lying down. It is recommended that the big dog be measured while sleeping or lying down to avoid strong resistance from the dog. The best way is to have someone help you soothe it and attract its attention. Take the temperature separately.
Place the thermometer inside the base of the dog’s hind legs and connect it to the stomach. It’s like taking a person’s armpit temperature.
A 10-minute measurement is required to remove because the dog’s surface temperature is lower than the rectal temperature.
The dog needs to be distracted while taking the temperature.
