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What is the normal body temperature of a dog? How to measure a dog's body temperature?

Author: PetsZone Release time: 2025-09-08 17:11:30 View number: 5

What is the normal body temperature of a dog? The normal body temperature for adult dogs is 37.5~38.5°C, and for puppies, it is 38.5~39°C. A dog's body temperature is usually higher at night and lower in the morning, with a daily difference of about 0.2~0.5°C. External heat and excitement from eating, exercise, or nervousness can temporarily cause a slight rise in body temperature. When a dog suffers from proctitis, frequent diarrhea, or anal relaxation, rectal temperature measurement may have certain errors.

What is the normal body temperature of a dog
What is the normal body temperature of a dog

Body temperature measurement in dogs is usually done rectally. When measuring, first shake the mercury column of the thermometer (rectal thermometer) to below 35°C, disinfect it with an alcohol cotton ball, and apply lubricant. Then properly restrain the dog, slightly lift its tail, and slowly insert the thermometer into the anus. The back end of the thermometer can be tied with a small iron clip using a thin string, clipping it to the base of the tail or the fur on the back of the hips to prevent the thermometer from falling out. After 3~5 minutes, remove and read the temperature to get the dog's body temperature. An electronic thermometer can also be used, which takes about 10 seconds for an accurate read. The temperature of the dog's inner thigh is slightly lower than the rectal temperature.

What is the normal body temperature of a dog
What is the normal body temperature of a dog

Sometimes there are exceptions, but such cases last a very short time. The dog's temperature quickly returns to normal. For example, when a pet dog has just finished intense exercise or is in a state of nervous excitement, its body temperature will rise a bit, but when the dog calms down, the temperature returns to normal.

What is the normal body temperature of a dog
What is the normal body temperature of a dog

What is the normal body temperature of a dog? Normally, a dog's body temperature is slightly lower in the early morning and slightly higher in the afternoon, with the difference between day and night temperatures generally not exceeding 1 degree.

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