Dogs who have just exercised should be measured for body temperature after a while

The normal dog's body temperature fluctuates continuously within a normal range. Each dog has its own normal value, but generally, it will not be below or above that normal range. Usually, the normal dog’s body temperature is about 38-39 degrees Celsius. Of course, due to external environmental influences, a slightly higher or lower body temperature is considered normal. However, if the deviation is too large, it is definitely an abnormal phenomenon. At this time, owners should pay more attention to the dog's mental state and appetite.

During the process of keeping dogs at home, the owner should often pay attention to the dog's body temperature changes to detect temperature variations early. This is important for understanding if the dog is sick, determining the nature of the disease, and inferring prognosis. Correct methods must be used when measuring the dog’s temperature; otherwise, inaccurate readings or harm to the dog may occur.

Measuring a dog's temperature involves measuring rectal temperature because this location gives the most accurate results. When measuring body temperature, we first shake the mercury in the thermometer below 35 degrees Celsius and disinfect the thermometer using a cotton ball dipped in saline or alcohol. Next, restrain the dog to keep it still, lift the dog's tail with the left hand to expose the anus, and gently insert the thermometer 4-5 centimeters inside with the right hand. Remove after about 3 minutes, wipe clean with a cotton ball, then read the temperature value.

A deviation within 0.2 degrees higher or lower than normal usually does not cause concern. We can record the temperature measurements twice daily and connect these values on a special temperature chart, forming a temperature curve. The shape of the temperature curve can reflect the disease the dog is suffering from.

Slight temperature deviations due to environmental influence are normal

1. Continuous fever: High fever lasting more than 3 days with a temperature difference within 1 degree, commonly seen in pneumonia.

2. Remittent fever:Large fluctuations in temperature with daily differences over 1 degree that do not return to normal temperature, seen in bronchopneumonia and septicemia.

3. Intermittent fever:Alternating periods of fever and no fever, seen in coccidiosis and trypanosomiasis.

4. Irregular fever:Duration and fluctuations of fever are irregular, with temperature differences sometimes small and sometimes very large. This type of fever can occur in many atypical diseases, such as exudative pleurisy.

Compared to high fever, low body temperature requires more attention because it reflects poor health conditions, seen in post-partum paralysis, shock, collapse, extreme weakness, or terminal stages of illness.

Measuring a dog's body temperature has very important roles and significance. For example, many hospitals measure a dog’s temperature before vaccination because vaccines should only be administered when the dog is healthy; injecting a vaccine when a dog is unwell may cause adverse effects. Additionally, body temperature is an important indicator of a dog’s health status; whether high or low, it shows that the dog’s current health condition is not ideal.

Also, when measuring body temperature, if the dog has been running or exercising heavily just before, the dog should rest for a while first. Measuring temperature immediately after exercise will result in elevated temperature readings which do not accurately reflect the dog’s health condition.