Normal temperature for an adult Yorkie

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If a family has decided to get a cute barking four-legged animal, you need to know everything about it. An informative indicator of health is temperature in dogs. This parameter of a dog’s body will depend on factors such as physiological state, weight, age, emotional mood, and environment. The temperature of dogs of different sizes also differs - we will find out what indicators will be standard, when the temperature is considered a deviation and how to bring it back to normal.

Normal temperature in dogs and puppies

Temperature values ​​within the normal range for dogs fall within the range of 37.3-39.3℃. It has not been established whether this is directly dependent on the breed. More important is the dog’s size, weight and age. Dogs of different breeds, but with the same weight, show the same normal body temperature.

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In small breeds

Small dogs show a normal temperature of 38.4 to 39.3 °C. These are dogs whose weight is less than 10 kg, and the height of the breed does not exceed 40 cm:

• Pomeranians;
• lap dogs;
• Yorkies;
• toy terriers;
• dachshunds;
• chihuahua;
• pugs;
• Pekingese;
• Chinese Crested;
• Shih Tzu.

The Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier breeds have the highest indicators: their normal body temperature is not lower than 39°C.

In medium breeds

The normal body temperature of medium-sized dogs ranges from 37.6 to 39°C. These are pets with a body weight of more than 10 kg, but less than 28 kg. Breed height ranges from 40-60 cm:

• Cocker Spaniel;
• Siberian Huskies;
• Border Collie;
• boxers;
• Sheltie;
• chow-chow;
• Shar-Pei;
• Australian Shepherd;
• pit bull terrier;
• West Siberian Laika.

In large breeds

Large dogs will always have a lower temperature than small breeds. This is the specificity of how metabolic processes work; the metabolism of a small dog proceeds much faster! The energy from the metabolic process will affect the digital mark of the thermometer.

In a large breed dog, the normal temperature is 37.3-38.5 °C. These are pets whose weight is more than 28 kg and height above 60 cm:

• Labrador;
• Golden retriever;
• Rottweiler;
• Great Dane;
• German Shepherd;
• Saint Bernard;
• mastiff;
• Dalmatian;
• Newfoundland;
• Doberman

The norms are indicated for adults of large breeds; for puppies the temperature ranges are slightly different.

Temperature norm for puppies

Newborn puppies exhibit a normal temperature of 33-36 °C. Then, after reaching the 20th day of life, the temperature increases and reaches 37.5-39 °C.

Any puppy always has a very active metabolic process, so an older dog’s body temperature is lower than that of an active youngster under one year of age. But the indicators also depend on the dimensions and weight.

Normal body temperature for a puppy from 1 month

Age slows down both a dog’s metabolism and overall energy, so an older dog’s thermometer will show lower values ​​than a puppy’s.

What is the norm for hairless dogs?

The common assumption that hairless dogs are always hotter to the touch is incorrect. This is a misconception: they have exactly the same temperature as their “hairy” counterparts.

When should you worry?

The normal value is different for adults and small puppies. In dwarf breeds it may be slightly increased, and this will not be considered a deviation. The normal temperature in dogs is presented in the table, which contains average values ​​for different age and size groups.

A dog's body temperature is normal if it is within the range shown in the table. In addition, there are additionally permissible deviations for different situations. Temperature in a dog: the norm can increase under stress (up to 0.3⁰C), on hot days, after intense training, during estrus. In bitches before giving birth, on the contrary, it decreases by 0.5-2⁰С.

Such changes do not indicate the presence of disease or illness.

There is an opinion that temperature can be determined by the nose, but this is a misconception. Sometimes the ears and groin feel hot to the touch when it's hot, but you can't rely on these signs alone.

Critical temperature in dogs

There are also elevated thermometer readings. These are frightening numbers above 39.5-40°C. Yes, this is the first reason to worry about your pet’s health; you need to think about what your pet has eaten in recent days. It makes sense to visit a veterinarian for an examination. But such numbers are not something critical.

Now, if the value has increased to 40-41°C, then you should immediately take the dog to the veterinary clinic, where he will receive urgent assistance.

Heating the body from the inside when exceeding 40.5°C is dangerous due to loss of fluid, decreased appetite or its complete absence, apathy and a depressed state. Accompanying rapid heartbeat and breathing.

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An increase in temperature of 41.1°C is the very critical mark leading to fluid loss. This is a direct road to cerebral edema, disruption of the functioning of internal organs, rapid heartbeat, cardiac arrhythmia, severe shortness of breath with wheezing, loss of consciousness, and convulsions. There is a strong lack of coordination of all movements, there may be diarrhea, vomiting, yellowing of the conjunctiva of the eyes and the entire oral mucosa. Urine is either absent or smells of acetone, blood may leak from the rectum, and hemorrhages are also noticeable on the skin. This could be a harbinger of the pet’s death, so don’t delay and rush to the clinic

!

How to measure a dog's temperature correctly

You can measure your dog's temperature in the rectum. You can determine the indicators both with a thermometer and without using it.

We understand that a mercury thermometer is classified as fragile and therefore dangerous. Although this is the most accurate measurement available

An electronic thermometer, unlike a mercury thermometer, has an error of 0.1-0.5 degrees, but such a device is the safest.

Is it possible to measure with a mercury thermometer?

You can find out your dog's body temperature with any thermometer. As soon as an animal appears in the house, a personal thermometer is placed in the dog’s first aid kit. The family instrument is not suitable for hygiene reasons.

Shake the mercury thermometer and make sure that the mercury column drops to 37 degrees. If the pet is assigned an electronic measurement tool, then press the button to make the letter L appear on the screen.

The tip is heat-sensitive, but in order not to hurt the animal, the tip of the thermometer is lubricated with Vaseline or greasy cream.

The pet should be secured either in a standing position or on its side with its tail raised. The thermometer is inserted very carefully and carefully into the anus, slightly pressing the device against the wall.

Large or medium breeds are injected at 2-2.5 cm, for a baby puppy or small breed dog at 1-1.5 cm.

To make the measurement accurate, you need to wait time: when using a mercury thermometer, wait 5-7 minutes, while using an electronic thermometer, wait until the signal is received. On average it is less than a minute.

Hygiene rules are paramount: after all measurements, wash both the thermometer and your hands with soap. After this, you should use some kind of disinfectant.

There are non-contact infrared and ear thermometry devices. They give not so accurate results.

Determining temperature without a thermometer

Not all dogs allow you to calmly take their temperature. Despite the lower accuracy of measuring thermometry without a thermometer, the method is sometimes necessary.

To determine whether a dog's temperature is exceeded, you can feel its ears and paws. There are many blood vessels there and any excess of the norm produces a large release of heat - a touch allows you to understand this the first time. But to do this, it’s worth knowing what your pet’s ears and paws feel like in a healthy, normal state.

Your source of additional information is the nose. The heat makes it very dry and hot. But this is not the only cause of a dry and hot nose; they are always looking for accompanying symptoms!

The infection will be expressed by a temperature surge - this will also be indicated by enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits and in the groin area. Slowly and with great care, they feel these places to make sure that everything is in order. If there is an infection, the nodes will be noticeably inflamed and will seem hot to the touch.

It is more difficult to determine that a dog’s body temperature has dropped excessively. Here, certain symptoms will receive attention, but more on that below.

How to measure a dog's body temperature

To do this, you will need a regular thermometer: mercury or electronic.

It is better to have a separate device for your pet. If there are several four-legged pets in the family, then each should have its own thermometer.

to measure correctly

dog temperature

This is a fairly simple procedure, but it requires a calm environment and careful attention to the pet, since manipulations are unpleasant for the animal and cause increased anxiety in it. To do this correctly you should follow simple rules

:

If you are using an electronic

device, measuring the temperature will take no more than one minute.

It is important to ensure that the dog does not injure itself. During the procedure, you can talk to her, praise her, or treat her with a treat.

At the end of the procedure, wash the thermometer with warm water and treat it with a disinfectant solution.

Fever in a dog

Typically, dog owners react to a dry and hot tip of the nose in their pet. In a dog, it may seem like this in a dream, in the presence of overwork or excitement, or thirst. If the dog is very old, its dry nose may be due to a disruption in the production of moisturizing secretions.

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Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of high levels on the thermometer.

Symptoms

A dog of any breed has a fever:

• If the ears, paws, armpits, and groin area seem hot;
• The nose is covered with crusts and a whitish coating;
• In the mouth, the gums appear bright, swollen, and small wounds are visible on them;
• Eyes water;
• Limbs tremble;
• Pulse and breathing are rapid;
• General depressed state, poor appetite, increased thirst, refusal to play, the dog seeks solitude.

Causes of high temperature

The balance between heat generation and heat transfer creates the temperature norm. If there are deviations, then there is a violation of regulation. If the imbalance is a short-term increase in temperature, no more than 1 degree, then the reasons are natural:

• A lot of physical activity, expenditure of energy on the animal;
• Emotional factor: the owner has left for a while, the house is moving. Some dogs even react to a visit to a veterinarian with strong anxiety;
• Excessive excitement: a fight with another dog, display of aggression or, conversely, severe fear;
• It's hot outside and at home;
• Baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth;
• I recently received a vaccination and the body reacts to it with a temperature jump;
• During a female dog's heat, her hormonal levels change, which can also lead to an increase by a degree.
• Milk flow on the first day after the birth process.
• Hyperthermia can begin very abruptly a day after a tick bite - this is how piroplasmosis begins.

Typically, a short-term increase will quickly return to normal. If this is summer overheating, then it is clearly not worth risking the health of your pet in the future and leaving it in the hot sun.

If the hyperthermia is persistent and not short-term, then the dog may have actively developing inflammation, often due to infection or abscess (when the increase in values ​​​​begins after injury). If a dog's high temperature is accompanied by serious symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, and frequent urination, this is a cause for concern.

If the fever is not brought down, then serious changes occur at 41℃. This has a detrimental effect on the composition of the blood, the brain begins to swell, and internal organs can also be significantly damaged.

How to knock down at home

It is important to change the situation even slightly: reducing the dog’s body temperature by just a few tenths of a degree guarantees a gradual return to normal for the animal’s well-being.

If the dog has hyperthermia, he is placed where it is coolest. It is better if the room is 18 - 20℃. We make sure that the dog does not become active, or better yet just lie there and not move. Movements contribute to an increase, and our task is to achieve a decrease in the degree.

Wet the ears, paws, forehead, and groin area with cool water. You can apply a towel to your neck, regularly soaked in cold water. The dog needs to be watered as often as possible.

Critical indicators allow you to turn on a fan or air conditioner in the room.

It is not recommended to give antipyretics from your first aid kit: medications for people like aspirin, ibuprofen or analgin can easily lead to the death of your pet. As a result of taking such drugs, internal bleeding, liver dysfunction and cell destruction develop.

Emergency: it is permissible to give paracetamol in a maximum dose of no more than 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight of the suffering animal. We calculate the dose carefully! This is only a means for urgent help when the fever is severe and has lasted for a long time, and it is not possible to go to the clinic.

What body temperature is considered normal for these dogs?

A dog's body temperature is one of the main indicators of health. Yorkies, like other dogs of miniature breeds, have the so-called “hot blood” and by human standards their body temperature is quite high . Normally, the thermometer readings range from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius. For puppies up to six months old, the normal temperature is 39.5 degrees.

An increase in temperature in a dog is most often accompanied by the following signs :

• loss of activity, lethargy;
• refusal of food and drink;
• frequent vomiting;
• pale tongue and gums;
• frequent loose stools.

If your Yorkshire Terrier has an elevated temperature and one or more signs, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian .
It is very important to promptly identify and eliminate the cause of poor health. Reference! A Yorkie's temperature can also increase due to stress, excessive physical activity, and also in females during estrus and before giving birth.

Low temperature in a dog

Low temperature is more dangerous than fever, but this condition is not so common. Hypothermia can be mild (32 – 37℃), moderate (28 – 32℃) and severe (below 28℃).

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Symptoms

The greater the severity, the more pronounced the signs of low temperature.

A dog of any breed may have muscle weakness, tremors, drowsiness, pale mucous membranes, paws that are cold to the touch, and a rare pulse. Blood pressure will be low, breathing and heart rate will be weak, and the pupils may be dilated.

If the degree is severe, the heart works intermittently, problems with the nervous system. This is an indicator of immediate veterinary care.

Causes of low temperature

Low readings on the thermometer will be:

• with extreme exhaustion;
• with regular severe malnutrition;
• in case of hypothermia (long stay in the cold or in ice water);
• after the end of the operation or upon recovery from anesthesia;
• Before giving birth, the mercury column in bitches begins to drop by 1-2 degrees within 24 hours.

There are reasons associated with serious violations. In case of internal blood loss of any origin, the owner should show the dog to the doctor, and not wait for hypothermia and other consequences.

A drop in temperature can also occur when:

• painful shock;
• traumatic brain injury;
• intoxication;
• malfunction of the thyroid gland;
• hormonal disorders;
• demodicosis;
• helminth damage;
• renal failure;
• problems in the functioning of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.

How to measure temperature correctly

To measure the body temperature of a representative of a large breed, it is worth enlisting the help of an assistant. You will need to put a muzzle on the mouth or close it with a loop made from a bandage. Having tied a knot (single) on the head, twist it at the bottom and fix it below the ears in the back of the head.

Infrared non-contact thermometer

Experts recommend buying a separate thermometer for the animal, which humans will not use (for hygiene and safety reasons).

Types of thermometers

There are two types of thermometers: rectal and clinical. The latter are able to show the result only after 5-7 minutes, while the rectal ones will display the test result in 10-80 seconds. To determine a dog’s body temperature, veterinary experts recommend using:

• rectal electronic thermometer displaying the result after 15 seconds;
• a non-contact infrared thermometer that displays the result in 5-8 seconds (error fraction 0.3 degrees);
• a universal electronic thermometer that displays the result in a couple of seconds/min (error fraction of 0.1–0.4 degrees);
• an infrared ear thermometer that makes a cycle of (7–10) measurements, after which the maximum value is displayed.

Note! A non-contact infrared thermometer should be used at a distance of 3-15 cm.