What is the normal body temperature for a dog in Celsius?

In the warm time we spend with dogs, their health is always our biggest concern. Understanding the normal body temperature of dogs is like mastering a key to open the door to protect the health of dogs. Dogs, these little lives that love us with their whole heart, will not use words to tell us about their physical discomfort, so body temperature has become a key barometer of their health. ​

The body temperature of a dog is an important guarantee for the normal functioning of its physiological functions. Maintaining a stable body temperature plays a decisive role in the metabolism, enzyme activity and various physiological and chemical reactions in the dog's body. Just as we humans need a suitable temperature to live comfortably, dogs also rely on normal body temperature to keep their bodies in good condition. Imagine that on a cold winter day, a dog curled up in a warm nest, its body is trying to maintain its body temperature to resist the cold outside; and on a hot summer day, the dog sticks out its tongue and pants, trying to dissipate excess heat in the body and keep its body temperature within a normal range. This seemingly simple process of temperature regulation actually contains the complex and delicate physiological mechanism of the dog's body.

So, what is the normal body temperature of a dog? Generally speaking, the normal body temperature of a dog ranges from 37.5℃ to 38.5℃. This range is not absolutely fixed and will fluctuate due to factors such as the dog's breed, age, activity status, and measurement time. For example, since the body temperature regulation system of puppies is not fully developed, their body temperature may be relatively high, about 38℃ to 39℃. Larger dogs may have a slightly lower body temperature than small dogs. ​

Measuring the body temperature of dogs is an important means for us to understand their health status. So how to accurately measure the body temperature of dogs? The most common method is to use a rectal thermometer. This process may make some dogs feel uncomfortable, so we need to be extra patient and gentle. First, make sure the thermometer is clean and disinfected. You can gently wipe the head of the thermometer with an alcohol cotton ball. Then, gently soothe the dog and keep it quiet. Slowly insert the thermometer into the dog's rectum, about 1 to 2 cm deep, and leave it there for a few minutes until the thermometer sounds a beep or shows a stable temperature reading. In this process, we are like protecting a fragile baby, and every action is full of caution, because we know that accurate temperature measurement is essential to determine the health of dogs. ​

In addition to the rectal measurement method, there are now some new measurement tools, such as ear thermometers. Ear thermometers are relatively more convenient to use. Just aim it at the dog's ear canal and gently press the button to quickly get a temperature reading. However, it should be noted that ear thermometers of different brands may have certain errors. It is best to read the product instructions carefully before use, and compare and calibrate with the rectal measurement method to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results. ​

When we find that the dog's body temperature deviates from the normal range, we are often full of worries. An increase in body temperature, which we often call a fever, may be a sign of inflammation, infection or other diseases in the dog's body. If a dog that was originally lively and active suddenly becomes listless, has a dry and hot nose, and a body temperature of more than 38.5℃, our hearts will immediately hang. Maybe the dog accidentally contracted a virus, or maybe a part of its body was inflamed. These unknown conditions make us anxious. Hypothermia should not be ignored either. When a dog's body temperature is lower than 37.5℃, it may mean that it is facing cold, shock or some serious health problems. For example, in cold weather, if a dog is exposed to the outdoors for a long time without adequate warming measures, it may cause hypothermia. At this time, the dog will shiver and be extremely depressed. We will be distressed and quickly carry it into a warm room and try our best to help it restore its body temperature. ​

In order to ensure that the dog's body temperature is always within the normal range, we need to give them careful care in daily life. In the cold season, prepare a warm and comfortable nest for the dog, lay a soft mat, and put warm clothes on the dog if necessary. In the hot summer, we need to provide dogs with plenty of drinking water to avoid keeping them in a high temperature environment for a long time. We can arrange the dogs' activities in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Our love for dogs is reflected in these daily cares. We start from every detail that affects the dog's body temperature and build a solid line of defense for their health.

The normal body temperature of dogs, this seemingly simple value, carries our deep care and responsibility for them. Every time we measure the body temperature, it is our affectionate protection of the dog's health; every action to maintain the normal body temperature of the dog is a healthy movement composed with love.