Dogs’ normal body temperatures typically hover around 101° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius), but it’s normal for them to be a degree or two higher or lower. Dogs can control their body temperature by panting, but the environment, an infection or disease, old age, and size can cause them to become overheated or too cold.
Home remedies can be used to treat minor temperature fluctuations or increases, but vet care is typically required for severe hypothermia and high fevers. If you notice unusually high temperatures in your furry friends, it is advised to speak with your veterinarian.
However, keep in mind that having an ESA letter is necessary if you intend to keep your pet with you in US-based properties because otherwise, legal action may be taken against you. You need an ESA letter for housing if you want to keep your dog inside your home.
Mechanisms of Regulation
Dogs have a number of internal mechanisms and functions that maintain a safe body temperature. They mainly do this by panting to stay cool. This causes the heart to beat a little harder and accelerates breathing, which pushes air over the wet tongue and respiratory passages.
Heat is transferred from these structures to the air through the fundamental process of evaporation, and the cooler blood in those regions circulates to the rest of the body.
Dogs do sweat, but since they only have sweat glands on the pads of their feet, these don’t do much to keep the dog’s body temperature down.
The brain’s hypothalamus is in charge of transmitting signals that regulate shivering, which generates heat as a byproduct as the muscles contract.
As blood circulates, the skin’s blood vessels expand, making it easier for heat to escape. Their fur also serves as a natural insulator.
Additionally, they have a condensed network of arteries and veins at the base of their necks called the rete mirabile, which limits the amount of body heat that can rise into their brains.
The Typical Temperature Range for Dogs
Even though dogs’ body temperatures typically range from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 39.2 degrees Celsius), this is the norm. 99°F (37.2°C) is generally regarded as the range’s lowest temperature. Going outside of this range indicates illness or that the temperature outside is uncomfortably high or low.
A suitable thermometer is needed to keep track of your pet’s temperature.
Elevated Body Temperatures in Dogs
The majority of veterinarians define a dog’s fever as anything above 103°F (39.4°C). A sign that an animal is battling an infection or another disease is a temperature that is higher than this.
After vaccination, temperatures also rise as a result of the immune system’s active defense against the perceived threat. Certain foods and beverages, like macadamia nuts, can elevate you as well.
Recognizing Signs of Overheating in Dogs
A dog will typically begin panting as soon as it becomes too hot. Since the respiratory system is involved, it may also experience some breathing difficulties and cause coughing, frequently accompanied by nasal discharge. It may become drowsy, depressed, or unwilling to eat.
Shivering can also happen, though it’s typically related to being too cold, and some dogs can get so hot that they pass out, collapse, or experience seizures, comas, or even pass away.
Manage Anxiety
When temperatures are higher or lower than usual, your dog may become anxious. This depends on the dog and whether they are in pain as a result of a health issue they are dealing with.
Giving your dog something to make them feel calmer while the underlying issue is being properly addressed may help if they are displaying signs of discomfort, anxiety, or just general unease:
Low Temperatures
When a dog’s body temperature falls below 99°F (35°F), they are said to be hypothermic. Moderate hypothermia is defined as anything between 82 and 90°F (28 and 32°C), and severe hypothermia is anything below 82°F (28°C).
Readings can occasionally fall into this range if the pet has thyroid hormone imbalances or a problem with the hypothalamus.
It may also occur because the animal is a puppy or a small breed, which both increase its propensity to rapidly lose surface heat.
Mild hypothermia symptoms
A dog suffering from mild hypothermia might shiver or struggle to focus and maintain awareness. Along with weakness, the condition is frequently accompanied by stiffness in the muscles, drops in blood pressure, and slower breathing.
Finding a heartbeat can be challenging in severe cases. Organ failure, coma, and death are possible side effects, as well as fixed, dilated pupils.
When Might Hyperthermia Take Place?
Although hyperthermia can occur at any time of the year, dogs may be more vulnerable in the spring when day and nighttime temperatures differ significantly.
To prevent negative reactions during temperature fluctuations, dog owners should acclimatize their pets to changes in temperature using air conditioning and other tools.
How to Measure the Temperature of Your Dog?
Owners of dogs must rectally take their dogs’ temperatures, which is a relatively simple procedure. To do it, lubricate a mercury or digital thermometer with petroleum jelly or another lubricant made for animals before inserting it slowly and gently into the rectum.
The amount of depth to go depends on the size of the animal, but for the majority of pets, at least an inch (2.54 centimeters) is required to get a reliable reading.
The thermometer can be removed to check the temperature after one or two minutes or when the digital readout indicates the reading is finished.
In some circumstances, having a second person assist with the process by holding the dog still and maintaining its composure can be helpful. The experts advise rewarding success with lots of praise or a delectable treat.
Adjustments and Treatment Methods
Regular grooming is a simple way to help regulate temperature. Routine combing and frequent trimming can keep the animal healthy because the amount and length of fur affect how much heat escapes from the skin.
For small breeds, adding a pet jumper or allowing a slightly longer coat can increase comfort. Larger breeds typically don’t require additional layers and can handle a shorter cut.
To have your pet accompany you as an emotional support animal (ESA) while residing in the US, you need an ESA doctor letter that grants you legal access to keep your pet with you for emotional support.