Body Temperature

The dog’s body temperature normally lies between 37.5°C and 39.0°C, measurable only rectally with a digital thermometer.

Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat through the skin. They regulate their temperature by panting and through their paw pads. This makes them more susceptible to overheating and explains why their normal temperature is higher than ours.

What body temperature is normal in dogs?

Healthy adult dogs have a body temperature of 37.5°C to 39.0°C. Puppies up to 12 weeks can reach up to 39.5°C without being ill; their thermoregulation is not yet fully developed.

There are hardly any breed-specific differences. Nordic breeds such as Huskies do not automatically have lower values. Body size is more decisive: smaller dogs tend to have slightly higher temperatures because they lose and need to produce heat faster.

A Chihuahua with 38.8°C is just as healthy as a Great Dane with 37.7°C. Both values are within the upper or lower normal range, respectively.

How do I measure my dog’s temperature correctly?

You need a digital fever thermometer for rectal measurement. Ear or infrared thermometers are unreliable in dogs.

Measurement step by step:

1. Lubricate the thermometer with Vaseline or lubricating gel
2. Lay the dog on its side or let it stand
3. Lift the tail, insert the thermometer 2-3 cm deep
4. Wait for the beep (usually 30-60 seconds)
5. Remove carefully and read off

Most dogs tolerate the measurement without resistance if you remain calm. For very restless dogs, a second person can help by holding the head firmly and speaking soothingly.

What does fever mean in dogs?

From 39.2°C onwards, vets speak of fever. This is a normal immune reaction to infections, inflammation or other disorders.

Typical causes of fever are bacterial infections, dental problems, wound infections or vaccine reactions. After vaccinations, the temperature may be elevated for 24–48 hours; this is normal and harmless.

Temperatures above 40°C are critical. The dog pants heavily, is lethargic and often drinks more than usual. You need to act quickly here: bring the dog into a cool room and go to the vet immediately.

A heatstroke shows itself through temperatures above 41°C, deep-red gums and coordination problems. This is an emergency.

When is the body temperature too low?

Hypothermia is present when the body temperature falls below 37.5°C. This can be just as dangerous as fever.

The causes are usually exposure to cold, shock after accidents or certain diseases such as hypothyroidism. Puppies and old dogs are particularly at risk.

In case of hypothermia, the dog becomes sluggish, shivers and appears apathetic. The gums become pale, and the heartbeat and breathing slow down.

Warm the dog up slowly, wrap it in blankets and take it to a warm place. Do not use direct heat sources such as hot water bottles, as this can overload the circulatory system. Go to the vet if hypothermia persists.

Which temperatures require veterinary treatment?

You should always take temperatures above 40°C or below 37°C seriously. Even if the temperature is only slightly elevated, but your dog additionally does not eat, vomits or appears very lethargic.

After 24 hours of persistent fever above 39.2°C, the dog should go to the vet, even if it otherwise behaves normally. Sometimes infections develop insidiously.

In puppies under 12 weeks, the margins are narrower: temperatures above 39.8°C or below 37.8°C require prompt veterinary checks.