Normal Dog Temperature & Health Monitoring
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Normal Dog Temperature, Heart Rate and Breathing: How To Check at Home
If you are reading about normal dog temperature, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
A normal dog temperature is about 101.0 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C), higher than a person’s. A dog’s nose being warm or dry does not tell you if it has a fever; a thermometer does.
This guide shows how to take your dog’s temperature, normal heart and breathing rates, how to check gums and hydration, and a simple weekly nose-to-tail check so you spot problems early.
Important: Call your vet now for a temperature above 104°F or below 99°F, labored breathing or more than about 40 breaths per minute at rest, pale, gray, blue or bright red gums, or collapse. A temperature above 105°F can mean heatstroke and is an emergency.
Normal Vital Signs in Dogs
Temperature
About 101.0 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). 103°F or higher is a fever; under 99°F is too low.
Heart Rate
Roughly 60 to 140 beats per minute at rest in adult dogs. Small dogs run faster than large dogs, and puppies faster still.
Breathing Rate
About 10 to 30 breaths per minute at rest or asleep. A sleeping rate that is rising, or above 30 to 40, is a reason to call your vet.
Gums
Pink and moist. Press with a finger: color should return within about two seconds.
How To Take Your Dog’s Temperature
Use a Digital Thermometer
A rectal digital thermometer is the most accurate. Ear thermometers made for dogs are an option but can be less reliable.
Step by Step
Have a helper hold your dog. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly, lift the tail, and gently insert about one inch (less for small dogs) until it beeps. Clean it afterward and label it for pet use.
Heart Rate
Place a hand on the left side of the chest behind the elbow, or feel the pulse inside the thigh, count for 15 seconds and multiply by four.
Breathing Rate
Count each rise of the chest for 30 seconds while your dog rests or sleeps and multiply by two.
Dog Fever and Low Temperature
Signs of Fever
Lethargy, shivering, panting, not eating, warm ears, and red eyes. Infection, inflammation, and some toxins are causes.
Overheating
Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums and weakness after heat or exercise can be heatstroke. Cool with cool (not ice-cold) water and go to a vet.
Low Temperature
Shivering and weakness in cold weather, after surgery, or in very sick dogs. Warm gently with blankets and call your vet.
No Human Fever Medicines
Never give acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin or other human fever reducers to a dog.
A Simple Weekly Nose-to-Tail Check
Eyes, Ears, Nose and Mouth
Clear, bright eyes; clean ears with no smell; no nasal discharge; pink gums and no bad breath. See dog eye boogers.
Skin and Coat
Run your hands over the body for lumps, scabs, fleas, ticks and sore spots. See skin problems in dogs.
Body Weight
Weigh monthly and check you can feel the ribs easily. Unexplained weight loss or gain needs a vet check.
Habits
Changes in thirst, appetite, urine, stool, energy or sleep are early signs of illness. See lethargic dog.
Practice Tonight While Your Dog Is Well
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Normal Dog Temperature & Health Monitoring FAQ
What is a normal dog temperature?
About 101.0 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). Call your vet if it is 104°F or higher, or below 99°F.
How do I tell if my dog has a fever without a thermometer?
Warm ears, lethargy, shivering, panting and not eating can be clues, but a thermometer is the only reliable way.
What is a normal dog heart rate?
Roughly 60 to 140 beats per minute at rest for adult dogs, faster in small dogs and puppies.
What is a normal breathing rate for a sleeping dog?
About 10 to 30 breaths per minute. A rising rate, or more than 30 to 40, is worth a call to your vet.
Can I use a human thermometer on my dog?
Yes, a digital rectal thermometer works. Keep it just for your pet, and never use a glass mercury thermometer.
Is this normal dog temperature & health monitoring guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.