What is a "normal" body temperature for your dog? How many teeth do dogs have as puppies and adults? What is the normal heart rate ranges? Being aware of what is normal helps for you recognize when your pet is sick or "not normal" and to seek veterinary attention. Many illnesses have better prognosis (and lower expenses) with prompt veterinary care.
See Also:
What's "Normal" For A Cat
Reference:
Merck Veterinary Manual, 9th edition
1. Body Temperature
Canine "normal" body temperature range is 100.5 - 102.5 Fahrenheit (38 - 39.2 Celsius).
A body temperature below 100 or above 103F warrants a call to your veterinarian. Body temperature in dogs is most often measured rectally, ear thermometers can also be used, but it can be difficult to get an accurate reading. Gauging body temperature by the moistness of the nose or how warm the ears feel is not reliable.
Learn how to assess your dog's body temperature.
2. Respiratory Rate
10-34 breaths per minute, unless panting
Respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute. Normal respiratory rates are assessed when the dog is resting. A dog that is in pain, having heart or respiratory problems, suffering from heatstroke, or simply excited will usually have increased respiratory rates. It is important to gauge the overall situation and condition of the animal to assess the respiratory rate.
Related:
- Why Does My Dog Hyperventilate When Excited?
- What is kennel cough, and how can I protect my dog?
- Dog Flu (H3N8) Disease and Vaccine Information
3. Heart Rate
Beats Per Minute: 60 – 100 for large breeds, 100 – 140 for small breeds
Larger dogs have slower rates than small dogs, and dogs that are in good physical shape will have lower heart rates than dogs of similar age and size who are not physically fit. Puppies typically have higher heart rates, up to 180 beats per minute is normal up to one year of age.
More about dog heart problems:
4. Duration of Pregnancy
On average, canine pregnancy lasts 63 days, but can vary from 58 to 68 days.
Learn more about:
5. Number of Teeth
Puppies have 28 teeth
Adult dogs have 42 teeth
Puppies usually lose their deciduous (baby) teeth by 6 months of age, which are replaced by the adult teeth.
Learn more about teeth:
