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Top 5 Canine Physiology and Anatomy Facts

From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
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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? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this article.

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. Click here to learn how to assess your dog's body temperature.

2. Respiratory Rate

18-34 breaths per minute

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.

3. Heart Rate

70-120 beats per minute

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.

4. Duration of Pregnancy

On average, canine pregnancy lasts 63 days, but can vary from 58 to 68 days.

Learn more about:
pregnancy in dogs
Veterinary Q & A Spay Surgery

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.

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Advertising Info \| News & Events \| Work at About \| SiteMap \| Reprints \| Help	Our Story \| Be a Guide
User Agreement \| Ethics Policy \| Patent Info. \| Privacy Policy	©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.