Normal ranges (resting, calm dog)
| Vital | Normal range | How to measure |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 38.3–39.2°C (101–102.5°F) | Rectal with pet thermometer + lubricant — the only reliable home method |
| Heart rate | Small dogs 90–140 / Large dogs 60–100 bpm | Hand on chest behind left elbow; count 15 s × 4 |
| Breathing | 10–30 breaths/min at rest | Count chest rises while asleep or resting — sleeping rate under 40 is the screen for heart/lung trouble |
| Capillary refill | Under 2 seconds | Press gum until white; color should return fast |
Temperature decision map
| Reading | What it means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 37.2–38.2°C (99–100.8°F) | Low-normal to mild low — small dogs can dip when cold/shocked | Warm blanket, recheck 30 min; below range → vet |
| 38.3–39.2°C | Normal | Nothing — this is healthy |
| 39.3–40.0°C | Borderline / possible early fever | Check for other signs (lethargy, appetite); call vet if it persists or dog seems ill |
| 40.1–40.9°C | Fever territory | Vet same day. Do NOT give human fever medicine — paracetamol/ibuprofen are toxic to dogs |
| Above 41.0°C (105.8°F) | Possible HEATSTROKE | EMERGENCY: move to cool area, wet belly/paws/groin with cool (not ice) water, fan, offer small sips, go to vet NOW |
Hypothermia emergency: under 37.2°C with weakness/shivering in a small, wet or old dog — wrap warm (not burning hot) and go to the vet
Fever vs heat: why the cause matters
A true fever comes from infection or inflammation; heatstroke comes from environment (hot car, midday play in summer — see our French Bulldog page for why flat-faced dogs are at extreme risk). Both can read the same number, but heatstroke needs active cooling on the way to the clinic, while a feverish dog needs the vet's diagnostic workup. When you call, report the number, how you measured, and what the dog had been doing.
Other numbers owners ask about
- Gums: should be salmon pink. Pale/white, blue or brick-red gums = emergency, whatever the temperature
- Hydration: lift the skin between the shoulders — it should snap back instantly; tenting suggests dehydration
- Appetite + energy trends beat single readings: a dog eating well and behaving normally is rarely in crisis