What Is a Normal Dog Temperature?

A dog’s normal temperature is about 99.5 to 102.5°F: that’s the AKC’s range and the one in the Merck Veterinary Manual’s rectal-temperature table, 37.5 to 39.2°C (99.5 to 102.5°F), while VCA gives 100.0 to 102.5°F (37.7 to 39.2°C). These three ranges share the same top, 102.5°F; they differ on the bottom.

Normal range, source by source

Source	Normal for a dog
Merck, rectal-temperature table	37.5–39.2°C (99.5–102.5°F)
Merck, normal values table (average)	101–102.5°F (38.3–39.2°C)
Merck, owner emergency page	about 101.5–102°F (38.6–38.9°C)
VCA Animal Hospitals	100.0–102.5°F (37.7–39.2°C)
AKC	99.5–102.5°F

Merck’s rectal-temperature table is adapted from Dukes’ Physiology of Domestic Animals, a veterinary physiology textbook. The two narrower Merck figures come from other Merck pages: one is labeled an average, and the other is from its emergency page for owners.

In practice, a calm reading from 101 to 102.5°F falls inside the AKC’s range, VCA’s range and both Merck tables. A reading between 99.5°F and 101°F sits inside the AKC’s and Merck’s rectal-table ranges but under Merck’s average figure, so note it along with how your dog is acting.

When it’s a fever, and when to go to the vet

• Fever: the AKC defines a fever as 103°F or higher.
• Go to the vet: VCA says to head to the vet if your dog’s temperature is above 104°F (40.0°C) or below 99°F (37.2°C).
• Danger zone: the AKC warns that 106°F or higher can damage internal organs and can be fatal.

If the reading sits between the top of the normal range and VCA’s 104°F line, call your vet, describe how your dog is acting, and recheck once your dog is calm. The free vet visit prep sheet gives you one place to log readings and symptoms.

Taking the reading

The ranges above are rectal temperatures; Merck’s main table is a rectal-temperature table. VCA adds two cautions: excitement or agitation can push the reading up falsely, and you should never force a rectal or ear thermometer. If your dog won’t tolerate it, let your vet take the reading. Each time, write down the reading, the time, and anything else you notice, such as changes in appetite or energy, so your vet has the full picture. The free dog first-aid kit checklist helps you stock a kit before you need it.

Never give human medicine for a fever

The AKC is clear: never give your dog human medications without consulting your vet. If your dog seems feverish or unwell, call your vet instead; they can tell you what is safe for your dog.

Other normal numbers

Merck’s normal values table also lists, for dogs, a heart rate of 70 to 120 beats per minute and a resting breathing rate of 18 to 34 breaths per minute. If your dog’s breathing worries you, see fast breathing while sleeping and the free resting breathing rate log.