Page 46 - VODIC KRAS-a Sapicama po PGZ-u HR

a quick check-up It is important to note that body
temperature may be increased after
If the change occurs suddenly or you spending some time in the sun or in a
find the dog injured, first check the heated room, or after increased physical
surroundings for any danger or the
possible cause of injury or change. activity. In such cases, you shouldn’t
measure the temperature until the
then do the following in this order: dog cools down after running, being in
1. Observe the entire body, try to notice the sun or sleeping next to a radiator,
any changes in the appearance of unless you suspect heat stroke. Fear is
certain body parts or body posture; pay another reason why body temperature
attention to the state of consciousness may rise (sometimes even a whole
(whether the dog is excited, degree higher). For any temperature
disoriented, depressed, unconscious, that’s out of range visit your veterinarian
or has seizures); look for the presence immediately, and temperature above
of blood, urine, feces or vomit in the 40 °C requires emergency medical
immediate vicinity of the dog; check attention. A temperature that falls under
if the dog is bleeding, breathing, or 37.5 ° C and is in constant decline is also
making unusual sounds. considered an emergency. The general
opinion that checking temperature by
2. If you do not find any visible injuries touch and feeling if the nose is wet are
on your dog, the first thing you need good indicators of dog’s health status is
and can do is to measure its body unfortunately not true.
temperature.
The easiest and most reliable way of
3. If necessary or if advised by your measuring a dog’s temperature is to
veterinarian, you can also measure measure its rectal temperature. You can
its heart rate and examine its mucous use ordinary or digital thermometers
membranes. available in every pharmacy. The only
thing you have to know is how long
Body temperature the thermometer needs to read the
Body temperature is a good indicator of temperature (1.3 or 5 minutes). Newer
your dog’s health. You can easily measure thermometers will make a beeping noise
it yourself; you just need to know how when the final reading is done.
to interpret the values of a normal
temperature for dogs. Physiological rectal temperature measurement
temperature may vary in dogs of different technique
ages and sizes, but we recommend to 1. Restrain the dog if needed.
consult your veterinarian when:
2. Apply Vaseline, Vaseline-based cream
• a PUPPY has a body temperature or plain soap and water to the top of the
higher than 39.5°C thermometer.
• an ADULT DOG has a body 3. Lift the dog’s tail and gently insert
temperature higher than 39 ° C the thermometer into the anus. Be

46