The short answer
A healthy adult dog's rectal temperature is about 99.5°F to 102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.2°C), according to the Merck Veterinary Manual's reference table. Merck's pet-owner pages put the typical average a little narrower, at 101°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C). Either way, dogs run warmer than people, so a dog that feels warm to you may be perfectly normal.
Dog temperature chart
| Rectal temperature | Celsius | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 98°F | 36.7°C | Low: call your vet (a pregnant dog near term may be about to give birth) |
| 99.5°F | 37.5°C | Bottom of the normal range (Merck) |
| 101°F | 38.3°C | Normal |
| 102.5°F | 39.2°C | Top of the normal range |
| 103°F | 39.4°C | Raised: fever range starts around here; call your vet |
| 106°F | 41.1°C | Emergency: heatstroke can reach this; see a vet now |
Need a different reading in Celsius? The unit converter does °F to °C: subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9.
Puppies run cooler
Newborn puppies can't hold their body temperature well. Merck lists normal rectal temperatures of 95°F to 99°F (35°C to 37.2°C) in the first week, 97°F to 100°F (36.1°C to 37.8°C) at 2 to 3 weeks, and 99°F to 101°F (37.2°C to 38.3°C) at 4 weeks. They need a warm, draft-free place, and a chilled newborn needs a vet.
What counts as a fever?
Merck notes that most dogs with a true fever have temperatures of 103°F to 106°F (39.5°C to 41.1°C). A fever is the body resetting its thermostat higher, often because of infection, inflammation or immune disease. Heatstroke, seizures and some drug reactions can push a dog to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher, but that's overheating, not a fever, and it's an emergency.
Don't give your dog human fever or pain medicine. Some are toxic to dogs. Merck's guidance is that fever-reducing drugs are something your veterinarian decides on.
When to call a vet
- Now, as an emergency: signs of heatstroke, such as hot skin, heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, collapse or unconsciousness. Move your dog somewhere cool, cool the head and body with cool (not cold) water, wet towels or ice packs, especially on the belly, use a fan, and head to the vet. Merck says not to put the dog in cold water.
- Now: a dog that's cold, weak, confused or collapsed after being out in freezing weather. Merck notes shivering isn't a reliable sign of hypothermia. Dry a wet dog and wrap warm (not hot) water bottles around them on the way.
- Today: a temperature above the normal range (over about 102.5°F), especially with low energy, poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, or below about 99.5°F in a dog that isn't about to give birth.
- Expecting puppies? A drop to below 99°F usually means labor within about 24 hours (Cornell), so it's a cue to get ready, not to panic.
Taking your dog's temperature
All the figures above are rectal temperatures, which is how vets measure them. A dog's nose, ears or belly feeling warm or dry tells you very little. If you want to check at home, ask your vet to show you how to use a digital rectal thermometer safely, and stop if your dog is in pain or too stressed; your vet can take it instead.
Other normal values
Merck lists a resting heart rate of 70 to 120 beats a minute for dogs (faster in small dogs) and a resting breathing rate of 18 to 34 breaths a minute.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your dog, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Normal Rectal Temperature Ranges (table)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Normal Physiological Values for Dogs (table)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Normal Rectal Temperature of Neonatal Dogs and Cats (table)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Fever of Unknown Origin in Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Protecting Pets During Hot Summer Months (2025)
- Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Normal Whelping Process