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PHYSIOLOGIC DATA for the DOG
BODY TEMPERATURE of normal adult dog is 101.0F-102.5F, puppy temperatures may be lower.
This is a rectal temperature taken by shaking down a rectal thermometer to under 98F, lubricating it with Vaseline and carefully placing it half way into the rectum of your pet. Hold the dog still, leaving the thermometer in place 2 or 3 minutes. Remove, clean with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol and read the thermometer.
PULSE RATE
PUPPIES 150-220 beats per minute
TOY BREEDS 120-180 beats per minute
MEDIUM BREEDS 100-150 beats per minute
LARGE BREEDS 80-130 beats per minute
GIANT BREEDS 60-110 beats per minute
NOTE: that there is no exact rate for any one breed or size under any specific circumstances.
The pulse can be taken either by finding it inside the hind leg near the groin or by holding your hand over the heart of the dog; an area along the left chest wall just behind where the elbow normally contacts the body.
RESPIRATORY RATE is 10 to 28 breaths per minute and is not specific for any breed. Panting should not be confused with normal respiration.
Puberty: 4-6 months, or up to 1 year in some dogs. Earlier in males, first heat in females may be delayed due to the season, and may occur later in larger breeds.
Spay/neuter: traditionally 6 months or older, some advise earlier age
First bred: on second or third heat, males best over 1 year old
Gestation: 57-73 days, 63 days considered average
Litter size: varies with breed, usually more pups in larger breeds
Heat cycles: 1 heat every 6 months except the basenji which usually has only one heat yearly.
Anestrus: the time between heat cycles or the period of sexual inactivity. Usually lasts 3-6 months. Female will not attract or accept males.
Proestrus: the period as the female becomes sexually active. Vulva swells, bloody discharge noted, males are attracted but female generally will not allow breeding. Phase usually lasts 7-10 days.
Estrus: the "true" heat phase, the time when the female is ovulating. Female attracts males, teases and flirts and will allow copulation. Usually little or no bleeding now. Phase lasts 7-10 days.
Diestrus: the final 5-10 days of the cycle. Female is no longer receptive. Small amount of bloody or mucous discharge appears and then finally disappears.
Herpes in dogs usually results in a rapidly fatal disease of young puppies. Pups acquire the virus from the mother during passage out of the birth canal. In less than 1 week these pups will become weak, refuse to nurse, tremble and appear rather listless. They may pass yellow fluid in the stool, seem to have a painful abdomen, and later many pups have evidence of hemorrhage in the skin or from bodily orifices. Death will occur within 2 days of becoming ill.
Older dogs will most often have few, mild or no clinical symptoms but harbor the virus, especially in the genital tract of the male or female dog. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs and special tests to detect the virus. Often the diagnosis is obtained with post-mortem specimens from dead puppies. There is no treatment or prevention other than to never breed dogs suspected or known to harbor the virus.
Parainfluenza is one of several different viruses that can cause canine infectious tracheobronchitis also known as kennel cough. This is a slightly stable virus that can be passed from dog to dog through the air, which then leads to respiratory tract infection. For more specific information please see the highlighted topic.
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs that is caused by the canine influenza virus, a virus that is closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza. It is thought that the equine influenza virus mutated to produce the canine influenza virus.
Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.
Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist
cough that persists for 10 to 30 days. Some dogs have a dry cough similar to the kennel cough virus complex. For this reason,
canine influenza virus infections are frequently mistaken for "kennel
cough." Dogs with the mild form of influenza may also have a thick nasal
discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection.
Dogs with the severe form of canine influenza develop high fevers (104ºF to 106ºF) and have clinical signs of pneumonia, such as increased respiratory rates and effort. Pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection.
Because this is a newly emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Virtually all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form.
Fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from infection with canine influenza virus have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate (5% to 8%) has been low so far.
As with any disease caused by a virus, treatment is largely supportive. Good animal care practices and nutrition assist dogs in mounting an effective immune response. In the milder form of the disease usually resolves quickly after treatment with a broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial. In the more severe form of the disease with pneumonia responds best to hydration (sometimes via intravenous administration of fluids) and a broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial.
To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people.