A normal rectal temperature for a healthy dog at rest is between 37.5°C and 39.2°C.
A high temperature can indicate fever from infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal), inflammation, heat stress or heat stroke, certain metabolic disorders, or other systemic illnesses.
A low temperature can signal shock, advanced illness, hypothermia, severe blood loss, or circulatory collapse. Puppies can become hypothermic very quickly, especially if orphaned or unwell.
Seek advice from your veterinarian if you notice an abnormal temperature. Assess it alongside other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in heart rate or breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, shivering, or signs of pain.