Dog health basics
A healthy adult dog has an average body temperature of 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C), a heart rate of 70 to 120 beats per minute and a resting breathing rate of 18 to 34 breaths per minute, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. The basics of keeping a dog healthy are core vaccines, a lean body weight, dental care, regular checkups and knowing which warning signs mean you should call a vet immediately.
Normal vital signs for dogs
| Measure | Normal range (Merck Veterinary Manual) |
|---|---|
| Body temperature (average) | 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C) |
| Heart rate | 70 to 120 beats per minute; small dogs have faster heart rates than large dogs |
| Breathing rate at rest | 18 to 34 breaths per minute |
| Average lifespan | 8 to 16 years, depending on breed |
To count breaths, watch your dog's chest rise and fall while it is relaxed or asleep and count for 30 seconds, then double it. Knowing your own dog's normal numbers when it is well makes changes easier to spot.
When to call a vet straight away
Trust your instincts: you know your dog. Contact a vet or emergency vet immediately if your dog:
- has eaten, or may have eaten, something toxic (chocolate, grapes or raisins, xylitol, medicines, rat bait and so on), even if it seems fine now;
- collapses, has a seizure, or is suddenly weak, wobbly or confused;
- is struggling to breathe or breathing noisily, or has pale, blue or very red gums;
- shows signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, thick drool and weakness (cool first, then go);
- is repeatedly vomiting, has bloody diarrhea, or has a swollen, hard belly;
- has been hit by a car or badly injured, even if it seems to recover.
Vaccines
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) divides dog vaccines into core vaccines, recommended for all dogs unless there is a medical reason not to, and non core vaccines, recommended for some dogs depending on lifestyle, location and risk. Its core list is canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parvovirus, leptospirosis (added as core in the 2024 update) and rabies. Non core vaccines include Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, canine influenza and, in the US, a Western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid.
| Vaccine | Puppy series (AAHA) | Boosters (AAHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (with or without parainfluenza) | At least 3 doses of a combination vaccine between 6 and 16 weeks, 2 to 4 weeks apart | One dose within a year of the puppy series, then every 3 years |
| Leptospirosis | Two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, from 12 weeks | One dose within a year, then yearly |
| Rabies | As required by local law | |
These are US guidelines; schedules and legal rules differ by country, and your vet will tailor them to your dog. Read more in How often do dogs need vaccines?
Poisoning
If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, note what it was and how much, then call your vet or a pet poison line straight away; do not wait for symptoms. In the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number is (888) 426-4435. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises against trying to make a dog vomit at home after xylitol, because blood sugar can fall fast. Check foods in our Can dogs eat this? table, and use the chocolate dose estimator while you phone the vet.
Heatstroke
The RSPCA's rule is cool first, transport second: stop activity, move the dog into shade, pour water cooler than the dog over its body (avoiding the head), fan it, then drive to a vet in a cool, ventilated car. Do not cover the dog with wet towels. See hot weather care for risk factors and warning signs.
Teeth
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs, according to the AVMA, which recommends an annual dental check by your vet and regular tooth brushing at home. More on dental care.
Weight
Extra weight shortens lives. In the Kealy lifetime study, Labradors kept lean lived a median 1.8 years longer than their heavier littermates and needed treatment for osteoarthritis later. Use the body condition score guide to check your dog.
Routine checkups
Regular checkups let your vet review vaccines, parasite prevention, teeth, weight and any lumps or changes you have noticed. The AAHA guidelines say each dog's vaccine needs should be reassessed at least once a year. Write down questions beforehand, and mention changes in appetite, thirst, energy, toileting or behavior; behavior changes can be a sign of pain or illness.
Sources
- Normal Physiological Values for Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
- 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (updated 2024), American Animal Hospital Association
- Recommendations for core and noncore canine vaccines, American Animal Hospital Association
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Food Hazards (pet owner version), Merck Veterinary Manual
- Heatstroke in dogs, RSPCA
- Pet dental care, American Veterinary Medical Association
- Study finds dogs fed a reduced calorie diet live nearly two years longer (Kealy et al., 2002), Penn Today, University of Pennsylvania
General education only, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet; in an emergency, contact an emergency vet straight away.