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INDEX OF ARTICLES

WAITING ROOM

EXAM ROOM

SURGERY ROOM

X-RAY ROOM

GENERAL TOPICS

IMPORTANT TOPICS

LAB and PHARMACY

PET PHOTOS

PET SUPPLIES

PET PHARMACY

NORMAL VALUES FOR DOG AND CAT HEALTH PARAMETERS

The normal temperature for a dog or cat is a question often asked of veterinarians.  Normal values for dog and cat temperature, blood tests, urine tests, weights and other physical parameters are displayed below for your information.  Please keep in mind that these normal values for dogs and cats are approximations and surely do not apply to every dog or cat in every situation.  If you have health concerns about your pet, be sure to consult with your local veterinarian for information. 

TEMPERATURE

Dog... 101 to 102.5           Cat... 101 to 102.2
Remember:  Temperatures outside these values do not automatically
indicate that a disease or disorder is present.

Learn about HEAT STROKE in pets.

Gestation Period... Dogs 62 - 63 days.
Gestation Period... Cats 63 - 64 days.
Do you know how to tell the difference between male kittens and female kittens.
 You'd be surprised how often mistaken gender occurs!
Look at the photos here.

Blood Tests... Blood Chemistry Values
 Normal Values for blood chemistry elements for dogs and cats are displayed in the table below.  Keep in mind that each blood chemistry machine and every veterinary diagnostic lab has their own set of normal values calculated for their particular instrumentation.  The values shown here may be different from normal ranges your veterinarian refers to when making judgments about patients' reported blood chemistry values.

 HEMATOLOGY
Normal ranges for blood cell elements for dogs and cats are displayed in the table below.

NORMAL BODY WEIGHT
How much should your dog weigh?

Veterinary scientists have established that it is much better for a growing pup to be slightly thin rather than slightly or obviously overweight.  That does not mean that a low quality diet should be fed!  High quality, meat-based pet foods that have a meat or poultry listed as the first ingredient are more digestible than grain-based diets and are highly nutritious.  To control a dog or cat's weight keep in mind that exercise and controlled calorie intake are the key factors in keeping pets at an optimum body weight.  The body condition chart below, which is property of Nestle-Purina Company, is a general visual guideline and surely does not apply to all breeds.  For example a Chow Chow or Shar-Pei might not fit the illustrated scheme.  Also, be aware that there are no set standards regarding how much any individual dog or cat "should weight".  For example, in a litter of eight Labrador Retriever puppies there may be a wide variation in mature body sizes, bone structure and optimum body weights.  A normal male might weight  90 pounds at 12 months of age... and another male might weigh 78 pounds.  Two normal females from the same litter might weight 55 pounds and 70 pounds.  So when you ask your veterinarian "How much should my dog or cat weigh", expect an evasive answer because there really is no single answer.  It depends on each individual dog and cat's body composition.

BODY CONDITION CHART (This chart and images are  presented with permission of and is copyright property of the Nestle-Purina Company)
1      Emaciated Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass. 2      Very Thin Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences easily visible. No palpable fat. Minimal loss of muscle mass.
3      Thin Ribs easily palpitated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck. 4      Underweight Ribs easily palpable, with minimal fat covering. Waist easily noted, viewed from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from the side.
5      Ideal Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdominal tuck evident. 6      Overweight Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist is discernible viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdominal tuck apparent.
7      Heavy Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be absent. 8      Obese Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent. No abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distension may be present.
9      Grossly Obese Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine and base of tail. Waist and abdominal tuck.
How To Reduce A Dog's Weight How To Reduce A Cat's Weight