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Puppy's ears are warm, but she's playful. Is this normal or a cold?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 months and 18 days old | 10.6 lbs

Hi, I don't have a thermometer at the moment. My puppy's ears feel kind of warm. I'm not sure if that is normal. She's acting normal. Really playful. Maybe she just ran around a bit that's why? I've never really felt her ears before. She has been sneezing/sniffling in general I thought it was her allergies... could she have a cold or something?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on September 19th, 2017

The normal temperature in a dog is around 101.5 degrees. Since humans are normally 98.6 degrees, dogs often feel a little warm to us when you feel their ears or stomachs. So, the ear temperature you are feeling may just be normal for Snowball. And as you mentioned, their ears will also feel slightly warmer when they have been running around. However, if you notice that her sneezing continues or gets worse or she develops any other clinical signs, I would consult your veterinarian. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Without taking her temperature this is no way to know for sure. They do lose heat through their ears, so it is not uncommon for them to be warm in a normal dog. Their normal temperature is 100-102, If she is acting normal, I would monitor her for any other changes and chances are they will cool off with rest.

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