Which vital sign is commonly used to assess an animal's overall health status?

Temperature is a critical vital sign used to assess an animal's overall health status because it provides direct insight into the body's physiological state. Normal body temperature ranges can vary among different species, with deviations indicating potential health issues. For instance, an elevated temperature may suggest an infection or inflammatory response, while a lower-than-normal temperature can indicate conditions like hypothermia or shock. Monitoring an animal's temperature is a foundational aspect of veterinary care, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly identify and address health concerns.

In contrast, the color of the eyes can provide some information about an animal's health but is less precise and can vary widely between individuals. Length of fur is not a clinical measure of health and might only indicate environmental factors or grooming habits. Time of feeding is important for assessing dietary habits but does not directly reflect an animal's overall health status like the measurement of temperature does.