How to Take Your Dog's Temperature

There are times when you can't miss the fact that your dog is in distress; i.e., he's bleeding, unconscious or having convulsions.

But what about when he seems too tired or isn't eating or just isn't his normal self. The most accessible way for you to tell if something is wrong is by taking his temperature.

There are other indicators of illness that are recommended such as checking your dog's pulse, feeling his nose or looking at the color of his gums. While these will work, I've found that clients have trouble evaluating them.

When you're under stress because you think your dog is ill, it's going to be difficult for you to tell if his gum color is normal or if it bounces back to its normal color quickly after you press it.

The nice thing about temperature is that you use a measurement tool to take it so it's not subjective or dependent on your experience with dogs. There are not many things that will be wrong with your dog that won't effect his temperature.

A dog's normal temperature is 100 to 103 degrees. Temperatures above or below the normal range necessitate a trip to your veterinarian.

A high temperature could mean your dog has an infection or heat-related illness. A temperature below normal may mean your dog is in danger of going into shock.

I highly recommend you measure his temperature when you know your dog is well so you know what's normal for him and you learn to use a thermometer before you really need it.

The hard way to take his temperature

The hard way is use a rectal thermometer. You can use either a mercury or digital one. A human or baby rectal thermometer is fine to use but do NOT use a human oral one as it is too easily broken.

Your dog won't like this any more than you do and it may be necessary to have a second person holding your dog. Then:

If using a mercury thermometer, shake it until the mercury is below 94 degrees
Lubricate the thermometer with Vasoline, KY jelly or mineral oil
Have your dog in a standing position and keep him standing until his temperature is taken
Start talking gently to your dog and keep it up during this whole ordeal
Lift his tail and insert the thermometer slowly and carefully into his anus with a twisting motion
Insert the thermometer about 1 inch
Hold thermometer in place two minutes for mercury thermometers or until the digital thermometer beeps
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
If you should break a thermometer in your dog, do NOT try to remove it. Call your veterinarian right away.

The easy way to take his temperature

Use a thermometer made for pets. A human or baby's ear thermometer isn't designed to reach deep enough in the dog's ear canal to measure well.

I've used the Pet Temp model, about $50, for three years. It's easy and clean to use, then toss the disposable lens cover.

Even the most timid dog usually tolerates this (compared to rectal thermometer!).

Dog's can't tell us when they're in pain or suffering an infection and may not have readily identifiable signs. Learning the correct way to take a temperature could be the difference between life and death for your dog.

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