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.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

What You Should Know Before You Make Your Dog Vomit

If you discover the remains of a household plant on your dog's mouth or discover him licking the remains of spilled household bleach, your first reaction may be that you should make your dog vomit.

That, however, isn't always the best practice. While that may be appropriate for the houseplant, it's a bad idea for bleach, and other caustic products such as drain opener. Those will burn your dog's esophagus and mouth while the poisonous substance is coming up and make his condition even worse.

Best way to know what to do

The safest response if you believe your dog has ingested some poison is to call

1) your veterinarian, or
2) the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (available 24/7 but will charge you a $55 fee).
Tell either one what you think your dog ingested and they'll tell you how to treat him.

When not make a dog vomit

Never induce vomiting if your dog is any of the below:

having convulsions
in shock
ingesting a caustic substance
unconscious
already vomiting
has ingested the poison some time ago. After two hours,
the substance is likely in his small intestine and he won't be able to vomit it back up.
How to make your dog vomit

If vomiting is the appropriate treatment, the easiest method is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide.

This is NOT the type used for your hair dye but the type used to clean wounds. Despite warnings on the bottle, this is safe to use with a dog for this purpose because it induces vomiting and doesn't stay in his body - that's why it has the poison warning.

The rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon for every 10-pounds of dog weight.

Your dog is unlikely to willingly take it so you may have to use a syringe or turkey baster to get it in his throat. Make sure the bottle indicates that the hydrogen peroxide has not expired. An expired dosage won't do your dog any good.

Vomiting should occur within 15 to 20 minutes. If no vomiting occurs, you can safely repeat the three percent hydrogen peroxide once. If that doesn't work, take your dog to the veterinarian right away for stronger medication.

What not to use

Despite the old wives tales, I've never seen Syrup of Ipecac, salt or mustard seed water work well on dogs.

One final note

Small dogs can easily become dehydrated after vomiting and decline into a state of shock. Once you think your dog can keep liquids down, give him a few sips of water or let him lick some ice cubes or crushed ice. Don't force it and don't give him too much water or he's likely to start vomiting again.

If you want to replace nutrients more quickly, Pedialyte, a water and electrolyte product sold for infants, may be given to dogs as well. Do NOT give him any of the sports drinks made for human athletes.

If he isn't able to keep water down or won't drink, get him to a veterinarian immediately. He may need to to have an IV to regain the proper amount of fluids.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

When to See the Vet

When does your dog require a trip to the veterinarian?

The obvious reasons to get him to a vet immediately are

• Injuries from some trauma such ass being hit by a car or falling out of a window

• Difficulty breathing. Remember many small dogs with pushed-in faces such as Pugs are prone to trachea collapse. Be sure to read my free article at
http://www.toybreeds.com/health.htm to understand this problem

• Sudden collapse

• Convulsions

• Bloated or enlarged belly

• Nonproductive vomiting especially with a bloated or enlarged belly

• Bloody or black diarrhea

• Inability to walk

• Ingesting poison such antifreeze, Easter lilies or rodent poison

The not –so-obvious ones that require vet attention

• Abdominal pain such as tenderness to the touch or standing with his back arched

• Refusing to eat for more than a day especially if has loose stools

• Excessive drinking. Similar to humans, drinking too much water can be a sign of diabetes

• Uncontrollable bleeding or bleeding from the chest. If you apply pressure on your dog’s cut and you’re unable to stop the bleeding within 10 minutes, get him to a veterinarian immediately. The vet can only give your dog stitches within a small window of time. Also get him immediate help if the bleeding is from his chest.

• Accidents with no obvious damage. If your dog is hit by a car, take him to nearest vet. Even if he is appears normal, he may have internal injuries. Wrap him in a blanket to help prevent shock, and keep away from his mouth any dog in pain may bite even if he’s never bitten before.

• Subtle signs of cancer such as muscle wasting, especially along the back and on the head, and weight loss despite a normal appetite

The five things you can do to help ensure your dog’s good health

1. Feed him a top quality brand of dog food

2. Give him (or have your vet do it) flea and tick medication

3. Treat him year-round for worms

4. Brush him regularly. This is the best way for you to notice subtle signs of change in his coat, body or skin

5. Brush his teeth regularly (at least weekly) and give him toys designed to help prevent tartar buildup

Finally, remember what my vet told me he learned in veterinary college:

Anytime an owner thinks it’s an emergency, it’s an emergency

Never be embarrassed to take your dog to the vet. Your dog’s continued good health and your peace of mind are worth an office fee.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.