How To Check Your Dog’s Body Temperature

Table of Contents

Every dog owner needs to know how she or he can take the body temperature of their pet. This guide will serve as a complete piece of information about how to check your dog’s temperature, and how to do it properly and without harm.

Why It Is Important to Check the Temperature of Your Dog?

Temperature is one of the elements that you can monitor to diagnose your dog’s health level. Another essential aspect worth measuring is the temperature, the body temperature of a normal dog is between 100. 5°F and 102. 5°F. If the temperature falls outside this specific range, it may mean an individual has contracted an illness. It is crucial to note that fever can be a sign of underlying health issues such as malaria and hypothermia is a sign to overlook.

Tools You Need

To take your dog’s temperature, you are going to require a few accessories which entail the following. On the comparison of thermometer types, there is nothing more accurate than a digital rectal thermometer. It is also required that you need to use some form of grease. Such as petroleum jelly and a piece of cloth or a tissue to wipe the floor after washing the feet. You must employ a thermometer purposely made for animals, for it will provide the best results.

You can read this blog to get more information about the tools.

Some Measures That You Can Take to Confirm Your Dog’s Body Temperature

1. Prepare Your Dog

This exercise should be carried out when the dog is calm and not aggressive in any way. This is probably a job where you could need another person to steady your dog and keep them in position. You can try to call the dog by its name and use a calm and soft tone of voice, in addition to gently stroking the pet for a short time. This is going to aid your dog gain confidence within its environment so that it will not get anxious at that time.

2. Prepare the Thermometer

Switch on the digital rectal thermometer and ensure that you wet the tip of the thermometer with the lubricant before use. This will help reduce the stress and discomfort on your dog and give you a clear reading in the process.

3. Insert the Thermometer

Pick up your dog’s tail with your Non-Dominant hand, while stretching the anus with your Dominant hand, and gently place the thermometer into the rectum. You should insert it slightly, roughly one inch for toy to small breed dogs and up to two inches for large breed dogs.

4. Read the Temperature

After the thermometer, be sure to switch off the alarm and read the temperature as instructed. Normal temperature in a dod is between 100. Thus, if you observe the temperature of your dog to be rising or falling beyond this range, you should consult a veterinarian.

5. Clean Up

Remember after you have used the thermometer to measure your dog’s temperature, then clean the thermometer with some disinfectant and also wash your hands. Reward your dog, maybe with a pat or a small snack once you are finished.

If you want to dive deep for more clear tips then, watch this video on YouTube.

Symptoms That Can Inform You That Your Dog’s Temperature Is High or Low

Points like the possibility of the dog’s temperature falling or rising and not being quite normal. Understanding such symptoms as reduced fever means that you can effectively intervene early enough. If your dog is having a temperature, its temperature level should be higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Read this post and to gain more info.

Some of the symptoms that can point towards a fever include listlessness and drowsiness, shaking of the body, and having a swollen nostril. If the temperature is below 100, so you should suspect that your dog has hypothermia. Other symptoms include shivering, listlessness, and having white or very pale gums.

Today we will be discussing when it is necessary to go to a veterinarian

You need to seek the veterinarian’s attention if your dog shows a slight variation in the body temperature. A high temperature may be a sign of an infection or other illnesses. This would therefore be a high temperature because of cold or other illnesses that can cause low temperatures. In case you find yourself in a position where you cannot confidently decide on the well-being of your dog, then you should consult a vet.

Preventing Temperature-Related Issues

It is necessary to support the body temperature in the physiological standard degree regulated in dogs. It is also important to make sure that the dog has a decent standard of living. They have a cozy bed to sleep on or lie down and have enough water to drink. Do not expose your dog to extreme heat or cold weather. 

Importance of Regular Monitoring

Thus, measuring your dog’s body temperature occasionally will ensure you are always ahead of any health complications. It enables you to possibly identify when one is having a fever or hypothermia. Regular temperature taking should be added to the list of things one does for their pet, even more so for those with sick or operated dogs.

Check out this blog on why regular checkups are important.

Conclusion

Ensure you have the proper tools on and observe the dog often in a bid to notice symptoms of any disease early enough. Just as in all dogs, if at any time you are uncertain about your dog’s temperature. It is always important to seek the help of the veterinarian. Maintaining a similar attitude will assist in ensuring that your furry companion remains happy and healthy all the time.

Christina Smith

Meet Christina Smith, the creative force behind ThePetsLover.com. With a profound love for animals, Alicia shares valuable insights and advice on pet care, training, and health. She's dedicated to helping fellow pet enthusiasts create meaningful bonds with their furry companions.