How to Take a Dog's Temperature

If your dog isn't eating well and is lethargic, you can use the old stand-by of feeling his nose. Ultimately, though, you still need to take his temperature. That isn't always something your dog is willing to help with.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rectal thermometer, either digital or mercury
• Ear thermometer

Taking the Temperature Rectally

1. Enlist a friend. Taking a dog's temperature may not require the second person if your dog co-operates, but it's better to have a second set of hands just in case.

2. Wipe the end of the thermometer with a sterilizing agent such as alcohol. Shake it down. Add a dab of petroleum to the tip to make insertion easier.

3. Lift the dogs tail while your partner is holding the dog. Talk in a calming voice as you insert the thermometer into the rectum about 1 inch. It's important to keep the experience passive and calming.

4. Wait for the beep if it's a digital or two minutes if it's a regular thermometer.

5. Read the thermometer. If it's registering between 100.5 and 102.5, he probably isn't sick and definitely isn't running a temperature. Higher or lower than those temperatures can be a sign of illness. If the temperature varies higher by 1.5 degrees or lower, it's time to immediately call your veterinarian

Taking the Temperature by Ear

1. Clean the tip of the thermometer or put on a new sheath. Most ear thermometers are digital, so you will need to turn it on.

2. Insert the thermometer in her ear, making certain that it's held horizontally for the best reading. Having a friend hold the dog is still a good idea.

3. Read the thermometer when it beeps. The reading should be between 100 and 103 degrees.

4. Call the veterinarian if it is above or below those numbers.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a rectal thermometer when taking the temperature in that manner.

• Keep the dog standing when taking her temperature rectally.

• If using a rectal thermometer, isolate it by labeling "for dog use only."