Comments on: How to Take Your Pet's Temperature

on 6/15/2007 I have a 3 year old chow/min and he usually goes right outside to go the bathroom. Lately he has been eating the grass and urinating in the house. He does not have any of the symptoms listed for urine tract infection. Why else would he be eating grass and urinating in the house?

on 1/9/2008 I purchased a Baby's Rectal Thermometer (made by Vick's) at Walgreen's and it is a safe and easy way to take a rectal temp on your pet. It has a short probe which helps guard against over insertion. I would highly recommend one to those who may be nervous about taking their pet's rectal temperature.

on 7/29/2006 Instead of rectal insertion, use a digital thermometer under the dogs arm (same as with the kitty tip on this site). They're cleaner and less invasive. Using one that beeps when it is done is best. I sit with my 20 pound dog on my lap or next to me while doing this procedure. If you don't have a thermometer and suspect a dog may have a fever, feel the ears to see if they feel hot.

on 6/30/2006 Take it from me, a veterinarian from New Hampshire, taking a rectal test is not easy. Your pet will squirm. And worst of all, if the liquid leaks, it can give your pet a rash on its genitals. So to prevent this from happening, gently squeeze the anus. Your pet will relax. Then use jell packs to squeeze into the rectum. I recommend you do this quickly.

on 6/30/2006 It is helpful for me to lift the tail of the animal for an easier entry. It doesn't seem to feel as uncomfortable to the animal, and also lets you see what you are doing.

on 11/22/2005 You can also place the thermometer underneath the cat's arm (in the armpit area). This works well for me and my cat doesn't fuss. You can also tell by touching their nose. Normally it is cold and wet, but if you touch their nose and it is hot and dry, you can check their temperature. It works well.

on 11/22/2005 Try angling the thermometer down when entering the rectum and then making it level. Use a slow motion so you don't hurt the animal as you enter--don't be forceful. If a dog or cat is too tense and won't let you enter, try pressing the thermometer against their anus, and usually they will relax and let you in. At our clinic, we use KY Jelly. Instead of making a mess and squirting some out on the examining table, I roll the tip of the thermometer (sterilized, of course) at the end of the tube. This way you don't waste any, and the tip gets evenly coated.