How To Take Dog Temperature
Sep 02,2024 | puaintapets
When to Take Dog's Temperature?
1. Dog showing signs of discomfort
Depressed: If your dog suddenly becomes inactive and reluctant to move, it could be a sign of a fever or infection.
Loss of appetite: When your dog refuses to eat or drink, taking his temperature can help determine if the fever is causing a loss of appetite.
Shortness of breath: Unusually rapid or difficult breathing can be a sign of elevated body temperature or other health problems.
2. Vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent or frequent vomiting/diarrhea: These symptoms may be accompanied by fever or other health problems, and the temperature needs to be checked as soon as possible.
3. Suspected infection
Wound infection: If your dog has a red, swollen or pus-filled wound, it may be accompanied by a fever.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Symptoms such as coughing, runny nose and sneezing may indicate a fever or other infection.
4. Sudden personality changes
Unusual irritability or withdrawal: these changes in behavior may be a sign of ill health, and taking the temperature can help determine if there is a fever.
5. Observe abnormal body temperature
Unusually warm feeling in the ears or abdomen: If you touch your dog's ears or abdomen with your hand and it feels warmer than usual, taking a rectal temperature is the best way to confirm a fever.
6. Post-operative or post-vaccination
Recovering from surgery: Dogs may show signs of infection after surgery, and taking a temperature can help monitor recovery.
Post-vaccination: Some dogs may develop a slight fever after vaccination and monitoring the temperature can help to ensure that the fever is within normal limits.
7. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures
Symptoms of heat stroke: If a dog is exposed to high temperatures for too long, heat stroke may occur. Symptoms include excessive panting, vomiting and weakness. Taking the temperature immediately can help determine if emergency cooling treatment is needed.
8. Other Health Problems
Suspected poisoning: Some symptoms of poisoning may be accompanied by fever, such as vomiting and seizures after ingesting toxic substances.
Chronic illness: If your dog has a chronic illness, regular temperature monitoring can help manage the condition and detect abnormalities early.
What You Should Prepare
- Digital Rectal Thermometer: Specifically designed for pets, though a regular digital thermometer can work as long as it's used only for your dog.
- Lubricant: Petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant.
- Clean Towel or Cloth: To clean the thermometer afterward.
- Treats: To reward your dog for cooperation.
What are the Types of Dog Thermometers?
There are several main types of dog thermometers.
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Electronic Thermometer
This is the most common type of dog thermometer, and it is usually designed to conform more to your pet's body structure for fast and accurate measurements. Electronic thermometers can be either a specialized pet thermometer or a multi-functional human thermometer, but specialized pet thermometers are more suitable for dogs.
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Mercury Thermometers
Although mercury thermometers can be used in dog temperature measurement, they are not recommended due to the toxicity of mercury and the risk that your dog may chew the thermometer.
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Infrared Thermometers
This thermometer measures your dog's temperature non-contact and is usually used for ear or forehead measurements. Infrared thermometers are quick to measure, but can be affected by your dog's hair and earwax, leading to measurement errors.
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Rectal Thermometer
This is a traditional thermometer that needs to be inserted into the dog's anus for measurement. Rectal thermometers can be either mercury or electronic, but this method is not as popular as electronic thermometers due to the difficulty of handling and discomfort for the dog.
When choosing a dog thermometer, electronic thermometers are recommended because they are safe, accurate and easy to use. For dogs that are reluctant to cooperate, infrared thermometers can be chosen to minimize discomfort during measurement.
How to Properly Clean and Sanitize a Pet Electronic Thermometer?
In order to properly clean and sanitize your pet's electronic thermometer in preparation for taking your dog's temperature, you can follow the steps below.
Use mild soapy water or alcohol
After using the thermometer, first clean the measuring end of the thermometer with mild soapy water to remove any body fluids or dirt. Then, use sterilizing alcohol to further disinfect the thermometer, especially if the thermometer has come into contact with your dog's anus or mouth.
Be careful not to damage the electronics
During the cleaning process, make sure that you don't allow moisture to get into the electronic parts of the thermometer, which could damage the function of the thermometer. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently wipe it down, avoiding hard brushes or sharp objects.
Dry thoroughly
After cleaning and sanitizing, dry the thermometer thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel to ensure there is no residual moisture before the next use.
Regular deep cleaning
If the thermometer is used frequently, regular deep cleaning is recommended to maintain its hygiene and accuracy.
Keep it dry when storing
After cleaning and drying, store your thermometer in a dry place to avoid damage or microbial growth caused by moisture.
By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of cross-contamination by ensuring the thermometer is clean and safe before taking your dog's temperature. Remember to clean and sanitize before and after each use to maintain the health of your pet and family members.
How To Take Dog Temperature
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Prepare the Thermometer
- Turn on the digital thermometer and make sure it's functioning properly.
- Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the tip of the thermometer.
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Position Your Dog
- For small to medium dogs, have them stand, sit, or lie down. You may find it easiest to have your dog lie on their side.
- For larger dogs, having someone hold the dog steady while you take the temperature is helpful.
- Gently lift your dog’s tail to expose the rectum.
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Insert the Thermometer
- Slowly and gently insert the lubricated tip of the thermometer into the dog's rectum. You only need to insert it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) into the rectum for small dogs and up to 2 inches (5 cm) for larger dogs.
- Be calm and steady to avoid startling your dog, which could cause them to move suddenly.
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Wait for the Reading
- Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps, indicating that it has completed the reading. This usually takes a few seconds.
- Keep your dog calm and still during this time.
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Read and Record the Temperature
- Remove the thermometer and check the reading.
- A normal dog’s temperature typically ranges from 100°F to 102.5°F (37.8°C to 39.2°C). If your dog’s temperature is outside this range, contact your veterinarian for advice.
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Clean Up
- Clean the thermometer thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol wipe.
- Wash your hands afterward.
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Reward Your Dog
- Give your dog a treat and some praise for being cooperative. This will help them associate the experience with something positive.
What are the Other Ways to Measure Dog's Body Temperature?
In addition to rectal thermometry, there are several other ways to measure your dog's temperature:
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Inner hind leg thermometry
This method is suitable for small dogs. Place the thermometer on the inside of the root of your dog's hind leg, near the belly, and remove it after measuring for about 10 minutes. Since this method measures the body surface temperature, the reading will be lower than the rectal temperature, and you need to add about 0.5℃ to the measurement to estimate the dog's actual body temperature.
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Body Surface Temperature Measurement Method
Shake the mercury column of the thermometer to below 35°C, then hold the dog in your arms and calm the dog. With one hand, place the thermometer on the dog's hind leg, fit it snugly and gently press down on the dog's hind leg. Leave it for about 5 minutes and then take out the thermometer for a reading.
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Ear Temperature Measurement Method
This method is suitable for situations where the dog does not cooperate with anal temperature measurement. However, it should be noted that the ear temperature will be slightly lower than the anal temperature, and you must use an animal-specific ear thermometer, as the dog's ear canal is curved, and a human ear thermometer will not be able to accurately measure the dog's temperature.
These methods offer different options to accommodate different dogs and owner preferences. When using these methods, make sure your dog is comfortable and follow the proper measurement steps to get an accurate temperature reading.
What Should I Do If My Dog's Temperature Exceeds 39.5 Degrees Celsius?
When your dog's temperature exceeds 39.5 degrees Celsius, this could be a sign of fever and requires immediate action on your part. Here are the steps you should take.
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Take the temperature
Ensure that you use a thermometer that is suitable for your dog and that you measure his temperature correctly.
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Cooling Measures
You can give your dog an appropriate amount of fever-reducing medication, such as aspirin or Tylenol for humans, but the dosage should be limited to 1/4 of the human dosage. at the same time, provide your dog with sufficient water to help lower his body temperature through urination.
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Environmental Adjustment
Move the dog to a cool, ventilated area where a fan or air conditioner can be used to help cool the body.
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Physical cooling
Use cool water to moisten a towel and wipe your dog's belly and inner thighs to help lower the body temperature. Be careful that the water temperature is not too low as this may cause vasoconstriction.
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Monitor symptoms
Continuously monitor your dog's temperature and behavior, noting the duration of heatstroke and temperature changes.
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Emergencies
If your dog's temperature continues to stay down, or if he or she develops symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, take him or her to the vet immediately for treatment.
Keep in mind that the normal temperature range for dogs is 37.5°C - 39.0°C, above which may indicate a health problem. When dealing with a dog with a fever, it is vital that you act quickly and carefully. If you are unsure how to proceed, or if your dog's symptoms are severe, it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Also Read: Valley Fever in Dogs
Why Should I Apply Vaseline or Other Lubricant to the Thermometer Before Taking My Dog's Temperature?
The main reason for applying petroleum jelly or other lubricants to the thermometer before taking your dog's temperature is to minimize discomfort and prevent damage to the anal skin. A dog's anal skin is relatively sensitive and the use of a lubricant allows for smoother insertion of the thermometer while reducing friction and preventing the dog from struggling due to pain, which ensures the accuracy of the temperature measurement and the safety of the dog. The use of lubricant helps to reduce resistance during insertion and makes the measurement process gentler, a step that is especially important for less cooperative dogs.
Conclusion
When using these methods, it is important to ensure that the correct equipment and techniques are used, and that attention is paid to your dog's comfort and safety. In particular, when using an ear thermometer, ensure that the device is suitable for your pet and that it is operated correctly to obtain accurate readings. For oral thermometry, avoid having the dog bite the thermometer while taking the measurement. For body surface thermometry, make sure the thermometer is in close contact with the dog's skin. The tactile method is primarily used for initial judgment and should not be used as a substitute for accurate temperature measurement.
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