Taking a Dog’s Temperature: Safe and Easy Methods to Measure

Many individuals don’t understand how to take a dog’s temperature level. In truth, the majority of people don’t understand what a dog’s temperature level need to be. But don’t be alarmed if your puppy has a greater temperature level than you; it is typical for dogs to be a bit warmer than people, which is why they make the best snuggle buddies. However, owners should understand how to work a thermometer and translate its reading. Therefore, listed below is a guide on taking a dog’s temperature level utilizing safe and simple techniques.

What Should Your Dog’s Temperature Be?

A dog’s temperature level need to constantly vary from 101° to 102.5° Fahrenheit, which is greater than people, with temperature levels in between 97.6° to 99.6° Fahrenheit. As an outcome, dogs with a temperature level of 103 or greater needs to see a veterinarian right away, as they might have a fever or something even worse. If your dog has a temperature level of 106 ° Fahrenheit, deadly problems can take place.

How To Take a Dog’s Temperature

There are 3 crucial aspects to think about when taking a dog’s temperature level. First, you require to choose what thermometer you are going to utilize. Second, you should understand how to utilize the thermometer to obtain the most precise reading. Lastly, you require to understand how to translate the reading.

Deciding On a Thermometer

Since several types of dog thermometers are available nowadays, owners should choose which will work best for their pups. However, particular thermometers work much better than others. You may already have a thermometer at home, however if you are buying one, it’s finest to understand how they work and pick the very best suitable for your situations.

Ear Thermometers

The ear thermometer is among the much better choices available as it is less intrusive and fairly precise. These thermometers have actually been around for a long period of time, and many individuals discover them really reliable. It is the best option for owners who have anxious dogs that don’t like being touched. However, it is not as precise as a rectal thermometer because dogs have long, horizontal ear canals with great deals of hair and wax, which can impact the reading.

Non-contact Infrared Thermometers

Since the pandemic, individuals have actually ended up being more exposed to non-contact infrared thermometers, specifically when checking out child care centers, medical professional’s workplaces, and healthcare facilities. They work by utilizing infrared heat waves to identify the body temperature level without touching the skin. While this may work well on individuals who don’t have fur coats, it does not provide precise outcomes on dogs. Additionally, this thermometer is frequently a couple of degrees off, even when determined versus hairless locations like the inner thighs or ears.

However, utilizing a non-contact thermometer may be your only option when the dog is very nervous or aggressive, and it’s a useful method to get an approximate reading. But, guarantee to utilize it on a fairly hair-free location, like the ears or inner thigh. Furthermore, trust your instinct. Don’t 2nd guess yourself if you feel something is incorrect, however the reading is typical. Take your puppy to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Glass Thermometers

These thermometers aren’t easily available in shops any longer, however some owners might still have them in their houses. However, glass thermometers are not a good alternative for dogs. When taking a dog’s temperature level, the dog might move, spin, or dive, which might trigger you to drop the thermometer, and it might shatter. This threatens and need to be prevented at all expenses, specifically if it’s a mercury thermometer.

Rectal Thermometers

One of the very best methods to take a dog’s temperature level is with a rectal thermometer. But they are not made particularly for anus. They are in fact digital oral thermometers. However, you need to never ever utilize this thermometer orally on a dog, as they may swallow or bite it. A rectal thermometer is the simplest and fastest method to get a precise reading. And, while it is not the most enjoyable experience for both owner and dog, the procedure is much easier than you believe.

Ultimately, the owner requires to choose which thermometer will work best, however rectal and ear thermometers are usually the very best choices.

Taking a Dog’s Temperature with a Rectal Thermometer

Below is a guide on the very best method to take a dog’s temperature level with a rectal thermometer:

Supplies

Before you begin, it is very important to collect all your materials initially. When you are prepared, the process is easier for all parties involved. Owners will need:

• A digital rectal thermometer
• Animal-friendly lubricants like petroleum jelly
• Paper towels

Clean the Equipment

Before inserting the thermometer into your dog, ensure it has been sanitized and cleaned. Then, cover it in the lubricant and make sure your dog is in a comfortable position.

Position Your Dog

While positioning your dog in a comfortable position is important, it is also essential that you keep your dog calm. Therefore, owners should place their pups in their laps or where they feel the most relaxed. Owners should also ensure they support their dogs by holding their abdomens when taking their temperatures.

Insert the Thermometer Into the Rectum

Once you have your dog in place, gently lift up its tail and carefully insert the thermometer into its rectum. But do not insert it too far. It only needs to go about an inch deep. However, inserting the thermometer two to three inches deep for larger dogs is fine. Next, hit the button on the thermometer’s handle to turn it on. Hold it still until it begins to beep, and you can see a reading on the screen.

Remove the Thermometer

After the thermometer has beeped, gently remove it from the dog’s rectum and record the reading. Shower them with praise or treats to ensure this is not a traumatic experience for your dog. Lastly, sanitize and clean the end of the thermometer before putting it in a safe, dry place.

Taking a Dog’s Temperature with an Ear Thermometer

If your pup has a nervous nature and you think they won’t react well to a rectal thermometer, then an ear thermometer is the finest option. Below is a guide on taking your dog’s temperature level with an ear thermometer.

Supplies

Again, ensure you are prepared by having all your materials ready to go. Luckily for this reading, all you require is the ear thermometer and the disposable tip covers.

Position Your Dog

If you have a nervous dog, it’s best to have two people when taking its temperature, one to hold the dog and one to take the reading. Ensure your dog is comfortable by keeping them on your lap or stroking them while they stand.

Using the Ear Thermometer

Firstly, do not clean your dog’s ear before taking its temperature. The cleaning solution may lower the temperature inside the ear. Gently lift the pup’s ear flap, carefully insert the thermometer at a 90-degree angle from its head, and turn it on. However, do not push the thermometer too far into the ear. The thermometer might be too far in if your dog shows any signs of resistance.

Once the thermometer beeps and the reading is visible on the screen, you can remove it from the dog’s ears and record the temperature. Ensure to praise or reward your dog with treats so it associates this ordeal with something positive. Lastly, clean the thermometer and put it in a clean, dry location.

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