In previous articles, I talked about the importance of knowing how to check the temperature of a dog. Because knowing how to check the temperature of a dog is one of the most important parameters that gives us an idea of a dog’s internal health.
Furthermore, it is important to know how to accurately check a dog’s temperature. And you should know what the normal temperature of a dog is and what to do if it is higher than normal.
How do you know if a dog has a fever?
If you think your dog is suffering from a fever and want to check its temperature, you need a thermometer. Checking the temperature of a dog using a thermometer may sound like a very easy and routine exercise, but let me tell you, there are various things that you need to keep in mind to get an accurate reading while maintaining the safety of your lovely pet.
If you don’t do it right, the temperature reading you get will be false – high or low – which could be dangerous to your dog’s health.
But don’t worry, this article will give be your guide regarding the temperature of your dog and the usage of a rectal thermometer. It covers all the information that you need.
When do you need to check the temperature of a dog?
Measuring the temperature of a dog is necessary if you have any reason to suspect that it is high, for example, if they are showing signs of heatstroke. Delaying with or without reason is not an excuse to endanger your pet’s life.
Here are a few signs which give you a clear indication to check the temperature:
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Rhinorrhea (Excess nasal drainage)
- Lethargy
- Rigors (feeling cold)
- Reddish eyes
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What is the normal body temperature of a dog?
If you want to check the temperature of your furry friend, then you should prepare yourself, and knowing an average dog’s temperature is one of them. The temperature of dogs typically ranges from 99.5 to 102.5 Fahrenheit, or 37.5 to 39 Celsius.
There is a narrow range of temperature (102.5-102.7) where it looks like your dog is suffering from illness, but it may be due to higher environmental temperature. Vets are usually concerned with a temperature above 102.8 (39.3 Celsius), and if it rises to 106 (41 Celsius), there is a high chance of your dog having seizures. If you check the temperature and it’s beyond 106 Fahrenheit, your dog’s life is in danger, and you must rush to a veterinary emergency.
Things to consider when using a thermometer
Here are the guidelines which you have to follow when checking the temperature of your dog:
How to prepare a thermometer?
There are many thermometer options to check the temperature; some are viable and accurate, while others are not.
It would be best if you prepared yourself with the best possible meter because it’s a matter of your dog’s health. The most commonly used meter by veterinarians is the digital rectal one.
What is the appropriate time and place for taking your dog’s temperature?
If you want to check your dog’s temperature accurately, you should find a place and time where your pet friend is calm and unexcited, as it makes it easier for you or your vet to check it.
What are the causes of high temperature in dogs?
Your dog can be prone to fever due to infinite reasons, and the widespread ones are as follows:
- Ulcer
- Infection due to fungus, bacteria, and viruses.
- Otitis (infected or inflamed ear)
- Cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder, infection of the urinary tract)
- Intake of toxic substances for your furry buddy includes poisonous herbs, human medicines, or nourishments (food).
- Due to any toxic injury or bite.
In various cases, the reason behind the temperature is unforeseen, and this type of fever is commonly referred to as FUO (fever of unknown origin). It may be due to weak immunity, bone marrow problems, or cancer.
What types of thermometers are used for dogs?
There are a variety of thermometers that can be used to examine temperature:
- Ear thermometer
- Rectal thermometer
- Digit Monitoring device (usually attached with collar)
Each of these is readily available from Amazon.
How to use a rectal thermometer?
In reality, using a rectal thermometer should be left to the vet. However, knowing how to use a rectal thermometer could save your dog’s life one day. The greatest difficulty for most dog owners is keeping control of the dog while trying to get an accurate temperature reading.
Think about it for a moment. Your dog may be unwell, so it is not feeling that great, and the next thing its owner is trying to do is something that even the dog owner isn’t that keen on – sticking a foreign object up its rectum.
That being said, I think (hope) my dog trusts me enough that he would let me do this. I just hope I never need to find out.
If it is a challenge to handle your dog on your own, then you are going to need an assistant to help you out with this. Let’s understand:
- You need to work as a team; ask your helper to hug your dog so that one arm will come beneath the belly.
- Try to work at a suitable height to make this task easy.
- Distract your dog with food or treat to calm your dog to make this examination smooth.
- Lubricating the thermometer tip with Vaseline or jelly is necessary.
- Slowly insert the end of the meter in the anus hole. If it gets tightly held by your dog, then give some relaxation time and advance it in the rectum.
- Push the meter deep enough and wait.
- A common mistake is that people don’t insert far enough to take the internal temperature. If it’s a canine pup, inserting up to 1 inch is enough; in adults, 2-3 inches is sufficient.
- Push the button to turn on the thermometer and wait until you don’t hear a beep. A beep will let you know the meter is ready to note the reading.
What to do if the dog has a temperature higher than usual?
Ensure the temperature reading is accurate because your dog’s temperature increase may be due to excitement or raised temperature of the environment. If you suspect your dog’s temperature is high due to one such reason, leave your pet friend for a while to soothe and note the temperature again. If the reading is low, it indicates that the thermometer is not inserted correctly or is entrapped in the feces.
When you are sure that you have taken an accurate reading and it is higher than normal, try to lower the temperature with a wet towel by applying it to the ears and paws. Keep your dog hydrated but don’t compel him to drink water.
If the fever rises to 106 F, rush to a veterinary emergency for treatment.
Don’t try to medicate your dog on your own, and use only prescribed medications. Avoid using human medicines for your pet, as they could be poisonous and may lead to severe complications or even death.
Heatstroke in Dogs – What You Need to Know
Is it hot outside, and is your dog panting excessively? Then it is quite possible that your dog is experiencing heatstroke, especially if it is also showing any of the following symptoms:
Continue reading: Heatstroke in Dogs – What You Need to Know
5 Ways to Cool a Hot Dog
As the mercury rises, I think it’s time to look at 5 ways to cool a hot dog in the heat of summer.
Continue reading: 5 Ways to Cool a Hot Dog