How to Check Your Dog’s Body Temperature?

The internal temperature of a dog’s body is higher than ours. You might have noticed this while playing or cuddling with your furry friend. If your dog is sick, lethargy and tiredness are the most obvious symptoms to look for. Weight loss in older dogs can also be due to any sickness. If you feel that their temperature is higher than usual then you should know how to check your dog’s body temperature so that you may know that the dog is sick for real and you are not worrying baselessly.

What is a Dog’s Normal Body Temperature?

The average normal dog temperature is 101.5°F. It can range from 99°F to 102°F. Smaller breeds have a higher metabolism than large breed dogs this is why it can go up or below one to two degrees. It is safe to say that normal dog temperature ranges from 99°F to 102°F. If your dog is showing symptoms like blood vessels in the white part of the eyes, dark red gums, excessive panting, and extremely hot skin, then you should consider checking your dog’s body temperature.

What Kind of Thermometer Do I Need to Check a Dog’s Body Temperature?

Here are the different dog thermometers you can use to check the temperature of your furry friend: 

Rectal Thermometer

Rectal digital electronic thermometers are mostly used for accurate reading. Even mercury-based thermometers can be used rectally but your dog may be very uncomfortable with this method. Digital dog thermometers are usually fast and can record temperature easily but still, do not forget to use water-based lubricant jelly or petroleum jelly along with the thermometer. 

Aural Thermometer

Dogs are very sensitive about their rectal area and rightfully so, which is why aural thermometers are better dog thermometers. The aural thermometers go inside the dog’s ears and not their rectum which makes them way less uncomfortable. Unfortunately, if your dog has an ear infection then the aural thermometer can not work properly. The next best option is a rectal thermometer. 

How to Check Your Dog’s Body Temperature at Home? 

Here are the steps to check your dog’s body temperature:

• Read all the instructions carefully before using the thermometer.

• If you are using an aural thermometer, practice it on your own ears before using it on your dog.

• Make sure that two persons are available while checking the dog’s temperature, one to hold the dog and another to use the thermometer.

• Do not forget to use lubricating jelly if you are choosing a rectal thermometer.

• To make sure that the rectal or aural thermometer stays clean between uses, buy disposable sleeves that fit over them.

What to do if your Dog’s Temperature is Abnormal?

Things that you can do after finding out that your dog’s temperature is abnormal are mentioned below:

• The dog temperature low point can be considered around 97°F. The high point can be 103°F or beyond that. These extreme temperatures can be alarming for a dog’s health.

• Visit the vet as soon as you can because they can guide you regarding what medications you can provide to your dog.

• If the dog is suffering from hyperthermia, i.e. unusually high body temperature then make sure it drinks an adequate amount of cold water.

• You can use the towel soaked with cold water over the back of the neck, armpits, and groin region but do not let the towel stay on these parts for too long for air circulation.

• If your dog is suffering from hypothermia, i.e., unusually low body temperature, and you do not have time to visit the vet then the next immediate thing you can do is to use hot water bottles or electric heating pads to warm him up.

• A gap should be maintained between the heat source and the dog so that the burns can be avoided. Supervising them while using a heat source is needed.

• Avoid giving over-the-counter medications to your dog as they can be very toxic. It is one of the most important tips for pet safety at home.

• During hyperthermia, avoid using ice to cool your dog down as it may constrict blood vessels.