How to Take a Dog's Temperature

Knowing how to take your pet's temperature may become necessary should they become ill. If your pet demonstrates symptoms such as lethargy, lack of appetite, sneezing, and coughing; you should contact your veterinarian. At that time, your veterinarian may ask what your pet's body tempertaure is. Touching your pet to see if they are warm or cold is not 100% accurate to determine if they are ill. In this video demonstration, Dr. Wendy shows you how to correctly obtain a body temperature. This demonstration is performed with the help of Porter the dog but this procedure can also used in cats.

You will need a thermometer, a paper towel or gauze sponge, some sterile lubricant or vasoline, and some alcohol to clean off the thermometer.

Have a helper put his/her hands under the lower belly so your pet does not sit down. Taking the temperature will be easier that way.

Use a clean digital thermometer and roll the tip in a generous amount of vasoline or sterile lubricant. This will make taking the temperature much easier on your pet.

Insert thermometer into the anal opening below the base of the tail and wait for it to beep.

A normal body temperature for a dog or cat is 100.0-102.5 degrees which is higher than humans. If the temperature is 103.0-104.0 degrees, this is a definite fever and you should contact your veterinarian for further instructions. If the temperature is below 99.0 , this could be evidence of early shock or significant illness as well. Call your veterinarian immediately.

Reward your pet after this exercise.

Recognizing changes in your pet's body temperature will help you to seek veterinarian attention immediately should it become necessary.