How To Take A Dog S Temperature With A Human Thermometer
Shake the thermometer well bring it to the normal temperature of 96 degrees or less.
How to take a dog s temperature with a human thermometer. There are two popular types of thermometers. Next look at your dog s nose to see if it has a green or yellow discharge. While typically 98 6 f 37 0 c is considered a normal temperature some studies have shown that normal body temperature can be within a wide range from 97 f 36 1 c to 99 f 37 2 c. If you are doing this alone drape your dog s tail over your arm while you restrain him by the collar.
Although taking a dog s temperature does require a thermometer you can look for signs that indicate your dog may have a fever or infection. If you are using a digital thermometer you will need to push the button on the shaft of the thermometer to turn it on. To take your dog s temperature first coat the thermometer with a lubricant such as petroleum gel or baby oil. The display will likely flash or you will see the temperature increasing while you take the dog s temperature.
The normal body temperature of a dog is between 101 and 102 5 fahrenheit. For example use the back of your hands to check if its ears paws armpits or groin area feel hot or swollen. The only surefire way to determine if your pet has an abnormally high or low body temperature is to actually take his temperature with a thermometer. Not all dogs are fully cooperative so here are some recommendations for your next dog temperature reading.
Next gently insert the thermometer about one inch into your dog s anus and wait for. The only accurate way to measure your dog s temperature is rectally and using either a regular thermometer like your own or a pet thermometer for dogs. Insert the thermometer from one to three inches depending on the size of your dog and hold it in place for at least two minutes. A temperature of 100 5 to 102 f degrees is normal.
Many dog owners don t realize that their pet s normal temperature is not the same as that of a human. After you remove the thermometer wipe it clean and read the temperature by the height of the silver column of mercury on the thermometer scale. If you dread going down there just imagine. The average healthy temperature should read anywhere from 100 degrees f to 102 5 degrees f.
Push it again to begin taking the dog s temperature. Apply a layer of lubricant such as petroleum jelly to lube the tip before you put the thermometer inside your dog s rectum.