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Taking Ear and Rectal Temperatures With a Dog Thermometer

A dog thermometer is a diagnostic tool used to provide accurate readings of your dog's temperature. Some dogs don't cooperate when you take their temperature, especially during a rectal temperature reading. The normal ear temperature in dogs ranges from 100 degrees to 103 degrees F.

Taking a Rectal Temperature

  1. If you're using a mercury thermometer, shake the thermometer so that the mercury falls below the 98 degrees F mark.
  2. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and lift your dog's tail.
  3. Gently insert the thermometer up to one inch in your dog's rectum.

If you're using a mercury thermometer wait for 2 minutes and if using a digital thermometer wait until it beeps. Gently remove the thermometer, wipe it with a cotton ball and note the reading.

Taking Ear Temperature

After you place the thermometer in your dog's ear canal, follow the same instructions mentioned for the rectal temperature reading. The ear thermometer measures the heat that comes from the ear drum.

If your dog's temperature falls out of the normal range, you need to find out the source of the fever. A thermometer is useful to monitor your dog's temperature soon after a surgery or when your dog is being treated for infections like dog flu.

also see Boosting the Immune System of Your Dog

also see Successful Vaccination for Sick Dogs

also see Your First Emergency Veterinary Visit -- What to Expect

also see Which Dog Breath Freshener Works Best?