As a pet owner, it’s important to know how to check your dog’s temperature, as it can indicate whether your dog is healthy or sick. The normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 38°C to 39.2°C (100°F to 102.5°F).
To check your dog’s temperature, you will need a digital rectal thermometer and some lubricant. First, lubricate the thermometer and gently insert it into your dog’s rectum. Hold it in place for about one minute until the thermometer beeps.
Be sure to stay with your dog while taking their temperature to make sure they don’t move suddenly, which could cause injury. After taking their temperature, clean the thermometer with alcohol or soap and water.
If a thermometer is unavailable, you can predict your dog’s temperature with these steps:
- Feel the dog’s ear and paws, if it feels warmer than usual, your dog might be having a fever.
- Check if the nose is dry with green or yellow discharges, there could be a fever and an infection.
- Check if the gum is normal. If it is redder than the normal pink, your dog might be having a fever.
- Feel the armpit and groin area, if they are hot than the regular body warmness, your dog might be having a high temperature
If your dog’s temperature is outside the normal range, contact your veterinarian immediately. Other signs of illness may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. Regularly checking your dog’s temperature can help you identify potential health issues and seek medical attention promptly.
