On our last post Threat of Canine Influenza, we received several emails asking how to take a dog’s temperature Fever is one of the typical symptoms of Canine Influenza. First a follow up on Chicago Canine Influenza: This weekend, Chicago Canine Influenza is an “epidemic’ Neighboring suburbs have reported canine influenza, and many dog events have been cancelled. Also, many doggy day cares have closed to disinfect their facilities. There are 5 confirmed deaths, and more than a thousand sick dogs.
Do you know how to take your dog’s temperature?
Dog Fever Symptoms
How do you know if your dog has a fever? A lethargic dog is a symptom that your dog has a fever.
You know your dog the best. Be alert when your dog refuses to eat, play and sleeps a lot. Check your dog’s nose for dryness and pale gum color. Your dog’s skin and ears will feel warmer than normal.
Your dog might exhibit other additional symptoms. The symptoms mentioned above are what I experienced with my dog, Sugar.
My vet told me that 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit are normal dog’s temperature. Above 102 degrees Fahrenheit is a symptom that your dog has a fever.
2 Ways to Check your Dog’s Temperature
1) Rectal: For an accurate result, the best thermometer for dogs is a digital rectal thermometer.
2) Ear: It is more expensive than the rectal thermometer and less invasive way to take your dog’s temperature. An ear thermometer can provide an acute reading if used properly. The thermometer must be positioned deep into the dog’s ear canal to provide an accurate reading.
Both ways have a ‘specific” technique on how to take your dog’s temperature. I’ve only used an ear thermometer and find it 50/50 accurate. I suggest that you use a thermometer that is comfortable for you. If you are unsure and want to learn how take your dog’s temperature, ask your vet.
It’s good to know your dog’s temperature when figuring out what’s wrong with your dog, There are many reasons why your dog would have a fever. Make sure you immediately consult your vet if your dog has a fever.
Related Post
Threat of Canine Influenza updated 4/6 including an infographic illustrating Respiratory Illness Warning from Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center
we bought such a ear thermometer…it’s much better for me and for the nerves of my staff :o)
Oh my gosh Sugar this is very scary! Isn’t there a vacinne for kennel cough? Years ago vets would not board dogs who had not rec’s the vaccine!
Hugs
Madi your BFFF stay well sweet friend
My pups recently had kennel cough, yes their is a vaccine to prevent against it but being viral their are many different strains and the vaccine can’t protect against them all. Puppies and senior dogs can get hit harder than young healthy pups.
Our vet had us just keep our pups on house arrest until it went away on it’s own, we didn’t want to treat them with antibiotics unless we had too. Sometimes if the cough is really bad your vet will prescribe cough suppressants to try and help. Thankfully in our case a couple weeks later and they were all better.
I posted more about symptoms and soothing sore doggy throats.
https://www.dzdogs.com/2015/02/soothing-sore-dog-throats.html
We saw that on the news on Saturday.
stella rose
We prefer the ear thank you very much
Snorts
Lily & Edward
We don’t like EITHER method of temperature stealing.
Ditto Frankie’s comment. Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
I’m not sure how my vet takes my dog’s temperature, but my dog won’t let her with me in the room. I need to ask because it would be nice to take his temperature at home when he appears sluggish or generally ‘down’. Thanks for the tips and reminder.
You mentioned that Sugar had symptoms…is she okay now? I’m hoping she is!!
Thank you for this great awareness post.
I’ve done the rectal way before, although rectally the temperature can be a bit higher that way.