What Should a Dog’s Temperature Be
A dog’s temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you are concerned that your dog’s temperature is too high or too low, it’s time to bring them to the vet.
Can you take a dog’s temperature with a human thermometer?
Experts recommend using a digital thermometer specifically designed for rectal use in dogs. Most thermometers intended for use in human ears do not work well for this purpose. To take your dog’s temperature, first coat the thermometer with a lubricant such as petroleum gel or baby oil.[1]
How can you tell if your dog has a fever?
Loss of appetite. Shivering. Panting. Red or glassy-looking eyes. Warm ears and/or nose. Runny nose. Decreased energy. Coughing.[2]
What is an unsafe temperature for dogs?
Anything under 45 degrees Fahrenheit can be unsafe for your furbaby and can cause hypothermia or frostbite. Since staying warm uses up extra energy, it’s important that dogs have plenty of food while playing outside in chilly weather.[3]
How do you take a dog’s temperature without a thermometer?
Feel your dog’s ears and paws. Dogs have a slightly higher temperature than humans, so his ears and paws should only be slightly warmer than your hands. Feel and check your dog’s nose. Check your dog’s gums. Feel your dog’s groin area and armpits.[4]
Can you take a dog’s temperature under the arm?
In a pinch, your dog’s approximate temperature can be measured in the axillary region (underarm). Simply place the tip of the thermometer into the armpit area and hold your dog’s arm down until the thermometer beeps (this usually takes longer than it does for the rectal).[5]
Can you take a dog’s temperature in the ear?
Ear thermometers are less invasive, yet still a reliable way to take your dog’s temperature. It measures the infrared heat waves that are emitted from the area around the eardrum. The thermometer is placed deep into the horizontal ear canal to obtain an accurate reading.[6]
What can you give a dog for a fever reducer?
General Description. Tylenol® is a non-opiate pain relieving drug sometimes given to dogs to relieve pain and fever.[7]
How do you treat fever in a dog?
To reduce fever in dogs, apply a towel or cloth soaked in cool water to your dog’s ears and paws and run a fan near your dog. Stop applying the water when your dog’s temperature drops below 103 F. Continue to monitor your dog closely to ensure that the fever doesn’t return.[8]
What does a warm nose on a dog mean?
In most cases, a healthy dog nose should be cold and moist. It shouldn’t drip excessively, and there shouldn’t be any discharge from your dog’s nostrils. Your pup’s nose should also be cool to the touch. If your dog’s nose is warm to the touch it could be a sign of a fever or infection.[9]
Can you take a dog’s temperature with a forehead thermometer?
Yes—but not just any human thermometer. Glass thermometers, for example, aren’t safe for pets, since it’s possible that your dog will move suddenly while you’re taking their temperature, causing the thermometer to break—and that wouldn’t be fun for either of you.[10]
What is the fastest way to cool down a dog?
Move your dog to a cooler location + encourage them to drink. Spray and soak their coat with tepid, lukewarm water. Blow air over your dog. Ice pack your dogs groin, armpits + neck area. Placing soaked towels over your dog.[11]
What causes low temp in dogs?
What causes a low dog temperature? The main causes of hypothermia in dogs are prolonged exposure to cold temperature, prolonged submersion in cold water and shock due to a traumatic incident or fright.[12]
