A Canine Temperature

A good idea is to take your dog's temperature a few times when she is well. My reasoning for this?

A "normal" human temperature is 98.6 degrees F right? Not mine. My normal temperature is 97.8 and has been since I was a kid. That means if my temperature is 99 or 100, I probably have a minor illness. If I get a fever of 102 I'm really sick.

In contrast, a normal canine temperature is 101 F. So a range of 100.5 to 102.5 is normal.

How to Take a Dogs Temperature

If you have a fancy digital thermometer, you can put it in your dog's ear for a reading. You should get a reading between 100 and 103 F for the ear. If you do things the old fashioned way like I do and want an accurate reading, you must go rectally...

Normally you put a little petroleum jelly or olive oil on the dog thermometer so it glides right into the anus. You can have the dog lying down or standing up, whichever is most comfortable.

Motivation is really important when the dog is big and stronger than I am.

My dogs are food oriented and will do anything for a tidbit. I put one hand near their chest while the other zips that thermometer right where it needs to go. I say nice things or rub and scratch until the time is up.

They get the treat, I get the temperature. It's a win-win situation.

Note: Keep an eye on that thermometer to make sure it doesn't fall out, or worse, get drawn inside your dog. I think it's a rare occurrence but it actually happened to a family cat at the vet's office!

A Fever in Dogs Can Be Mistaken

A Normal Dog Temperature Can Vary as much as 2 degrees at these times:

• after exercise
• after eating
• after barking

And a dog temperature can be lower:

• for a puppy
• for a senior dog

Once you know the normal temperature for your dog, you can tell more easily when he is sick and it helps if a phone consultation is needed with your vet's office.

If you'd like to know why dogs get a fever and what you can do at home, please read Fever In Dogs.

If your dog won't eat, don't panic. There is a natural reason for this. Find out at Fasting for Health.

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