How To Check A Dog's Temperature At Home?

1. Preparation
Choose a suitable thermometer: You can use an electronic thermometer. Make sure the thermometer is reliable and accurate.
Prepare lubricants: such as Vaseline, etc., which can be used when taking rectal temperature to reduce friction.

2. Rectal temperature measurement (a more accurate method)
Keep the dog quiet and ask family members to help soothe and fix the dog.
Turn on the electronic thermometer and apply lubricant to the probe part of the thermometer.
Gently lift the dog's tail and slowly insert the thermometer probe into the dog's rectum. The insertion depth is generally about half to two-thirds of the length of the thermometer. Be careful to be gentle to avoid hurting the dog.
Wait for the thermometer to sound a prompt or the reading to stabilize. This process usually takes a few seconds to more than ten seconds.
Take out the thermometer, read the temperature value and record it.

3. Ear temperature measurement method (applicable to some situations)
For some dogs who are not very cooperative with rectal temperature measurement, you can try ear temperature measurement. But this method may not be as accurate as rectal temperature measurement.
Gently place the probe of the electronic thermometer into the dog's external ear canal, making sure it fits tightly against the ear canal wall.
Wait for the thermometer to indicate that the measurement is complete, read and record the temperature value.

4. Precautions
Be careful during the measurement to prevent being bitten or scratched by the dog. If the dog is fierce, you can use a towel or other appropriate wrapping to secure it.
After each use of the thermometer, wipe the thermometer probe with an alcohol cotton ball or disinfectant wipes to clean and disinfect it to avoid cross infection.
Understand the normal body temperature range of the dog (generally 37.5℃ - 39℃) to determine whether the measurement result is normal. If the dog's temperature is abnormal, consult a veterinarian in time.