hi all i have a question my dog a lab hasn't been feeling well today hes down in the dumps not happy normally full of energy but of course i know its ok for a dog to not feel well. but my question is to see if my dog has a temp is there any way to tell without actually taking a rectal temp for i only have a ear thermometer. if he is still like this in the morning yes he will be seeing the emergency vet. because i know there will be those few that answer get him to the vet this is not a case of life and death. thanks for all your answers any help is useful.
2007-08-04 16:23:36 · 8 answers · asked by sandy 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yes he is eating and drinking as usual. also he's been eating grass so i know he has an upset tummy.
2007-08-04 16:40:54 · update #1
a dogs nose is usually cool and slightly damp. if it is dry our warm that could be a sign of sickness, but the only true way to tell if he has a temp is by taking his temp rectally. you can take his temp through his ear by stretching the ear so the canal is straightened out but it is not nearly as accuarate as a rectal temp
2007-08-04 16:28:32 · answer #1 · answered by Rhianna Banana 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can try the ear thermometer. It doesn't work as well as it does in a human ear, because dogs and cats have an ear canal that goes down and then makes a sharp turn and travels horizontally to the ear drum. Thus, to make the ear thermometer work, you have to pull the ear straight out from the dogs' head to try to straighten out the canal somewhat, and get the thermometer in the ear as far as possible. Frankly, most dogs/cats don't like this at all--the rectal thermometer is actually easier!
But, since you don't have one, you can try the ear thermometer.
FYI, a dog's normal body temp is between 100 and 102, average 101. Once it gets above 103, there is cause for concern. Some animals, however, get a high temp when they are excited or nervous.
2007-08-04 16:39:51 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like us, dogs have days where they just don't feel good. Unless there are other signs of trouble, just watch him for a few days and if it doesn't improve then get him to the vet. Chances are that he will feel better in a few days, but like I said, if he gets worse, then get him checked out.
An ear thermometer should work fine, and normal temps for dogs are around 100 degrees.
2007-08-04 16:36:55 · answer #3 · answered by Shanna 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Could he be dehydrated?
Check that he has enough fresh water on hand, their water gets pretty stale rather quickly in the Summer and dogs like clean cool water to drink, so check his water and change frequently.
He may be feeling depressed about something, or he may just be having a blah day. Give lots of extra loving and attention.
If he is showing no signs of pain in walking or at rest then I would wait before taking him to the vet, but if the situation gets worse take him in.
Hope he's feeling better soon :-)
2007-08-04 16:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've never taken my dogs temp and have no idea what is considered normal.
But if your lab has been sluggish, I 'd definitely keep an eye on him. If he is not eating or drinking consider taking him to the vet tomorrow. But I have no problem being an over reactive momma and taking my dogs to the vet at the slightest sign of trouble.
2007-08-04 16:29:13 · answer #5 · answered by Boots 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The only way yo take a dogs temp. is through the butt.
2007-08-04 16:28:21 · answer #6 · answered by DogLover 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well I think that you should either to see a Vetrinarian or a dog whisperer. then you can continue loving your dog!
2007-08-04 16:30:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
you really should just take him to the vet it is the best soultion!
2007-08-04 16:28:05 · answer #8 · answered by ally_hollywood 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋