dogs fever ? how do i check for one ? preventative info - please?

Question

my dogs are not sick but i was wondering how can i tell if my dog has a fever? can i buy a thermometer and check when he/she is acting well and then when i think sick check and compare > would you have to insert it in the "rear" of the animal or could i buy one for the stomach ? just wanting some preventative info so i can tell better if my dog is running a tempature - thank you

i dont know jr what are you suppose to do if the dog has a temp? lets not be retarded i would take the dog to the vet if his/her temp was high - preventative is the key word - where if my dog is moping around the house one day or just extremely tired i know how to take his/her temp and take them to the vet if necc. if not i can try to cheer up my baby - in jesus name my dogs have never gotten sick or had a "temp" i always hear people saying she had a fever so we took her in - im asking how do you tell so if it ever happens i will be prepared - and i will be able to tell so my dog doesnt lay their sick and i just think she/he is tired or just moping around because i took her toy away for growling at the other dog ( just examples )

Answer 1

Yes, you can buy either a digital or mercury thermometer (digital is quicker and easier though), and put a little bit of lube or vaseline on the end when you are using it. You might also want to look up how to check a dog's respiration and heartrate and learn to do that before something happens. =) Good luck!

Answer 2

A dog's normal body temperature is between 101°F and 102°F. Any drop or rise or in body temperatuure should be thoroughly investigated by a veterinarian. A dog's temperature can be taken two ways: rectally and inter-ear depending upon the equipment you have available to you. Rectally is probably the most convenient way and you will need a thermometer (one that will never be used on a human again) and it can be digital or regular, some lubrication, and a tissue/cotton swab. First, shake the mercury down in the thermometer to the bottom (or turn digital thermometer on). Insert the thermometer only about 1/2-1 inch inside the dog's anus after lubricating with petroleum jelly or KY jelly (insert just far enough to cover the metal tip). Leave in until the digital thermometer beeps or 1-2 minutes for a regular thermometer. Then, wipe with a tissue and read. A normal range for a dog's temperature is 101.5 -102.5 degrees Farenheit. I am concerned with anything above 103 degrees Farenheit and suggest a vet visit if this is the case. Good luck!

Answer 3

The only accurate way to take a temerature is rectally. They do sell some ear thermometers, but because of the shape of a dogs ear, these can easily misread. A rectal temperature is not at all painful for a dog (much bigger things come out that end than the end of a thermometer) and it is actually a very good idea to get them use to it at a young age so you can be aware if they become sick. Normal temp for a dog is 100-102.5. You dont have to place it in very far, just enough so that the entire end of it is completely inside. I would rec'd a digital speed read type, takes about 20 seconds and can be purchased at most drug stores for under $20.

Answer 4

You can purchase an ear thermometer - usually only $30 at target or walmart.
The usual temperature of a dog is between 99 - 101 degrees, but this is just a general range. It can be as high as 102 and as low as 97 with no real problems.

You can play around with the thermometer when you get it. Take the dog's temperature when they are relaxed and resting - it will be on the lower end of the range. Let the dogs run around outside and play for a bit, then take it again... play around with it and learn.

Answer 5

Get an anal thermometer put it in dogs rear and if the temperature is 102 or over the dog is running temperature. A dog will have a normal range of 100 to 101.5 , so take that into account when checking it. I use a thin coat of Vaseline so the dog isn't as sensitive to the thermometer and hold on to both thermometer and the dogs tail so it isn't expelled or the dog sits down on it. wait about 3 minutes, like a human.

Answer 6

If you dog seems ill or to be acting funny at anytime the first thing you should do is call and/or take it to the vet. I have had dogs my whole life and very rarely have the come down with a fever without showing other symptoms as well. Unless you are a trained vet tech I don't recommend sticking anything into your dog's behind. A small fever is no big deal. It is the body's natural way to fight infection. It is only dangerous when there is a severe infection and in that case your dog would show outward symptoms and should be taken to a vet immediately.

Answer 7

Temperature must be taken rectally. I suggest tying a string to the thermometer, since animals can actually pull the thermometer into the rectum when you don't expect it. Lube the tip of the thermometer with a little KY jelly, and insert about 1/3 to 1/2 into the rectum. Leave in place for about 2 minutes, then remove and read. A normal range for dogs is 101.5 to 102.5. They are considered mildly feverish at 103.5, and anything above is cause for concern.

Answer 8

Just buy a regular thermometer (I like digital ones). You need to insert it in the rectum. Use vaseline, and clean well afterwards.

Or you can buy one that goes in the ear, but I think they're pretty expensive.

It is handy to be able to take your dog's temperature, often when I call the vet one of the first things they will ask is if he has a fever.

Answer 9

Dogs temperatures run higher than humans. You can probably get that number from the internet. As far as I know you can only take a dogs temperature rectally and you have to push it in quite a ways. If your dog seems lethargic for more than a day or so take him/her to the vet instead of trying to do this yourself. You could cause more problems.

Answer 10

103.7 isn't alarmingly high for a dog since normal is up to 102.5. So if there are no other symptoms then there's no reason to freak out. It could just be a mild infection that the antibiotics will clear up or even a minor virus. Things you can watch for are loss of appetite, not drinking water, loss of energy or pain. As long as your dog is acting like himself, you have no reason to worry since you vet didn't find anything to be alarmed over.