What difference will it make if i take the temperature of a dog with a regular thermometer?
What difference will it make if i take the temperature of a dog with and ear thermometer and a recto thermometer?
2007-10-01 12:39:48 · 4 answers · asked by Danny L 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A regular thermometer will work just fine. Rectal is best, but ear can work also.
Clearly, they have a different "normal" than people. 101.5-102.5 being normal for dogs and cats.
They make digital rectal thermometers now....and the glass ones DO NOT contain mercury anymore. That was done YEARS AGO!!
In all my years working with vets and taking dog and cat temps, I have NEVER had one break.
2007-10-01 12:42:54 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO!NO!NO glass!
regular thermometers are glass, and you cannot assure the dog won't break it. Then glass and mercury damage your dog.
Use the ear thermometer only, but the topography of the dog's more articulated ear canal makes the measurement problematic.
Ear thermometers are looking for the temperature of a blood vessel that travels across the tympanic membrane (eardrum), and unless you have the device looking directly at the eardrum, then the results will be lower.
The good news is the value will only vary by two degrees or so at most by looking deep into the ear canal without seeing the eardrum. Add one degree F to the value shown.
Also, if you have the proper disposable covers for the ear thermometer, it should have an optional setting for 'Rectal' temperature. then you use it there. check the instructions.
2007-10-01 19:58:45 · answer #2 · answered by science_joe_2000 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Rectal will work. The ear will not. Make sure that you lubricate the thermometer before you use it rectally though, petroleum jelly will work.
2007-10-01 19:56:23 · answer #3 · answered by mydixiehound 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rectal will work fine. Don't know about ear.
2007-10-01 19:47:53 · answer #4 · answered by Stop Ranting 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋