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shetland sheepdog lying on a chair with a dog thermometer in its mouth

A dog thermometer is a vital tool for your pet's well-being.

© Izergil - Shutterstock

What is the best dog thermometer for sale?

By Joseph Chance Content Writer

Published on the Updated on the

If you are a proud dog owner, you should keep a dog thermometer in your medicine cabinet. You can use this little accessory when your dog develops a fever. This will allow you to treat your dog effectively.

There are several types of dog thermometers, and it is not always easy to choose the best model. There are gallium, electronic, and infrared thermometers with different sized tips. Choosing a thermometer with a soft tip is best to avoid hurting your pet when taking their temperature. Most dog thermometers need to be placed into the rectum and take readings in seconds. They are lightweight, easy to handle and usually have a convenient shape. They take up little space and can be easily stored in a drawer.

Are you about to welcome a puppy? It is time to get a thermometer appropriate for your dog's size. Let our comparison guide help you choose the best model. This will allow you to act quickly if your dog becomes ill.

How can I tell if my dog is sick?

It is critical to recognise the warning signs so that you can treat your dog as soon as it becomes ill. For example, if your dog has diarrhoea or constipation, you should take them to the vet.

A lack of appetite can also be a symptom of a more serious illness. Also, if your pet begins to lose or gain a lot of weight, consider taking them for a check-up!

Other common symptoms include difficulty or excessive urination, blood in the urine, and so on. Check to see if your dog is unusually thirsty.

A sick pet may have trouble breathing as well. They may sneeze, pant, or have runny eyes. Common symptoms include lethargy, fading eyes, and hair loss.

How do you take a dog's temperature?

To take your dog's temperature, you need to insert a suitable thermometer into their anus. There are thermometers specially designed for dogs, with a thin and flexible tip. Dogs have little patience, so choose a model that takes the measurement as quickly as possible.

Don't hesitate to give your pet a treat to help them relax during the procedure. Even if it only lasts a few seconds, most dogs do not enjoy having their temperature taken. If necessary, use two people to hold the animal. If you are afraid of being bitten, you can even put a muzzle on the dog. It is important to remember that even the most gentle and calm animals can react unexpectedly and violently when they feel in danger!  

You can use a water-based lubricant to make inserting the thermometer easier. Keep in mind that if you have a female dog, you should never put a thermometer in her vulva.

What are the different types of dog thermometers?

There are various types of dog thermometers: you can pick one based on certain criteria, such as the time it takes to take measurements, the size of the tip, and the dog's reaction to the thermometer.

Gallium thermometers, for example, are very common and easy to find. They do, however, take a long time to take the temperature because the metals need time to expand.

Electronic thermometers for dogs have several advantages: they are easy to use, accurate and quick to measure.

There are also infrared thermometers, which measure the temperature at the temporal level. This way, there is no need to insert it into the dog's rectum. This is the best option for shy or wild animals.

It is best to use a thermometer with a soft tip, regardless of the type. This way, if your pet attempts to sit while the temperature is being taken, it will not hurt itself! Also, make sure that it is easy to hold.

How can you tell if your dog has a fever?

Taking your pet's temperature is the only way to find out if they have a fever. This requires the use of a veterinary thermometer. It is pointless to feel their nose!

You should keep in mind that the average temperature of a dog is 38.5°C, which is one degree higher than that of a human. Of course, the temperature varies slightly throughout the day. For example, a dog's temperature may be 38.9°C when they go to bed and 38.2°C when they wake up. Body temperature can be affected by floor temperature, agitation, and play. The body temperature of newborn puppies is approximately 35.5°C.

When a dog's temperature reaches 39°C, it is considered a fever. However, you can also tell if your dog is lying down and their ears are burning.

How do you bring a dog's temperature down?

If your dog has a fever, you can lower their temperature by giving them a warm bath. If your pet hates water, as some dogs do, you can relieve them by rubbing a wet glove all over their body. You do not want to leave them wet, so be sure to dry your pooch with a towel or a hairdryer afterwards. A bad draught could make things worse!

You should also give your dog lots of water to keep them well hydrated. In any case, never give your pet any product or medicine that has not been prescribed by your vet! Only this medical professional will know how to react to relieve your dog in the best possible way.

While waiting to go to the vet, make your dog comfortable in a basket, away from draughts, and leave them alone. The animal should rest as much as possible to avoid losing too much strength.

This article is a selection made independently by the Wamiz team. If you click on a link called "affiliate link", the merchant pays us a commission. But that doesn't change anything for you and your pet! Affiliate links are identified as such, for the sake of transparency.
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