Sick dogs often appear to have no appetite and are lethargic, restless, complaining or just sitting still. If you feel your dog is sick, you need to take his temperature, to get information about the symptoms of the disease. Unlike humans, dogs do not show the same symptoms when their body temperature rises, such as warm skin or chills. So it's important that you know how to take your dog's temperature to determine the level of his fever and when to take him to the vet.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparation for Taking Dog's Body Temperature
Step 1. Prepare the necessary tools
It's best if you use a digital thermometer purchased at a pet supply store. You will also need a lubricant such as Vaseline or KY jelly. You may also need to attach a muzzle, paper and pen to record the temperature.
Step 2. Ask for help
Taking a dog's temperature is easier if it is done by two people. Ideally, when one person holds the dog, the other person can take the dog's temperature with a thermometer.
Step 3. Determine the best location for this procedure
A small space like the bathroom can be a good enough space, where dogs won't run away. Putting the dog on the table is also good, because you are easier to hold and also the anus is easier to reach to measure its temperature.
- Small or medium sized dogs should be placed on the table to make it easier.
- Make sure someone is always holding the dog while it is on the table. Dogs that are not held may jump down and cause injury.
- Large dogs may remain on the floor for this procedure.
Step 4. Stay calm
If you're nervous, your dog can sense it and make it agitated. Stay calm and confident throughout the procedure, and be sure to always talk to and praise your dog.
Part 2 of 4: Holding the Dog
Step 1. Place the dog on the floor or on a table
Ask your assistant to hold the dog on a table or in the room where the temperature will be taken. The dog's tail should be on the side of your dominant hand. If you are left-handed, the dog's head should be on the right and the tail should be on the left.
Your assistant must be standing in front of you, so you will be face to face with the dog between the two of you
Step 2. Attach the muzzle to your dog's muzzle
Even if your dog is docile, sometimes he can bite if he is angry and feels threatened. If you think your dog will get angry when the temperature is taken, or start to look agitated, put a muzzle in his mouth to ensure your safety.
A strappy muzzle can also be used if you have one
Step 3. Make a muzzle if necessary
Ties can be used to create an effective temporary muzzle.
- Make a loop with the tie in the middle.
- Make sure the circle is slightly wider than your muzzle.
- Carefully attach the loop to the dog's muzzle and secure it.
- The muzzle should be tight enough that it doesn't come loose when the dog shakes its head.
- Roll the end of the tie around the dog's muzzle until it's almost gone, and tie the ends together.
Step 4. Hold the dog securely
Make sure your assistant holds the dog firmly and securely while kneeling beside the dog if it is on the floor and holding it firmly if the dog is on a table..
- Your assistant should wrap his arms under the dog's belly and lift the back slightly.
- He should wrap his other hand around the dog's neck, under his chin to below his ears.
- He had to lift the dog's head and put it on his shoulder..
- If the dog begins to wriggle or tighten during this process, your assistant should hold the dog firmer, accompanied by a sound to calm the dog.
Step 5. Know when to stop
If the dog shows strong resistance or panics, do not continue the process. It's best to stay safe by knowing when to stop because your dog feels threatened.
Part 3 of 4: Measuring Temperature
Step 1. Lubricate the thermometer
Hold the thermometer with your dominant hand which is near the dog's anus, insert the tip of the thermometer into the lubricant, preferably if there is lubricant on the tip of the thermometer.
Step 2. Lift the dog's tail. Use the other hand to lift the tail
You have to hold it tight and lift it so that the anus is visible.
Step 3. Find the location of the anus
The dog's anus is located just below the tail and is circular. Be careful, in female dogs, the vulva is located a little further down, between the legs. Do not insert the thermometer into the vulva.
Step 4. Point the thermometer
Hold the thermometer in the direction of the dog's back. Touch the tip of the thermometer to the anus.
Make sure you don't lift it up or down while the thermometer is in the anus. Keep it horizontal
Step 5. Insert the thermometer
The muscles around the anus usually tighten to close the anus. To insert the thermometer, you must push this muscle with the tip of the thermometer inwards.
- Use a circular motion to carefully insert the thermometer into the anus.
- Insert half the length of the thermometer into the anus. Will be shorter in small dogs.
- Make sure you hold the thermometer, do not let it all the way into the anus.
Step 6. Do not force the thermometer
DO NOT force the thermometer if it is difficult to enter. You can injure the anus and can cause death.
If the thermometer is difficult to enter, pull it out and try to reinsert it. You may need to add more lubricant
Step 7. Measure the temperature
If you use a digital thermometer, you must first press the button to turn it on. Press again to take the temperature.
- The screen will flash or you can see the temperature numbers increase as you take the temperature.
- Wait 5-10 seconds, depending on your thermometer.
- When you hear a beep from your thermometer, the temperature can be read.. Finished.
Part 4 of 4: Reading the Results
Step 1. Read the results
Look at the thermometer screen when it beeps. If possible, record the temperature so you don't forget.
The thermometer can be read while it is still in the anus or has been withdrawn. But make sure you read it quickly before the screen turns off
Step 2. Pull out the thermometer
Pull the thermometer from the dog's anus, pull it in a horizontal direction.
Step 3. Sterilize the thermometer
Use disinfectant or alcohol to sterilize the thermometer. Place the disinfectant on a cotton swab and wipe the thermometer clean. Put the thermometer back in its place.
Step 4. Check the normal temperature
Dogs' bodies are different from humans, if humans have a normal temperature of around 98.6 F, a dog's normal temperature is around 100.5-102.5 F (38-39.2 degrees Celsius)
- Temperatures above 39.2 C are a bit high but maybe not too worrying.
- A temperature above 39.5 C is considered a fever and requires veterinary treatment.
Step 5. Call the vet
If the dog has a high fever, and is accompanied by other symptoms of illness such as not having an appetite, take him to the vet.
Tips
- If you prefer an ear-mounted thermometer, this is also available, but it is less accurate than an anal thermometer.
- While you can use a human mouth thermometer on dogs, digital thermometers are still better. Ordinary thermometers that contain mercury will be dangerous if they break.
- While learning this step, don't show your nervousness.
Warning
- Don't be frustrated with your dog if they won't calm down when you insert the thermometer. Take your dog to the vet if you can't afford it.
- Do not try to take the temperature if the dog is very angry or panicked. This will hurt them..
- Do not insert the thermometer into the anus without a lubricant. It can be painful and difficult to get into..
- Do not try to treat your dog yourself if the temperature is too high or low. Take it to the vet.
- Be very careful when measuring the temperature. Do not insert it too deep into the anus because it can be painful or make it difficult for you to pull it out.
