pet thermometer

Step by Step Guide on how to check your pet’s Temperature

With more & more people working from home, the interaction with our pets has intensified. This has led to questions and concerns, some of which can be easily addressed by some tiny tips! This year we will every month provide you with a tip to use at home whilst taking care of your pet.

Using a thermometer and the photo advise on “how to”  we address one of the parameters to quantify an important piece of pet health information.

To start: Prepare the needed

  • Digital Thermometer
  • Vaseline
  • Gloves (optional)
  • Alcohol wipes – to use for cleaning the thermometer afterwards

Get your pet ready:

Dog

  • Lift a small dog on your lap
  • Kneel next to a larger dog
  • One person gently embraces the dog so he/she stays in place by holding one arm around the neck (controlling the head) and one around the chest, do not restrain too tightly as this will make the dog want to escape
  • Another person lifts the tail and inserts the thermometer
  • Reward the dog when finished
  • Some dogs can be handled by one person

Cat

  • Scruff the cat by grabbing the skin in the neck, this causes endorphin release and most cats will be easier to handle
  • Another person lifts the tail and inserts the thermometer
  • Some cats are not that easy and can better be rolled in a large tower, with all legs inside the towel and only the head sticking out or even the head covered
  • Find the tail and insert the thermometer
  • DO NOT FIGHT this is only setting you back and the cat always wins

Now it is time to actually start measuring

cat thermometer

How to apply the thermometer?

  • Apply some Vaseline on the thermometer
  • Switch the thermometer on by pressing on the button
  • Gently restrain the animal
  • Raise the tail
  • Introduce the thermometer in the anus and advance a few centimeters
  • Wait till the temperature shows, a beep might be heard
  • Remove the thermometer
  • Read the temperature
  • Clean the thermometer using an alcohol wipe so it is clean for next use
  • Consider marking this as the “Pet” Thermometer

Below is a list of normal rectal temperatures (in degrees Celsius): 

• Dog = 38.0-39.0 degrees Celsius 

• Cat = 38.0-39.2 degrees Celsius 

Abnormal readings: 

  • Hypothermia – refers to a lower-than-normal body temperature. In dogs and cats this is considered to be when temperature is below 37.5°C.
  • Hyperthermia – refers to a temperature higher than normal. In dogs and cats this is considered to be when temperature is above 39.5°C.
  • Pyrexia – raised temperatures caused by an internal process (e.g. infection) are referred to as a fever or pyrexia.
  • Heat stress – dogs and cats with heat stress may have temperatures above 41°C. Such temperatures are life threatening for animals and should be treated immediately.

Contact us (04-3408601) should your pet have an abnormal temperature, when the temperature is above 41 degrees start cooling your pet immediately.

How to cool a pet who has a really high temperature

  • Cool down with cold water (not ice water) or alcohol (evaporates which cools down)
  • Put cold cans or frozen pees or similar items in armpits, inguinal area 
  • Take animal in the shade or inside
  • Fan air over the animal to increase evaporation and cooling down
  • Ensure he/she can pant in order to cool down
  • DO NOT ROLL IN WET TOWEL as this will works as isolation 

If you you have a question about the above, please contact us at nurse@abvc.ae and one of our veterinary nurses will get back to you.

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