How to Take a Dog's Temperature: Rectal, Ear and Safety

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Taking a temperature is a handy skill, and it takes a minute once you and your dog are used to it.

What you need

• Digital pet or rectal thermometer with a flexible tip
• Water-based lubricant
• Treats and a helper if possible
• Disinfectant wipes for cleaning
• A notebook to record the reading

Do not use a glass mercury thermometer, which can break.

Step by step

1. Choose a calm moment, and let your dog sniff the thermometer and enjoy a treat.
2. Shake or reset the thermometer and cover the tip with lubricant.
3. Have your dog stand, with a helper holding his head and offering treats. Stand beside the hindquarters.
4. Lift the tail gently.
5. Insert the tip about one inch, or less for small dogs and puppies, using a slight twisting motion.
6. Hold still until the thermometer beeps, usually about 10 to 60 seconds.
7. Remove gently, read and record the number.
8. Clean the thermometer with alcohol or disinfectant, and give a treat.

Reading the result

• 100.5 to 102.5 F (38 to 39.2 C): normal for most dogs
• Above 103 F (39.4 C): possible fever. See dog fever signs
• Above 104 F (40 C): serious, and emergency cooling may be needed if heat-related. See dog heatstroke
• Below 99 F (37.2 C): possible hypothermia. See dog hypothermia and frostbite

Temperature can rise with excitement, exercise and hot weather, so recheck after your dog is calm.

Other methods

• Ear thermometers made for pets are quick but vary in accuracy, and wax or ear infections can affect results.
• Armpit or forehead readings are not reliable.
• Touching the nose or ears does not tell you the temperature.

Safety tips

• Never force the thermometer, since the rectum can be injured
• Stop if your dog yelps or struggles hard
• Do not take the temperature of a dog who is aggressive or in severe pain. Call your vet
• Use a dedicated pet thermometer
• Wash your hands afterward

Training for easier temperature checks

Pair handling the tail and rear with treats for a few days, then introduce the lubricated thermometer without inserting. Gradually progress, always rewarding. See how to train a dog for vet and grooming handling.

When to call the vet

Call if your dog has a fever with lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite or other signs, a temperature over 104 F, a temperature below 99 F, or a fever lasting more than a day. See dog normal vital signs.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask for a demonstration at your next visit, which thermometer you recommend and which numbers should trigger a call. Ask how to handle puppies and small dogs.

Common mistakes

• Using human forehead thermometers
• Inserting too far
• Skipping lubricant
• Checking right after exercise

Troubleshooting

• My dog sits down: distract with a treat and try again.
• The thermometer will not beep: check the battery.
• The reading seems off: wait and retake.

A simple plan

1. Gather supplies.
2. Make it positive.
3. Take and record the reading.
4. Call your vet if abnormal.

Real-life examples

A spaniel's temperature of 103.8 F leads to an early vet visit for an infection. A bulldog on a hot day reaches 104.5 F, prompting emergency cooling. A puppy gets used to checks with treats. Practice helps.

Keep a record

A short log of readings helps your vet see patterns.

The takeaway

Use a digital rectal thermometer, be gentle and call your vet for abnormal readings.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.