Taking your pet’s temperature is sometimes the best way to advance a diagnosis. This act can be performed by a veterinarian or by yourself subject to following certain instructions and knowing how to interpret the result obtained. Taking your temperature is recommended if you notice abnormal symptoms such as weight loss, lasting cough, or sudden listlessness.
The dog’s normal temperature is 38.5° with normal variations between 38° and 39°. As long as the temperature fluctuates between these temperatures, there is no cause for alarm.
On the other hand, if the temperature is lower than 38°, then we speak of hypothermia. Conversely, if the temperature exceeds 39°, the animal is then in the grip of a fever. In these two cases, it is strongly recommended to contact a veterinarian and share this information with him while waiting for his advice.
The best way is still the insertion of a rectal thermometer. This must be electronic, preferably flexible. It is better to avoid the more dangerous mercury thermometers. It must be moistened to allow easy insertion while you hold the animal, taking care to gently lift its tail. The ideal to perform this act is to be two, the first holding the animal while the other performs the insertion holding the tail.
