Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

NORMAL
A p p e n d i x
PHYSIOLOGICAL
DATA
Normal Body Temperature
Adult dog: 100° to 102.5°F (37.7° to 39.2°C)
Average: 101.3°F (38.5°C)
Newborn puppy: 94° to 97°F at birth (34.4° to 36.1°C); 100°F
(37.3°C) at 4 weeks old
HOW TO TAKE YOUR DOG’S TEMPERATURE
The only effective way to take your dog’s temperature is to use a rectal thermometer.
Bulb and digital rectal thermometers are equally acceptable, but the
digital thermometer is more convenient and records the temperature faster.
If you’re using a bulb thermometer, shake it down until the bulb registers
96°F (35.5°C). Lubricate the bulb with petroleum or K-Y jelly. Have someone
gently restrain the dog, holding his head and making sure the dog can’t move
around. Raise the dog’s tail holding, it firmly to keep him from sitting down.
Using a twisting motion, gently insert the bulb into the anal canal one to
three inches (2.5 to 7.6cm), depending on the size of the dog.
For newborn puppies, use a pediatric thermometer and insert the tip of the
thermometer only as far as necessary to completely cover the bulb or tip.
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