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Pets and Animals
Dogs
Canine Health
Emergency Dog Care
How to Take a Dog's Temperature Download Article Check your canine companion for a fever at home Co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Last Updated: March 1, 2026 References
Download Article
Using a Rectal Thermometer
|
Taking Temperature by Ear
|
Checking for Fever
|
Video
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 124,410 times.
If your pup is feeling under the weather, it's a good idea to make sure it doesn't have a fever. The best way to check your dog's temperature is with a thermometer. A rectal temperature provides a more accurate reading of body temperature, but it can be uncomfortable for dogs. Although less accurate, an ear thermometer may be easier to use. If you don’t have a thermometer or if your dog refuses to sit still, look for physical symptoms of a fever before taking your dog to the vet.
Things You Should Know
Apply a dab of petroleum jelly to a rectal thermometer, then insert it 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) into the dog's rectum for 1-2 minutes.
Or, hold your dog's head in your lap and gently insert an ear thermometer into their inner ear, waiting 1-2 minutes until you hear the beep.
Check for signs of fever, such as uncharacteristic lethargy, shivering, excessive panting, or redness in the dog's eyes or gums.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using a Rectal Thermometer
Download Article
1 Find a digital rectal probe. To take rectal temperature, use either a special digital rectal probe. These can be bought at drug stores and pet stores.[1]XResearch source
Digital rectal probes are easy to use and read. Some are even made just for dogs. That said, they tend to be more expensive.
Be sure to read the thermometer instructions thoroughly before you use it on your pet. This will ensure that every use is as safe and comfortable as possible for your dog. It can also help you adjust settings, like getting readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
2 Rub petroleum jelly or baby oil on the probe. Apply the lubricant to the end of the probe that will go into your dog’s rectum. This end will usually have a metal cap on it.[2]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
You can buy petroleum jelly or baby oil at grocery stores.
3 Hold the dog still. Make sure to praise the dog and soothe it throughout the process. If possible, ask someone else to hold the dog’s muzzle and pet it while you take its temperature.[3]XResearch source
Have the second person stand or kneel next to the dog. They should slip the elbow furthest from the dog under its chin, and hook the closer arm under its chest just behind the front feet. This is a safe and comfortable hold.
4 Insert the probe 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) into the dog’s rectum. Lift the dog's tail out of the way if necessary. Be gentle as you do this. Don’t force the thermometer in.[4]XResearch source
5 Wait 1-2 minutes. Digital thermometers will beep after a minute when they have finished. Old-fashioned glass thermometers may need slightly more time. When time is up, remove the thermometer from the dog’s rectum.[5]XResearch source
6 Read the temperature off the thermometer. Digital thermometers will display the temperature on the screen at the top of the thermometer. For glass thermometers, read the number next to the highest point of the red line.[6]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
A normal dog temperature is between 99.5–102.5 °F (37.5–39.2 °C). If your dog’s temperature is above or below this, call your vet.
If the dog’s temperature is 104 °F (40 °C) or higher, take it immediately to the vet for emergency treatment.
7 Stop taking its temperature if your dog reacts aggressively. Dogs may not like to have their temperature taken. Sick dogs, especially, may growl or snap at you. In this case, stop taking its temperature. Look for other symptoms of a fever instead.[7]XResearch source
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Taking Temperature by Ear
Download Article
1 Calibrate a digital dog ear thermometer. Follow the instructions for your digital ear thermometer to calibrate it. In most cases, it will calibrate automatically. Just turn on the thermometer and wait a few seconds until it beeps.[8]XResearch source
Do not use a glass thermometer when taking the temperature by ear. You will not receive an accurate reading.[9]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
There is no need to lubricate an ear thermometer.
You can get canine ear thermometers from your vet, a pet store, or online.
2 Hold your dog’s head still in your lap. If needed, lift the dog's ear. Pet the dog with whichever hand is not managing the thermometer. If possible, have another person hold the dog still while you take its temperature.[10]XResearch source
3 Insert the probe horizontally into the ear canal. Hold the probe straight as you insert it into the dog’s ear. It should be at a 90-degree angle to the dog’s head.[11]XResearch source
4 Hold the probe in the dog’s ear until it beeps. This may take between 1 and 2 minutes, depending on the brand. Try to keep the probe inside your dog’s ear for the entire duration. If your dog tries to move away or if the probe falls out, try again.[12]XResearch source
5 Read the temperature off the digital screen. The temperature will appear at the top of the thermometer. Normal temperature for a dog is between 99.5–102.5 °F (37.5–39.2 °C). If your dog’s temperature is above or below this, call your vet.[13]XResearch source
A temperature above 104 °F (40 °C) is a medical emergency. Take your dog to the vet immediately.
6 Stop the process if your dog whines or snaps. If your dog has an ear infection, using an ear thermometer can be painful. Stop if the dog yelps, whines, or shows other signs of pain. Similarly, if your dog reacts aggressively, stop what you are doing. Check the dog for physical symptoms of a fever instead.[14]XResearch source
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Checking for Fever without a Thermometer
Download Article
1 Look for lethargic or depressed behavior from your dog. If your dog is not as energetic as usual, there may be something wrong. It may seem sad or depressed. It may sleep for longer than usual or refuse to play. This could be a sign of either a high or low temperature.[15]XResearch source
2 Watch for shivering or panting. If the dog has a fever, it may pant heavily even while resting. Alternatively, it may visibly shake, or you may feel the dog shiver when you touch it.[16]XResearch source
3 Examine the dog's eyes and gums for redness. If your dog’s eyes appear red and inflamed, it may be a sign of illness, such as a fever or allergy.[17]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Check its gums as well. Normal, healthy gums should look light pink. A dog with a fever may have dark, red gums.[18]XResearch source
4 Listen for coughing from the dog. Like humans, dogs may cough when they are sick. Coughing usually indicates a respiratory infection, which could cause a fever. Take your dog to the vet.[19]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
5 Track its food and water intake to see if it has lost its appetite. If a dog stops eating suddenly, it’s usually a sign of a problem. A dog with a fever may lose its appetite, even if you try to encourage it to eat. Call your vet for advice.[20]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
6 Monitor any vomiting. If your dog vomits, withhold food for a few hours to see if it gets better. If it vomits again during this time, take your dog to the vet. The vet can perform tests to see what is causing the vomiting.[21]XResearch source
7 Take your dog to the vet if it displays multiple symptoms. Any 1 of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that your dog has a fever. If it's displaying more than 1 symptom, take your dog to the vet just in case. Your dog may have a fever or another condition.[22]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
If your dog vomits twice in 1 day, take it to the vet regardless.
Expert Q&A
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Video
Tips
While many people recommend touching the dog’s nose to check for a fever, this does not work well. The temperature and dryness of a dog’s nose may change for many reasons. It is not a reliable indicator of temperature. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
A fever can be caused by many things, such as an ear infection or an infected bite wound. Your dog may even have a low-grade fever for 24 hours after a vaccination. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
It can be difficult to diagnose a fever in dogs without a thermometer. If you suspect your dog has a fever, take it to the vet for a full examination. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Always take your dog directly to the vet if its temperature is 106 °F (41 °C) or higher. A fever this high can damage the dog’s internal organs or even cause death. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. This article has been viewed 124,410 times. 61 votes - 93% Co-authors: 7Updated: March 1, 2026 Views: 124,410 Categories: Canine Health | Emergency Dog CareArticle SummaryX
To measure a dog's temperature, start by rubbing petroleum jelly or baby oil on the probe end of a digital thermometer made for dogs. Next, hold the dog still while a second person holds the dog’s muzzle and pets it to keep it calm. Then, gently insert the probe 1–2 inches into the dog’s rectum and wait 1-2 minutes. When the thermometer beeps, remove it and read the temperature on the display. A normal temperature is between 99.5–102.5 °F, so if your dog’s temperature is above or below this, call your vet. For tips on taking a dog's temperature by ear, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Co-authors: 7Updated: March 1, 2026 Views: 124,41093% of readers found this article helpful. 61 votes - 93% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Check your canine companion for a fever at home Co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD 
How toTake a Dog's Temperature Without Using a Thermometer 
Co-authored by: Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. This article has been viewed 124,410 times. 61 votes - 93% Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 1, 2026 Views: 124,410 Categories: Canine Health | Emergency Dog Care Article SummaryX
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1 Find a digital rectal probe. To take rectal temperature, use either a special digital rectal probe. These can be bought at drug stores and pet stores.[1] 
2 Rub petroleum jelly or baby oil on the probe. Apply the lubricant to the end of the probe that will go into your dog’s rectum. This end will usually have a metal cap on it.[2] 
3 Hold the dog still. Make sure to praise the dog and soothe it throughout the process. If possible, ask someone else to hold the dog’s muzzle and pet it while you take its temperature.[3] 
4 Insert the probe 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) into the dog’s rectum. Lift the dog's tail out of the way if necessary. Be gentle as you do this. Don’t force the thermometer in.[4] 
5 Wait 1-2 minutes. Digital thermometers will beep after a minute when they have finished. Old-fashioned glass thermometers may need slightly more time. When time is up, remove the thermometer from the dog’s rectum.[5] 
6 Read the temperature off the thermometer. Digital thermometers will display the temperature on the screen at the top of the thermometer. For glass thermometers, read the number next to the highest point of the red line.[6] 
7 Stop taking its temperature if your dog reacts aggressively. Dogs may not like to have their temperature taken. Sick dogs, especially, may growl or snap at you. In this case, stop taking its temperature. Look for other symptoms of a fever instead.[7] 
1 Calibrate a digital dog ear thermometer. Follow the instructions for your digital ear thermometer to calibrate it. In most cases, it will calibrate automatically. Just turn on the thermometer and wait a few seconds until it beeps.[8] 
2 Hold your dog’s head still in your lap. If needed, lift the dog's ear. Pet the dog with whichever hand is not managing the thermometer. If possible, have another person hold the dog still while you take its temperature.[10] 
3 Insert the probe horizontally into the ear canal. Hold the probe straight as you insert it into the dog’s ear. It should be at a 90-degree angle to the dog’s head.[11] 
4 Hold the probe in the dog’s ear until it beeps. This may take between 1 and 2 minutes, depending on the brand. Try to keep the probe inside your dog’s ear for the entire duration. If your dog tries to move away or if the probe falls out, try again.[12] 
5 Read the temperature off the digital screen. The temperature will appear at the top of the thermometer. Normal temperature for a dog is between 99.5–102.5 °F (37.5–39.2 °C). If your dog’s temperature is above or below this, call your vet.[13] 
6 Stop the process if your dog whines or snaps. If your dog has an ear infection, using an ear thermometer can be painful. Stop if the dog yelps, whines, or shows other signs of pain. Similarly, if your dog reacts aggressively, stop what you are doing. Check the dog for physical symptoms of a fever instead.[14] 
1 Look for lethargic or depressed behavior from your dog. If your dog is not as energetic as usual, there may be something wrong. It may seem sad or depressed. It may sleep for longer than usual or refuse to play. This could be a sign of either a high or low temperature.[15] 
2 Watch for shivering or panting. If the dog has a fever, it may pant heavily even while resting. Alternatively, it may visibly shake, or you may feel the dog shiver when you touch it.[16] 
3 Examine the dog's eyes and gums for redness. If your dog’s eyes appear red and inflamed, it may be a sign of illness, such as a fever or allergy.[17] Check its gums as well. Normal, healthy gums should look light pink. A dog with a fever may have dark, red gums.[18] 
4 Listen for coughing from the dog. Like humans, dogs may cough when they are sick. Coughing usually indicates a respiratory infection, which could cause a fever. Take your dog to the vet.[19] 
5 Track its food and water intake to see if it has lost its appetite. If a dog stops eating suddenly, it’s usually a sign of a problem. A dog with a fever may lose its appetite, even if you try to encourage it to eat. Call your vet for advice.[20] 
6 Monitor any vomiting. If your dog vomits, withhold food for a few hours to see if it gets better. If it vomits again during this time, take your dog to the vet. The vet can perform tests to see what is causing the vomiting.[21] 
7 Take your dog to the vet if it displays multiple symptoms. Any 1 of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that your dog has a fever. If it's displaying more than 1 symptom, take your dog to the vet just in case. Your dog may have a fever or another condition.[22]