Have you ever thought your pup felt a little too warm and wondered if they had a fever? Dogs can catch influenza, develop infections, and even spike a fever if they eat something poisonous. Taking your pup’s temp is not quite the same as taking your own, but it’s something every pet parent should be ready to do. Despite claims to the contrary, you cannot truly know a dog’s temperature by touching their nose or face. To get an accurate reading, you must use a thermometer. But what method is best for taking a dog’s temperature? I looked at several top options available to find the best dog thermometer.
What Causes A Dog To Have A Fever?
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Just like us, our dogs can get sick. Some conditions, including urinary tract infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, or even an infected bite or scratch, can cause a dog to spike a fever. Inflammation, pancreatitis, stress, long-term illnesses like cancer, and even unknown origins can cause pets to develop a fever. We pet parents need to know the signs of a fever, which can include lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, glassy eyes, shivering, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
In canines, a normal, healthy temperature will largely depend upon their age, and their body temperature can also fluctuate depending on their activity level and environment. However, the average dog temperature for a healthy adult dog should be between 98.6 degrees and 102 degrees Fahrenheit (37 – 38.9 degrees Celsius). Learn more about a dog’s normal temperature and what to do if you suspect your pup has a fever.
What Is A Thermometer For Dogs?
A dog thermometer works the same way as a human thermometer. It’s an important medical tool that allows owners to determine if their pup’s body temperature is higher than normal. There are a couple of different ways to use these tools to take your pup’s temperature, but the most effective way is to take it rectally. This will give you the most accurate temperature reading.
Getting a rectal temp will require you to coat the tip with a lubricant like petroleum jelly or baby oil. It is best to have two people when taking your dog’s temperature this way, as you do not want them to get scared or injured. One person will hold the pup still in a tight hug, while the other will gently lift the tail, then insert the lubricated tip into the anus only about one inch. For larger breeds, this may need to be two inches. Once you have it in place, hold it still until the indicator shows you the result.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of taking your dog’s temperature rectally, there are, fortunately, a few other options, including no-contact thermometers and ear thermometers. Below, I discuss several of the best dog thermometers available to pet parents today.
Best Dog Thermometers
When picking the best dog thermometers, I reviewed hundreds of customer reviews and considered things like features, price, durability, design, and ease of use.
Best Dog Thermometer Overall: IProven Pet Thermometer Review
The iProven PET Thermometer is one of the most popular on the market. It is digital with a clear, easy-to-read temperature reading. The IProven-PET tool was designed with comfort in mind. It has a soft, flexible tip specifically designed for rectal use on animals. The design helps ensure your pup is comfortable during the temperature-taking process. This tool provides readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
The large LCD display provides a quick readout in 20 seconds, and the tool is easy to clean. The waterproof tip should be rinsed thoroughly after every use and stored away in the convenient hard case. One drawback is that rigid thermometers are somewhat easier to insert; however, they are far less comfortable. Probe covers for this model are also available for purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 20-second reading | May take practice to use it properly |
| Easy to clean | |
| Celsius and Fahrenheit | |
| Waterproof | |
| Designed for comfort |
Pricing
Best Rectal Thermometer For Dogs: Hzran Pet Veterinary Thermometer Review
The Hzran Pet thermometer is made to be used quickly and with ease for both you and your pup. It is safe for use with dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, cows, and other livestock. You get a reading in 20 seconds and can select either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
The slanted design helps make this one easier to insert, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable for you to grip. It is recommended to clean with disinfectant after use. It can be used with any size of dog. This vet-style tool requires three triple-A batteries and comes with a handy carrying strap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 20-second read | Needs batteries |
| Ergonomic design | |
| Slanted probe | |
| Safe for small animals and livestock |
Pricing
Best Dog Ear Thermometer: ICARE-PET Dog Ear Thermometer Review
The ICARE-PET dog thermometer is designed specifically for use in the ear canal. It has an extended probe designed for a gentle, non-invasive feel. You have the option to have the beep turned on or off, a good choice if your dog is sensitive to new sounds. Readings can be as fast as one or two seconds. It is a very comfortable, non-intrusive option that is great for sensitive or timid pups.
You can pick between Celsius and Fahrenheit and easily read your pup’s readout on the extra-large LCD display. This one is easy to hold onto and far less invasive than a rectal one. You must be sure to keep your fur baby calm and get the tool in the right spot to get an accurate read.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ear thermometer | Must take multiple readings to ensure accuracy |
| Non-intrusive | Not all dogs like things in their ears |
| Good for timid dogs | |
| Can turn the beep on or off | |
| Fast temperature readings |
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Best Non-Invasive Canine Thermometer: Mella Home Thermometer Review
View on Amazon | View on Mella
Getting their temperature taken rectally can be very scary, and for some dogs, this simply is not an option, regardless of accuracy. Finding a fear-free option is important, and fortunately, a company by the name of Mella has created an accurate underarm thermometer to use with both cats and dogs. You simply place Mella under the foreleg and get a quick, accurate measurement. This tool by Mella is designed to be completely non-invasive and accurate.
You may recognize this product if you are a fan of the popular Shark Tank show. Mela is a Shark Tank-backed product supported by Shark Mark Cuban. The Mella thermometer is clinically approved and gives an accurate temperature reading from your pup’s underarms in 10 to 15 seconds.
Mella is non-invasive and will not put your pup or you in an uncomfortable situation. Additionally, you can download a free app to help track your pet’s temperature and share this information with your vet. Mella also charges quickly with the included cord. Customers like how easy it is to use and the comfort their fur babies have when getting their temp taken.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pain and fear-free | Must be in the right spot to get a correct reading |
| Single button to take temp | |
| Free app to monitor temps | |
| 10-15 second readout | |
| For cats and dogs |
Price
Best Digital Dog Thermometer: MiniASTRO Veterinary Digital Thermometer Review
The MiniASTRO is designed for veterinary and at-home use. It can be used to take oral, rectal, and armpit (axillary) temperatures in pets, though rectal is recommended. The tip is flexible, soft, and waterproof, designed to avoid irritation and discomfort.
Temperature readings can be in Celsius or Fahrenheit, and the large LCD display is easy to read. MiniASTRO’s thermometer shuts off after ten minutes of inactivity, saving your battery. It is easy to clean and store. This one is simple, easy to use, and works for multiple kinds of small animals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large LCD display | Recommended for rectal use |
| Shuts off after 10 minutes | |
| Good for small animals | |
| Flexible and waterproof |
Pricing
Best No Contact Dog Thermometer: Pet Medics Non-Contact Digital Pet Thermometer Review
Pet Medics makes a no-contact method to take your pup’s temp. You can use this by aiming at your pup’s belly or eye. It will give you a readout and a color indicator to show if your pup has an unsafe reading. Red means the temp is too high or low, yellow means they need monitoring, and green means everything is good.
Pet Medics is calibrated specially for canine temperatures. It features a memory recall so you can see previous readings and is easy to use and store. This one is an excellent pick for skittish dogs or those who have trouble staying still.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No-contact method | Some users report it does not work after a few months |
| 3-color indicator | |
| Aim at the belly or eye | |
| Memory recall | |
| Good for skittish dogs |
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
I know there are many questions about using thermometers on dogs. I’ve answered a few of them below, but if I missed yours, let me know in the comments.
Can I use a human thermometer on my dog?
Some human thermometers can be used on dogs, but they may not be as accurate or comfortable as one made specifically for use with pets.
How can you take a dog’s temperature with a human thermometer?
You use these the same way you would a dog thermometer. If you take the reading rectally, be sure to use petroleum jelly or another lubricant. Disinfect it before and after use.
How can I tell if my dog has a fever without a thermometer?
A thermometer is the most accurate way to tell your pup’s temp, but there are still clues that may indicate a fever. Low energy, red eyes, warm ears, a dry, hot nose, loss of appetite, shivering, vomiting, coughing, panting, a runny nose, and glassy eyes are all fever signs. If you are worried your fur baby has a fever and you don’t have a thermometer, it’s best to reach out to your vet for advice and an exam.
Can you take a dog’s temp with a forehead thermometer?
You can use a forehead thermometer on a canine’s forehead, but it may not give you an accurate reading. You may have better luck using it on the skin of the armpit or inner ear than the forehead.
What To Do If Your Pup Gets Sick?
Keeping your fur baby healthy is a top priority, and it can be very scary if your pup gets sick. No matter how careful we are, our pets can come down with illness or be injured suddenly, requiring quick and sometimes expensive treatment. Investing in pet insurance is one way to help protect your pet in times of medical need. Learn more about what pet insurance covers and your different options in our Is Pet Insurance Worth It guide.
Along with considering pet insurance, developing a healthy, open relationship with your veterinarian is key. You want to find one you feel comfortable with and trust for your pup’s health. You must become a team with your vet and work together to ensure lifelong health for your sweet pup. Learn more about online veterinarians and mobile vets and what to look for in a vet in our in-depth guides. If you need help with vet bills, learn more about where you can find financial assistance for your pup.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle has had a close bond with dogs since her toddler days. She has a particular fondness for rescue pets, believing all pups deserve a chance at a loving home and happy life. Danielle has a background in education, healthcare, and behavior management and many years as a professional researcher. She is dedicated to bringing pet owners helpful information to keep their pets by their side as long as possible. She collaborates with a talented team of experts and animal lovers who share the same goal. Danielle has spent hundreds of hours researching and reviewing pet products and dedicated over 5 hours to this article alone.