A rectal thermometer is the most important diagnostic tool a pet owner can have. Normal dog temperature is 101-102.5°F — fever above 104°F is a medical emergency. PetFusion's digital probe reads in 10 seconds and beeps at measurement completion.
Normal dog temperature: 101-102.5°F. Fever: above 103°F — monitor and note symptoms. High fever: above 104°F — veterinary attention required same day. Dangerous: above 106°F — emergency care immediately. Without a thermometer, you're guessing.
Apply lubricant (petroleum jelly or KY jelly) to the flexible tip. Lift the tail and gently insert 1 inch into the rectum. Hold still 10 seconds until the beep. Have a helper hold the dog if possible. Reward heavily immediately after. Most dogs acclimate to this process within 3-4 sessions.
Every dog household — knowing your dog's temperature tells you definitively whether a symptom is fever-grade.
No one. This is a $15 tool that belongs in every pet first aid kit.
Buy it and keep it in your pet first aid kit. You'll be glad you have it the first time your dog spikes a fever at 11pm.
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