My dog's temperature is 98. Is this low? Does he need a vet tonight?

99 degrees Fahrenheit is still considered normal for a dog. If you add a degree or two because the temperature was taken under the arm then that still puts Reggie in a normal temperature range. If Reggie is behaving normally you probably have no cause for concern especially with a normal temperature. However, if you are worried you could always bring him to your veterinarian to have them help take a rectal temperature. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

When you take the temperature there is a chance that sometimes when there is a lot of poop in the rectum, the temperature appears a bit lower than it should be. If Chico does not appear ill, is lively and happy, eats and drinks properly, I would not worry so much. Take his temperature again tomorrow, leave the thermometer in the rectum until it makes the sound that the temperature is recorded, and then gently pull it out. You should push the thermometers tip gently into the rectum about an inch to make sure you are getting an inner body temperature. If Chico appears ill, sleeps a lot and is lethargic, he needs to be seen by your veterinarian.

If your dog had been exercising or out in the heat it is possible his temperature could have increased due to this, but 104.1 is a pretty high temperature if you feel it was truly an accurate reading. We can see dogs temperatures get that high if they are really hot/excited/stressed and they are overweight or brachycephalic (smoosh faced) but I am concerned that his energy level was decreased. If he still doesn't seem himself tomorrow then I would bring him in for an exam. If overnight his temperature gets very high again, or he becomes weak, has trouble breathing, or his gums become pale in color or he starts having other symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea then I would consider bringing him in to the emergency vet.

This temperature is normal for a dog. Their normal body temperature is 99-102.5 Fahrenheit. He does not have a fever so no need to give him medication. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Normal temperature in dogs runs between about 100 and 102.5. You will need to take Chico's temperature rectally. I am attaching a handout below that discusses normal physical exam findings for dogs for your reference including information on taking the temperature. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951314 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Bandit's temperature is low, as a dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. He could be panting because he's stressed, in pain, or sick. I would just monitor him for now. If his temperature goes about 103F, or he appears sick or in pain, take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Hi there. Normal temperature in dogs ranges from 100.5 - 102.5. So 102.9 is just barely above normal, and not at all surprising if you've just been on a walk. This shouldn't be any cause for concern at all, as long as Bruno is acting normal :)