Why is my small dog's temperature low? Is my pet thermometer accurate?

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.

A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F, so Rowdy's temperature is low. I would take it again, as you may have accidentally inserted the thermometer in some feces in his anus. If it's still low, then it may be a good idea to have him seen by a vet tonight. I hope this helps!

Just a little bit past the anus is fine. Make sure the tip is completely in the anus, but you don't want to stick it in too far or it may make Louie uncomfortable and/or get stuck in poop and not give an accurate reading.

Hello. Yes, you can use the thermometer you have. Put a little lubricant on the end ( even a little cooking oil will work ) & gently insert it into the rectum. Just go far enough in that you can no longer see the silver tip ( so you do not have to put the entire thermometer all the way in ). Wait for the beep & read. A normal temperature for a dog is approximately 101.5 F. We consider anything over 103 F to be a true fever. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

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!

Make sure it is in-fact a fever. Dogs have a higher temperature than people. If his temperature is less than 39C, then he does not have a fever. Fever usually indicates one of the following: 1). Infection 2) Toxin ingestion 3). Heat stress If he just got done playing and/or running around, then it may be heat stress. The temperature will go down if he stays calm in a cool environment. If it's not heat stress and his temperature is above 39C, then this is an emergency and he needs to go to the vet. Do not give any fever medication meant for people, because these can be dangerous. The vet will have to give special dog medicine to bring down the fever. I hope that helps and all is well with Softie.