Taking your pet’s temperature – Is it a Fever or is it Normal?
Most of us have pets… all kinds… from chickens to llamas to typical cats, dogs, and guinea pigs. When they don’t feel well, we get concerned. We call the vet and they ask, ” Is your pet sick?”, “Is he/she running a fever?”. Well “How in the heck do I know?”…How do you know?
First, you need to invest in a thermometer especially for your pet…
…then you need to compare the reading against the normal temperature range on the chart for your pet.
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The thermometer you choose (I use the Rapid Read Digital Thermometer) should be digital for easy reading, bright enough to see in a dimly lit barn, and be able to capture the temperature accurately in just a few seconds. We love our pets but checking their temperature is an uncomfortable feeling for them and for us. They like to squiggle, squirm, and move around. Wouldn’t you? There must be a way to insert 1/2 inches into the rectum, press the button, and get your reading. With the right thermometer and 5-10 seconds, this CAN BE DONE… and EASIER THAN YOU THINK. It only takes a few seconds to know “Is your pet sick?” and to be able to accurately tell your vet if they have a fever.
- Lubricate the bottom 1″ with Petroleum Jelly or spit if you choose (yes spit… that’s what we do on a farm).
- Insert 1/2″ into the rectum and press the button.
- Wait 5-10 seconds, reassuring your pet with talk, rubbing, and gentle strokes.
- Remove the thermometer and record the reading.
Secondly, do you know what the normal temperature of your pet is?
Here is a chart showing the normal temperature ranges for some of the most common pets you may have at home and around the farm:
- Humans – 97-99 °F
- Dogs – 99.5-102.5 °F
- Cats – 99-102.5 °F
- Guinea Pigs – 98.9-103 °F
- Hamsters – 65-75 °F
- Rabbits – 100.5-103.5 °F
- Chickens – 105-107 °F
- Ducks & Geese – 106 – 107.5 °F
- Goats – 102-103 °F
- Horses – 99-100 °F
- Donkeys – 97-100 °F
- Cows – 101.5 °F
- Pigs – 101-104 °F
- Llamas – 99-100 °F
- Alpacas – 99-100 °F
The lack of fever does not always mean your pet should NOT see a vet. You are a responsible pet owner and you know your pet best. Call your vet with questions and tell them if you obtained a fever reading or not. This can give them vital diagnostic information regarding your pet’s health even before you visit the office.
As always… Thanks for stopping by the farm. Until next time…
~Enjoy it simple. Sue😊
Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
This is so interesting…I never thought about animals getting a fever.
This is very interesting and important information! I LOVE the picture of the donkeys! So cute!
We don’t have a pet, but I always grew up with dogs. This never crossed my mind! No clue what my parents used to do.
This is interesting information, who knew about animal temps? With that being said, I just watched a newscast where they were talking about changing the normal human temperature! I wonder if that move will extend to animals as well?
I haven’t heard that but it would be interesting to know more. Thanks.
This is such great information! I have had dogs, and now just have cats and an alpaca so good to know all of this.
Cats and an alpaca… what an unique combination. That’s awesome!
Very informative and necessary if you own pets.
Great information to know!
This is very useful information! I’ve never really thought about needing to take a pets temperature.
This is very informative thank you!
Great info for all pets owners it’s always good to be informed, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Thanks for sharing about pets temperatures
Thank you for the temp chart, good info.
Interesting read. Thanks for sharing. I never realized the ranges were different depending on the animal.
Cool post! I cannot believe how low a hamster’s temp is supposed to be. Weird!
I found this to be very interesting especially all the temps you put up for animals. Thank you for sharing.
Interesting that most animals have a higher normal temperature.
I never knew the normal temps of animals – learn something new every day!
So interesting I never knew what normal temperatures were for the animals
Great information! I will be referencing this in the future! Thanks!
Your list of “normal” temperatures is very helpful.
Very useful information!
wow this is some useful information!!! it’s the kind of thing you dont know you need until you need it! saving it!
aw poor babies, I didn’t know they could get a fever also 😟 but good to know because I usually just rush our dog to the vet if he doesn’t seem to be feeling well.
Thank you so much! We all need to know how to take care of our animals!
Thankfully my daughter is a vet tech so I defer to her 🙂