How to Take a Newborn Puppy's Temperature

The internal temperature of an animal plays a critical role in its health. Abnormal temperatures, which vary from species to species, can cause bodily functions to break down and can damage organs. In extreme cases, very low or very high temperatures cause death. Veterinarians use an animal's temperature, along with other values like heart rate and blood pressure, to help form a larger picture about the patient's health. Young puppies are especially vulnerable to disease, and a spike in temperature often signals the onset of infection. Obtaining an accurate temperature is important in this regard. Fortunately, taking a puppy's temperature requires neither travel nor special skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Rectal thermometer
  • Disposable thermometer guards
  • Non-petroleum jelly
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a disposable plastic guard over the end of a rectal thermometer. The plastic guard protects the puppy from possible contamination and prevents discoloration and wear and tear on the thermometer.

    • 2

      Lubricate the disposable plastic guard with a non-petroleum jelly. Lubrication minimizes discomfort, inflammation and stress and lowers the total invasive time necessary by facilitating quick entry and exit.

    • 3

      Insert the thermometer into the dog's rectum. Lift the dog's tail perpendicular to its back and slowly glide the thermometer straight in approximately one inch, based on the puppy's size.

    • 4

      Wait while the thermometer stabilizes and announces it has reached a temperature. Some high-quality thermometers have rapid-read technology that displays an accurate temperature in five to 10 seconds, while cheaper thermometers may take 30 seconds or longer. The higher-quality thermometers make a good investment for people who take rectal temperatures on a regular basis.

    • 5

      Remove the thermometer slowly while minimizing lateral movement. Lateral movement may cause irritation to the rectal area. Pull straight back and out. Wipe any lubrication off the dog's exposed rectal areas.

    • 6

      Discard the plastic guard into the trash and wash everything with hot, soapy water, including hands and the thermometer.