When you notice your dog hanging back
a bit on a hike or seeming a little low, the cause could be any
number of things. Sometimes taking her temperature will give
you some answers.
There are two ways to take your dog's
temperature. Aural thermometers are a bit pricey but they are
the easiest way. They are also notoriously unreliable. The old-fashioned
way is by using a rectal thermometer.
Lubricate the tip of the thermometer
with some petroleum jelly and kneel alongside your dog, facing
the rear. Lift the the tail and gently twirl the thermometer
into the rectum about an inch or two. Your dog isn't going to
like this so praise her effusively and distract her so she will
allow you to get a reading. The normal temperature for a dog
is 99.5 degrees to 102.5. Anything over 103 is considered a fever.
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