How do you take a rectal temperature on a puppy?

Answer by  Trueakitalover (1728)

Lubricate the thermometer, then you lift the dog's tail and insert it slowly and not very far into his rear end. Don't allow him to sit down.

Answer by  Melissa101010 (4405)

I would reccomend that you do not take a rectal temperature on a puppy. You might be better off taking the temperature with a ear thermother. If you take it rectally you might damage something on the inside of the puppy. Try giving the dog a luke warm bath. If that does not work then you should call the vet.

Answer by  Clement (1453)

You can use a regular thermometer. It might also be a good idea to use a lubricate such as baby oil. While a normal rectal temperature of a dog ranges around 100F, newborn puppies have lower rectal temperature, approximately 96-97F. The body temperature slightly increases with age and stabilizes at 100F when the puppies are four weeks old.