One of the things that can be confusing for dog owners is trying to figure out if their dog is sick or not. One way that some people check is by feeling their dog’s ears. But does the temperature of a dog’s ear really tell you anything?
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Should dog’s ears be warm?
How warm should your pup’s ears be? Dogs’ normal body temperatures run a little higher than their human companions, usually between 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so your dog’s ears should feel warm to you.
There are a few things to keep in mind when checking your dog’s ears for temperature. First, take the temperature of both ears. If one ear is significantly hotter or cooler than the other, this could be a sign of an infection or other issue. Second, compare your dog’s ear temperature to their overall body temperature. If their ear is significantly warmer or cooler than the rest of their body, this could also be a sign of an issue.
If you’re concerned that your dog’s ears are too hot or too cold, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is a problem and how to treat it.
Should dog ears be warm or cold?
Your pup’s ears should be the same temperature as the rest of their body. Ears that are too warm or cold may be an indication that something’s wrong.
If your dog’s ears feel warmer than usual, it could be a sign of infection. If they feel very hot to the touch, it could be a sign of fever. If your dog’s ears feel cold, it could be a sign of poor circulation.
Here are some signs that your dog’s ears may be too warm or too cold:
- Warm: Your dog may have a fever if their ears feel warm to the touch.
- Cold: Your dog may have poor circulation if their ears feel cold to the touch.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s ear temperature, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is a medical reason for concern.
How warm should dogs ears be?
A dog’s normal ear temperature is between 100° to 103°F. To take your dog’s temperature by ear, be sure to place the thermometer deep into the horizontal ear canal to obtain an accurate reading.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s ear temperature, consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to determine if your dog has an ear infection or other issue.
Normal Ear Temperature
- 100° to 103°F
How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature by Ear
- Place the thermometer deep into the horizontal ear canal
How do I know if my dog have a fever?
Red or glassy-looking eyes.Warm ears and/or nose.Shivering.Panting.Runny nose.Decreased energy.Loss of appetite.Coughing.
These are the most common symptoms associated with a fever in dogs.
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is important to take their temperature to confirm whether or not they have a fever.
There are a few ways to take your dog’s temperature:
- Rectal: This is the most accurate method, but it can be difficult to do if your dog is not cooperative. If you are able to successfully take your dog’s temperature rectally, anything over 103°F (39.4°C) is considered a fever.
- Axillary (under the armpit): This method is not as accurate as rectal, but may be easier to do at home. A normal axillary temperature for dogs is 101-102°F (38.3-39°C).
- Tympanic membrane (ear canal): This is the least accurate method, but can be done at home with an ear thermometer designed for dogs. A normal tympanic membrane temperature for dogs is 100-102°F (37.8-38.9°C).
If you think your dog has a fever, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that there is no underlying cause for their elevated temperature.
Can you tell if a dog has a fever by touch?
No. Dog fevers can be very difficult to detect at home and are often discovered at the veterinary office. This is because a dog’s temperature is naturally higher than a human’s, and it is almost impossible to detect a fever by touching a dog’s skin.
If you think your dog might have a fever, the best way to confirm it is to take their temperature. Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Dogs don’t always cooperate when you try to stick a thermometer under their tongue or in their butt (the two most common ways to take a temperature in people).
If your dog won’t let you take their temperature, there are some other signs you can look for that might indicate they have a fever. These include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Shivering
- A warm nose
Of course, these signs could also indicate other things, so if you’re worried about your dog’s health, the best thing to do is take them to the vet.
Signs That Your Dog May Have a Fever
Loss of appetite. One of the first signs that your dog may be coming down with something is a loss of appetite. If your normally voracious pup suddenly turns up their nose at their food, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well.
Shivering. You may notice your dog shivering or looking a little shaky. This can be a sign that their body temperature is starting to drop and they’re feeling cold.
Panting. Panting is normal dog behavior, but if your dog is panting more than usual, it could be a sign of a fever. Heavy panting can also be a sign of anxiety or pain.
Red or glassy-looking eyes. Another sign that your dog may have a fever is if their eyes look red or glassy. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or a lack of interest in playing.
Warm ears and/or nose. A tell-tale sign of a fever in dogs is warm ears and/or a warm nose. You can check your dog’s temperature by feeling their ears with the back of your hand.
Runny nose. A runny nose is another common symptom of a cold or virus in dogs. If your dog’s nose is running clear fluid, it’s likely not a cause for concern. However, if the discharge is thick, yellow, or green, it could be a sign of an infection and you should take them to the vet.
Decreased energy. A fever can really zap your dog’s energy levels and make them feel tired and sluggish. If your dog is sleeping more than usual or doesn’t seem interested in playing, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well.
Coughing. Coughing is another common symptom of a cold or virus in dogs. If your dog is coughing up clear fluid, it’s likely not a cause for concern. However, if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing, you should take them to the vet right away.
