Pet parents are more invested in the health of their pets now than ever before. Learning how to take a dog's temperature and how to take a cat's temperature is clear evidence of this commitment. Veterinarians are delighted to see more pet parents actively engaging with the health of their pets, and most are more than happy to help them acquire this simple skill.
Learning how to take a dog or a cat's temperature is fairly easy to do. Let's look at the best way to take the temperature of your furry family members.
As in humans, dogs' and cats' body temperatures can tell us a lot about their overall health. While these species' temperatures are higher than ours (101.3 degrees Fahrenheit / 38.5 degrees Celsius), it's easy enough to tell what's too high or too low.
Fevers (above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit / 39.2 degrees Celsius) can inform pet parents of issues like heat stroke, infections or systemic inflammatory diseases, as noted by the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Meanwhile, low temperatures (below 100 degrees Fahrenheit / 37.8 degrees Celsius) can tell us whether they've lost too much body heat. They may be hypothermic (as with exposure to the elements in winter) or possibly experiencing the effects of shock, low blood sugar, malnutrition or another severe system-wide disease.
Modest drops in temperature can even note when a mother is getting ready to give birth to her babies!
Whenever pets are lethargic, quieter than normal, or exhibit a change in appetite or other normal behaviors, temperature-taking can be helpful. This is especially true for cats, who are notorious for hiding most signs of illness. However, it's important to understand that plenty of illnesses can present without changes in body temperature. Thus, you should only take your pets temperature if you are planning to promptly contact a veterinarian and discuss your concerns about your pets health. Additionally, if you do not have experience taking your pet's temperature you should talk to a veterinarian before doing so. This is for the safety of both you and your pet.
Not only can a body temperature reading help you decide how soon to bring your pet to the vet (an elevated temperature should always prompt a call to your veterinarian), but an at-home reading gives the vet very useful information, too.
In fact, at-home temperature-taking is so beneficial that it has become a common teaching point for vets and their teams. If you are interested in learning this skill ask your vet about getting a tutorial as most are happy to teach you how to manage this safely at home.
The mechanics of how to take a dog's temperature are simple. Here are a few basics:
Looking to learn how to take a cat's temperature? The mechanics are just as easy. The only hard part is getting your kitty to behave. Because cats are generally smaller and often resist restraint, cat caretakers may need to try a variety of inducements or restraint techniques. This is where it becomes ideal to have your vet's team demonstrate the best methods for your individual cat.
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
When learning how to take a dog's temperature, or a cat's, having the right equipment is essential. For example, glass thermometers can break and expose your pet to mercury and glass, and some older thermometers can take quite a long time to get to temperature.
It's also critical that pet parents take their pet's body temperature from the rectum. Although vets yearn for a less invasive way to take their patients' temperatures, non-rectal methods can be more difficult to interpret.
When learning how to take a cat's temperature, restraining your cat may take some time and patience. Watching online videos on properly restraining your cat can be helpful in these cases, but having your veterinarian show you how to do this for your specific cat remains your best course of action.
It's also important to note that some pets' body temperatures are naturally higher or lower than the majority. Again, anytime you elect to take your pets temperature it should be done with the intention of promptly contacting a veterinarian to discuss your concerns. Finally, it bears repeating that not all pets can be trained to accept this procedure. If the stress it causes is significant or your safety is at risk, at-home temperature-taking should be reconsidered.
Dr. Patty Khuly is an award-winning veterinarian known for her independent thinking, her spirited pet advocacy, her passion for the veterinary profession, and her famously irreverent pet health writing.
Dr. K is an honors graduate of both Wellesley College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her MBA at The Wharton School of Business as part of the prestigious VMD/MBA dual-degree program. She now owns Sunset Animal Clinic, a veterinary practice in Miami, Florida.
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Learn why water is vital to your pet's health, including how much water dogs & cats should drink per day and what to do if they drink too much/not enough.
Learn how corn can play a pivotal role in your pet's food and diet. Discover the benefits it has in improving your pet's overall health.
Want to know how to become a vet or a pet nutritionist? Learn the basics from veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly, including education requirements & specialties.
Learn about the 18 different types of minerals that are essential to dogs and cats, as well as the differences between macrominerals and microminerals.
Looking for gift ideas to get your dog or cat this holiday season? Check out our pet holiday gift giving guide.
Learn all about whether butter is safe for your dog or cat and what to do if they eat it.
If you've noticed your pet developing spotting on their body, the cause could be vitiligo. Learn facts about the condition & if you should be concerned.
Let Hill's help you better understand how to read your pet's food labels, so you can ensure you are purchasing the right product for your dog or cat.
Learn about the special relationship between bonded pairs of cats & dogs and why it's a great idea to adopt both of them together.
Get helpful pet care tips you can use every day, such as vet visit and identification advice, to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
When the worst happens, you might not know what to do. Find out how to create a pet disaster plan to keep your fur baby happy, healthy and safe.
Discover how antioxidants fight against free radicals in your dog or cat's body, and why they are so important to your pet's diet.
If you're considering adopting dog or cat littermates, learn some insightful information that might you decide if adopting siblings is really a good idea.
Find helpful questions to ask your vet about your dog or cat for your next vet visit to ensure they are happy and healthy.
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
Learn the ins and outs of a televet appointment before you talk to a vet online.
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool