What if my dog's ears are hot?

Dogs normally have warmer ears than their body temperature, especially when they just wake up, their ears are usually hot. If the dog has been outside for a long time but their ears are still very hot, it may indicate that their body temperature is abnormal. Owners can use a thermometer to measure their dog's temperature to determine if they have a fever. If the dog's temperature is higher than 39 degrees Celsius, it means the dog has a fever, and it's best to take the dog to the pet hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

What is a dog's normal body temperature?

Usually, puppies have a slightly higher body temperature than adult dogs. Adult dogs have a normal body temperature of 37.5-38.5°C, while puppies have a temperature of 38-39°C. Generally, a dog's temperature is higher at night and lower in the morning, with a difference of about 0.2-0.5°C. If a dog's temperature continues to rise, it is usually due to infectious diseases or inflammation. If the dog's temperature drops, it may be due to severe fatigue, poisoning, or severe malnutrition.

How to measure a dog's temperature?

Usually, a dog's temperature is measured rectally. To take the temperature, first, shake the thermometer's mercury to the lowest mark, then wipe it with an alcohol swab and hold the dog's tail up. Insert the thermometer slowly into the dog's anus, leaving 1/3 of the thermometer outside. Leave it in for 3 minutes, then withdraw the thermometer and read the temperature. Ensure the dog stays still during the process to avoid breaking the thermometer. If the thermometer breaks, immediately seek medical attention.

Does a hot dog's ear always mean fever?

A hot dog's ear doesn't always indicate a fever. There are many reasons for a dog's ears to be hot, such as infection in the ear canal causing a local temperature increase. Additionally, it may also be caused by the dog scratching its ears. Lastly, when a dog experiences stress, fear, or high environmental temperatures, their temperature may temporarily rise. In this case, observation is the main approach. If the dog has persistent fever or accompanies abnormal symptoms such as lethargy and sleepiness, take the dog to the pet hospital immediately.