When you notice your dog isn’t feeling well, it’s nice to have a thermometer available so you can take their temperature right away. This way, you’ll have information for your veterinarian if a visit is warranted. Or, perhaps you need a dependable thermometer to keep track of impending labor with your female dog.
Either way, having the best thermometer on hand will save you time and help you take care of your dog when they are ill. This reviews list features the six best dog thermometers that are easy to use and reliable. The buyer’s guide has a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing a thermometer, so you can find the right one for you and your dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Aurynns |
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Best Value
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iProven |
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Premium Choice
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iCare-Pet |
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Keenhealth |
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Hurinan |
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The 6 Best Dog Thermometers – Reviews 2022
1. Aurynns Pet Thermometer – Best Overall
This is a versatile thermometer because you can use it on other animals besides your dog, such as cats, horses, pigs, and sheep. It is used rectally and gives you a reading within 20 seconds. The LCD display is easy to read, and the thermometer has memory to store temperature readings for easy reference.
You will want to clean the thermometer after each use, which is done by washing it with warm water and soap. Avoid immersing it entirely in water in order to prevent it from malfunctioning. The temperature range is from 89.6 to 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is good enough to determine any illness in your dog.
An alarm will sound when the temperature is completed, and the thermometer will shut off automatically. On the downside, the Aurynns will not show results in Celsius, only Fahrenheit. But we found it to be accurate, and it offers a user-friendly design that is easy to hold and maneuver. A battery is included with the purchase.
- User friendly
- Accurate
- LCD display
- Versatile
- Easy to clean
- Reads only Fahrenheit
2. iProven Pet Thermometer – Best Value
The iProven is the best dog thermometer for the money because it is accurate and is offered at an affordable price. This rectal thermometer has a flexible tip that increases comfort for your pet when you have to take their temperature. It is easy to clean and waterproof. After cleaning, you can place it in the included storage case until it’s needed again.
It will give you a reading within 20 seconds, and the results are accurate. It comes with the required batteries so you can use it right away. You can switch the reading from Fahrenheit to Celsius, and the measurement reading range is 89.6 to 109.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The iProven will beep when the temperature reading is ready, which displays on an easy-to-read LCD screen.
One disadvantage that has been reported: The package that the thermometer arrives in is confusing because it doesn’t mention that it is for pets, which is one reason that it didn’t reach the number-one spot on our list. On the upside, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.
- Affordable
- Flexible tip
- Storage case
- User friendly
- Fahrenheit and Celsius reading
- Confusing packaging
3. iCare-Pet Clinic Thermometer – Premium Choice
The iCare-Pet is a non-contact infrared thermometer that allows you to take your dog’s temperature within their ear. It is perfect to use with any large-eared animal, such as cats, horses, and rabbits. It will also measure the surface temperature of milk or water, which is a great feature if you are bottle-feeding a pet.
To use, aim the probe directly at the ear canal, and you will receive a reading within one second on the large LCD display. This thermometer is ideal for pets who won’t allow you to use a rectal thermometer. The measurement range is 89.6 to 109.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and the object/air range is 32 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can switch the reading to Celsius if you prefer. The iCare will hold up to 30 readings within its memory, and we found the readings to be accurate.
Unfortunately, it is a pricey thermometer, especially if you don’t need to use it often, which is why it isn’t in the top two of our list. On the upside, it comes with batteries and a fabric bag for storage.
- Infrared
- Non-contact
- Easy to use
- Fahrenheit and Celsius readings
- Large LCD display
- Pricey
4. Keenhealth Digital Pet Thermometer
Recommended for use on small animals, the Keenhealth digital rectal thermometer offers fast and accurate readings. You will get a result on the LCD display within 25 seconds, which is a little longer than others we have already reviewed. The flexible tip makes it more comfortable for your dog when you have to take a temperature, and the design is waterproof, making it easy to clean.
You can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit readings, and it will beep when it is finished determining the temperature. We like the included storage case for the thermometer, and the tip is small enough to use on smaller dogs and/or puppies.
It is also easy to use and offered at an affordable price. The only downside is the fact that it takes a little longer to get a reading, which may make it difficult if you have a dog who isn’t cooperating.
- Affordable
- Flexible tip
- Waterproof
- User-friendly
- Storage case
- 25 seconds for results
5. Hurinan Animal Electronic Thermometer
The unique design of the Hurinan offers a flexible 3-inch-long probe that is suitable to use on dogs, horses, cats, and other animals. It has a large LCD display that is easy to read, and you can switch the temperature reading between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
You can clean the thermometer with soap or alcohol, and it is ready to use with one simple press of a button. The measuring range for the temperature reading is 89.6 to 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Other nice features include a low battery indicator, memory for previous readings, and an automatic shut-off within 60 seconds. The batteries are not included when you purchase this product.
It is said to offer a six-second reading, but it takes approximately 30 seconds to see results. It will beep when the reading is finished. On the positive side, the Hurinan is user friendly and the results are accurate. The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the product.
- Flexible probe
- Suitable for other animals
- Large LCD display
- Switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Low battery indicator
- Auto shutoff
- Stores previous readings
- Longer reading time
6. ELVASEN Digital Laser Temperature
Last on our reviews list is another infrared, non-contact thermometer. We like that it will give you a reading within one second, which is ideal if you have a dog who doesn’t care to hold still for any length of time. The LCD screen has a backlight that makes it easy to read at any hour of the day or night, and it can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.
There is a mode to switch from body to air temperature, and it will beep when the body temperature is too high. There is a seven-second auto-shutoff, which can be inconvenient if you aren’t finished using the thermometer. The ELVASEN comes with two AA batteries, so you can use it right away, and it will store up to 32 readings within its memory.
To get a temperature reading, you have to be within 2 to 5.9 inches away from your dogs’ ear and press the trigger button. It will read temperatures ranging from 86 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. One drawback is that the instructions have an English version, but they are not as easy to understand as one would expect.
- Fast reading
- Backlight LCD
- Can read air temperature
- Large memory
- Notifies when temp too high
- Turns off in 7 seconds
- Poor instructions
Buyer’s Guide
When you are looking for the perfect thermometer to test your dog’s temperature, there are a few things to keep in mind. Finding the right one will bring you peace of mind or at least let you know when it’s time to seek help from your veterinarian. In this buyer’s guide, we will go over the different types of thermometers for dogs, considerations when buying one, and tips when dealing with a fever.
Types of Thermometers
Rectal
These types of thermometers are inserted into your dog’s rectum. As you can imagine, this type isn’t as well-liked by your canine friend. It is recommended to use thermometers designed for use on dogs so you can receive an accurate reading. Rectal thermometers are affordable and offer many features that make them easy to use. They are considered the standard for measuring a dog’s temperature.
Non-contact/Infrared
When used correctly, this type of thermometer can be very accurate. Plus, they offer a less invasive way to take your dog’s temperature. They work by measuring infrared heat waves coming from the ear of your dog; specifically, the infrared beam has to bounce off of the eardrum to be effective. They can be more expensive, but if you have a dog who resists rectal temperatures, this may be the best option.
Considerations
Ease of Use
You will want a thermometer that is user friendly with instructions that are easy to read and understand. One that offers a large LCD display that you can read easily is ideal, and if you will be taking their temperature frequently, such as for impending labor in your dog, it is a benefit to have one that stores the temperatures for reference later on.
When you use a rectal thermometer, a flexible tip makes the procedure more comfortable for your dog, and you also want a product that is easy to hold and maneuver. Each thermometer will have a certain length of time that you will have to wait for a reading. If you don’t have a patient dog, you will want one that is fast or else you may not receive an accurate result if your dog doesn’t hold still.
Last, it should be easy to clean. You’ll especially want to disinfect a rectal thermometer after each use. Some are waterproof and may or may not be cleaned with alcohol. Pick one that is easy for you to maintain.
Quality
When you need to take your dog’s temperature, the last thing you need is a thermometer that doesn’t work or even worse, gives you inaccurate results. Finding a high-quality and accurate thermometer is of the utmost importance when caring for your dog.
Cost
As mentioned, infrared thermometers are more expensive than the rectal version. You have to determine what your budget is and the personality of your dog. If your dog won’t let you take a rectal temperature, then there is no need to waste money purchasing one. Watch how your dog responds the next time you go to the vet for a check-up, since they always check your dog’s temperature at that time.
Tips and Tricks
- Stay calm and relaxed when you need to take your dog’s temperature; your dog will sense your mood and respond accordingly.
- Read and follow the instructions to get the best results.
- A normal temperature for a dog is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Notify your vet if your dog’s temperature is greater than 103 or lower than 99 degrees.
- You cannot take a dog’s temperature orally (in the mouth).
- Signs of a fever may be a dry, warm nose, ears that feel warmer than normal, lethargy or listlessness, coughing, excessive panting, and rapid heart rate.
- There are many reasons that a dog may have a fever, such as an infection, ingesting toxic foods or chemicals, and side effects of certain medications.
- Do not administer human medications to your dog.
Conclusion
When you are caring for a sick dog or need to take a temperature for another reason, having a dependable and accurate thermometer on hand will save time and ease your frustration.
The top choice on our reviews list is the aurynns Pet Thermometer, which is fast, accurate, and user friendly. The best value is the iProven Pet, with many positive features that make it easy to use while being at an affordable price. For a simple thermometer that your pet will love, the iCare-Pet thermometer is a non-contact version that is fast and accurate.
We hope that our reviews list helps you find a thermometer that is right for you and your pet so you can get a fast and accurate reading without any difficulty. Taking care of your dog is a top priority, and when you find a thermometer that has the features you value, it helps ease the burden of caring for them when they are sick.
Featured Image Credit By: Susan Schmitz, Shutterstock
