There are several reasons for pet owners to have a thermometer designated just for their pets. For many, knowing their pet’s baseline temperature helps them recognize a higher-than-normal temperature that requires a visit to the vet. For other owners, just having a thermometer on hand in case of an emergency helps ease any they may have about their animal suddenly falling ill.

If you’ve never purchased a pet thermometer, we’ve compiled a list of reviews of the best thermometers of the year to help you make the right choice for you and your pet.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

The 6 Best Dog Thermometers Are

1. Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Pet Thermometer – Best Overall

The Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Dog & Cat Thermometer is our pick for the best overall dog thermometer because of its easy-to-use features. The thermometer has a flexible tip to maximize the comfort of your pet when their temperature is being taken. It has an LCD screen for you to receive accurate results within 12 to 15 seconds. This flexible thermometer only measures temperature in Fahrenheit. The battery is changeable, so you can get it replaced when the time comes.

When you first turn on your Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Dog & Cat Thermometer, it will read “LO.” This means that the current temperature it is measuring is below its normal range. Once you follow the directions and insert the thermometer, you will get an accurate reading of your pet’s temperature.

A minor drawback of this thermometer is that, while the battery is changeable, it’s small and needs to be replaced by the manufacturer. The battery’s life span is good for over 20,000 temperature readings and has a long shelf life of 10 years.

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2. Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Dog & Cat Thermometer — Best Value

Since it’s easy to use and affordable, the Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Dog & Cat Thermometer is the best dog thermometer for the money. The soft, flexible tip adds a layer of comfort, and results pop up in only 12–15 seconds, making the process as stress-free as possible for your dog.

The large LCD screen is easy to read, leaving less potential for error. Although the battery is removable, the manufacturer asks customers to send the thermometer in for replacements. Fortunately, the Vet-Temp thermometer functions for over 20,000 uses, giving several years of use on one battery.

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3. Pet-Temp Instant Pet Ear Thermometer – Premium Choice

The Pet-Temp Instant Pet Ear Thermometer is our premium choice for the best dog thermometer. Many dogs run the other way when they see the thermometer because they don’t want it stuck in their rectum. The Pet-Temp Instant Ear Thermometer helps you take your pet’s temperature easily with a quick extension of the temperature wand, which can be placed in the ear canal.

You will need to gently pull the outside of the ear to push the tip lightly into the ear canal. It can also be used on cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and more. The Pet-Temp Instant Pet Ear Thermometer’s battery is good for 5 years, but it will need to be returned to the manufacturer for a replacement.

The thermometer beeps when the temperature reading is ready, and anxious dogs may be scared of the beeping noise so close to their ear.

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4. iProven Pet Thermometer -Best for Puppies

While the iProven Pet Thermometer is good for pets of all ages, it is our choice for the best dog thermometer for puppies. This brightly colored thermometer has a flexible rubber tip designed for rectal use, so your wiggling puppy will still be comfortable while having their temperature taken. The device has an LCD for easy temperature readout, and you’ll get your results in 20 seconds.

The iProven Pet Thermometer is also waterproof and can be submerged in lukewarm water for easy cleanup. When you turn it on, it has a “LO” setting, which means that it’s reading the air around you and is too low for an accurate reading, not that it has a low battery. iProven has a 100-day full refund policy if you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase.

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5. AURYNNS Pet Thermometer

AURYNNS Pet Thermometer is a fast digital thermometer that can be used on all pets, from cats to dogs to horses and every pet in between. It’s a rectal thermometer that can measure your pet’s temperature to within +/- .02°F accuracy. There’s an LCD for easy reading, as well as a memory function, and the ability to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit readings.

Your pet’s temperature can be read within six seconds if the temperature is steady. After 2 minutes of idle time, it will shut off automatically. AURYNNS’ Pet Thermometer has a manual and two AAA batteries, so you won’t need to send this one off to the manufacturer to change the battery.

However, it is not waterproof or flexible, and the reading time may vary based on the animal.

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6. PetMedics Non-Contact Digital Pet Thermometer for Dogs

The PetMedics Non-Contact Digital Pet Thermometer for Dogs is an infrared thermometer that will help pet owners take the temperature of even the most reluctant pets. The thermometer is easy to operate. Simply turn it on and point it at the inner ear or your dog’s belly (note: areas with little body hair work best), and you will have your pet’s temperature.

It has a Dog Body Temp Guide printed right on the thermometer. The LCD lights up green when your dog’s body temperature is normal, yellow when it needs to be monitored, and red when it’s too low or too high. The memory stores the last thirty temperatures, and it also has a silent button so you can avoid the result’s beep if your dog fears noise.

The PetMedics Non-Contact Digital Pet Thermometer is only calculated to dog’s body temperatures and will not work on other pets. Some owners may find it difficult to get an accurate body temperature reading if their pet is hairy.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Thermometer

There are a few things to think about when you’re considering which thermometer to buy for your canine companion. A dog’s temperature can’t be taken orally, so using a rectal, ear, or infrared thermometer is the best way to take your pet’s temperature.

Purchasing the correct thermometer for your pet’s needs will help them become comfortable with having their temperature taken regularly. Other aspects to consider when purchasing a thermometer include its cost and ease of use.

Below, we will describe the types of thermometers, how they are used, and their typical costs.

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Thermometer Types

Rectal Thermometers

These are the most common and typically the cheapest thermometers for pets. You should use Vaseline or another lubricant on the tip before inserting it directly into your pet’s rectum. Understandably, our furry friends are not big fans of this temperature-taking method, so speed and accuracy are very important when choosing a rectal thermometer.

If you know your pet is going to try to wiggle away, you should choose a thermometer with a short temperature readout time. A rectal thermometer with a flexible rubber tip will likely help ease some of your pet’s anxiety since it won’t feel as hard and foreign.

Many rectal thermometers have an LCD screen, so you can easily read the temperature. Taking your pet’s temperature by way of their rectum may seem daunting, but it usually gives the most accurate readings and is considered the current standard within veterinary care.

Ear Thermometer

An ear thermometer is a handy alternative for pets that will not allow their temperature to be taken through the rectum. They usually cost more than a rectal thermometer, but for many owners with scared pets, it’s well worth the price.

To use this thermometer accurately, you will need to pull the ear out a little and insert the tip into the ear canal toward the opposite jaw. This may take a little getting used to for some pets; however, ear thermometers are supposed to take a temperature in just a few seconds. Remember that it may be challenging to get accurate readings using this method if you’re not used to taking your pet’s temperature this way.

Infrared Thermometer

The infrared thermometer is a newer animal thermometer that measures your pet’s surface temperature without touching your pet’s skin. These thermometers cost more than the traditional rectal thermometer but are very useful for dogs that do not want anything coming near their rectums or other body parts.

While there is documented success with using these types of thermometers in humans, this is still a relatively new method of taking an animal’s temperature, and it can vary wildly based on the area of the body you’re trying to use. Infrared thermometers usually work best on less hairy areas, such as the interior surface of the ear or the belly.

Conclusion

The Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Dog & Cat Thermometer is the best overall dog thermometer because of its flexible tip, LCD screen, and long battery life.

For pet owners looking for a firm tip, the Vet-Temp Rapid Flexible Digital Dog & Cat Thermometer is our best-value choice because it takes your pet’s temperature in less than 15 seconds and reads it in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

The Pet-Temp Instant Pet Ear Thermometer is our premium choice because it offers gentle ear canal readings for pets who don’t like having their temperatures taken in the rectum. We hope that our reviews for the best dog thermometers help you make the right choice for your favorite canine companion.

See also:

• 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds
• How Long Will It Take for Dogs to Mate? Mating Process & Considerations

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Featured Image Credit: Olga Anikina, Shutterstock