As a parent you never know if you should act on the small things. Maybe those small things could turn into a big thing. Just like children, dogs will express that something is wrong. When should you act on something?
I felt as though Felix might have a fever. Although the arriving season is the blazing summer, Felix has been panting more than normal. His terrier blood urges him to act a fool outside. He can run all day long and pant his little lungs out.
Strangely he has started panting while he is just chilling inside. His mouth's temperature has definitely raised as well, and he has been cuddling up to his dad more often. I don't want to freak out too much, but I'd like to be sure. Normally I would contact the vet but I believe I should investigate more.
For those of you having the same problem here is a great step by step examination process by Crystal Rider:
To take a rectal temperature, you will need:
- A digital thermometer (please not glass or mercury thermometers, because if broken while in use, they can potentially cause serious harm to your pet!)
- A small amount of lubricating jelly or petroleum jelly (if you have neither, wetting the tip of the thermometer with olive oil or water is also applicable)
- A napkin or paper towel for clean-up
- To start, someone will have to hold your dog. This is just to ensure that he will not wiggle or sit down while you are attempting to take the temperature.
- Next, raise your dog’s tail and gently slide the thermometer tip into his or her rectum. DO NOT FORCE THE THERMOMETER, but you will need to insert the thermometer as far as you can (sometimes up to the end of the thermometer “neck”).
- Lastly, wait for the thermometer to read and then remove the thermometer from the rectum. Use the paper towel or napkin to clean any residue left on the rectum. Use dish soap and water to clean the thermometer after each use!
I'll keep you guys update while Felix and I go through our first "sick experience"
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