Dogs are homothermic like humans they are warm-blooded animals. Also like humans much information about their health can be garnered by taking their temperature. It is important to know How to Take a Dogs Temperature. A healthy dog’s body temperature is maintained at a fairly constant level regardless of the temperature of their environment. A dog's fur insulates against both heat loss as well as heat gain. Dogs don't have sweat glands (other than some located on their footpads), so they pant with their tongues out in order to reduce body temperature. Panting allows them to exhale large amounts of heated air and thereby reduce their body temperature. A dogs tongue also acts as a cooling device, as cooler air passes over it, it helps reduce body temperature.http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Take-your-Dogs-Temperature-and-Treat-Fevers-in-Dogs

It is important that a dog have adequate ventilation in warmer temperatures as it is not uncommon for a dog to suffer heatstroke if it's confined to a closed in area. Panting would be of no avail in a case were adequate ventilation is not available. A healthy dog maintains a fairly constant temperature; it is vibrant, alert, energetic and enthusiastic. Like people a healthy dogs temperatures will fluctuate a few degrees depending on the time of day, emotional, activity, and environmental factors. http://hypertextbook.com/facts/1999/JieYaoHuang.shtml

A dog activity and temperament are not the only things that change when they are feeling ill, like all warm blooded animals their temperature will change. If you suspect that your dog is, or appears to be ill, taking its temperature will let you know just how sick your dog may be. While it is not difficult to do, for some people it may be a little uncomfortable to do. It is best that when you take a dogs temperature you have someone they are comfortable with assist you.http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-4.htm

The equipment needs is quite simple but important. You will need to buy (if you do not have one) a digital rectal thermometer for dogs, mercury based or the kind you use for babies can be used but are not recommended. A good pet store or your veterinarian will be able to recommend the proper thermometer for your dog and provide you with the appropriate one. In addition you will need some Vaseline, and a paper towel.http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-4.htm

1. Rectal Thermometer (it is recommended that a digital thermometer be used. While a mercury thermometer can be used, there is always the chance that it could be sucked all the way into the dogs rectum break and expose the dog to mercury poisoning.)
2. Vaseline
3. Paper Towels (three should suffice)
4. A calm second person to be your helper

Ensure that you and your helper are prepared and calm; if you are anxious your dog will pick up on this and become anxious as well making the task more difficult, or delaying it till all are prepared once more.

Though it is safer to use a digital rectal thermometer, with care a non-digital one can be used. If you are using a non-digital thermometer, you will want to shake it a few times to bring the temperature reading below 95º Fahrenheit (35º Celsius).

Remain calm, pretend that you are a professional veterinarian and you are going about your job. Approaching it in this manner can help you and your helper get past any reservations you may have.

1. Remove the thermometer from its protective case and inspect it for cleanliness and damage
2. Apply some Vaseline to the bulb of the thermometer.
3. With the aid of a helper, have your helper hold and comforting the dog,
4. SLOWLY slide the thermometer into the dog's rectum no more than 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) deep.
5. Wait for approximately 2 minutes for the dog’s body temperature to register on the thermometer.
6. SLOWLY remove the thermometer and record the reading.
7. Clean the thermometer with one of the paper towels, discard paper towel in garbage
8. Place the thermometer on a second paper towel, reserving third paper towel.
9. After you have recorded the temperature reading and consoled your dog, you will want to properly clean the thermometer with a mild soap under cool water. Use the third paper towel to dry the thermometer. Return thermometer to its protective container.http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-4.htm

A healthy dog's normal body temperature can range from 100. 5° Fahrenheit (38.1°Celsius) to 102. 5° Fahrenheit (39.2°Celsius). If your dogs temperature is slightly below or above these temperatures then you should monitor your dog as he may be coming down with something. Take a temperature again in a couple of hours; unless the dog is noticeably becoming uncomfortable then you should take one sooner.
NOTE: If your dogs temperature is below 99° Fahrenheit (37.2° Celcius) or above 104° Fahrenheit (40° Celcius) then you should seek medical advice and assistance from your veterinarian, as this is considered to be a serious temperature for a dog. Do not become alarmed or anxious, a call to your veterinarian will help you decide what you should do next. Be prepared to take you dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and medication.http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/dog-temperature.html

1. Record temperature reading
2. Record any observable conditions and behavior of your dog that you can tell the Veterinarian.
3. Call the Veterinarian and follow their instructions.