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6 Best Dog Thermometers 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

terrier with thermometer

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 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.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Aurynns Aurynns
  • User friendly
  • LCD display
  • Versatile
  • Best Value
    Second place
    iProven iProven
  • Affordable
  • Flexible tip
  • Storage case
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Mella Pet Dog Cat Non-Invasive Mella Pet Dog Cat Non-Invasive
  • Non-invasive
  • Fast and accurate
  • Mobile app
  • PetMedics Non-Contact Digital PetMedics Non-Contact Digital
  • LCD screen
  • Silent mode option
  • Non-contact
  • Hurinan Hurinan
  • Flexible probe
  • Low battery indicator
  • Auto shutoff
  • The 6 Best Dog Thermometers

    1. Aurynns Pet Thermometer – Best Overall

    Aurynns

    Check Price on Chewy

    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.

    Pros
    • User friendly
    • Accurate
    • LCD display
    • Versatile
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Reads only Fahrenheit

    2. iProven Pet Thermometer – Best Value

    iProven

    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 is displayed 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.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Flexible tip
    • Storage case
    • User friendly
    • Fahrenheit and Celsius reading
    Cons
    • Confusing packaging

    3. Mella Pet Dog Cat Non-Invasive Underarm Digital Thermometer – Premium Option

    Mella Pet Dog Cat

    This iProven by Mella is an easy, non-invasive way to take your dog’s temperature. The device is fast and accurate, providing a reading in only 10–15 seconds. The device also comes with an accompanying app, the Mella mobile app, which allows you to track your dog’s temperature over time. With this thermometer, you have great peace of mind, as it was clinically tested by the University of Georgia in 2021.

    It’s also charged quickly via USB-C, which means no battery changes.

    However, with all these pros there is a downside: this thermometer is very expensive, much more so than other devices that do a very similar job. But, if you’re looking for a more non-invasive device, this is a great option. 

    Pros
    • Non-invasive
    • Fast and accurate
    • Accompanying mobile app
    • Clinically tested
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. PetMedics Non-Contact Digital Pet Thermometer for Dogs

    PetMedics Non-Contact Digital

    If you need a non-invasive thermometer for your pooch, this Non-Contact Digital Thermometer from Pet Medics is a great option. The device uses an IR sensor to quickly and easily take your dog’s temperature, either from the belly or ear. It has an LCD screen that lights up with three different colors according to temperature—green when it’s normal, yellow when it should be monitored, and red when it’s too high or low. 

    It uses two AAA batteries and Includes memory recall so you can see a log of your pet’s health, plus a silent mode for dogs who are sensitive to noise.

    The main downside to this thermometer is that it’s not as accurate as rectal varieties, and some customers claimed that it stopped working fairly quickly after purchase. 

    Pros
    • Non-invasive
    • LCD screen with memory recall
    • Silent mode
    Cons
    • Not as accurate as other options
    • Questionable quality

    5. Hurinan Animal Electronic Thermometer

    Hurinan

    The unique design of the Hurinan offers a flexible 3-inch-long probe that is suitable for 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.

    Pros
    • Flexible probe
    • Suitable for other animals
    • Large LCD display
    • Switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius
    • Low battery indicator
    • Auto shutoff
    • Stores previous readings
    Cons
    • Longer reading time

    6. Thermometer World Pet Thermometer

    This is a simple yet effective pet thermometer from Thermometer World. It can be used for both dogs and cats and easily switches between Celsius and Fahrenheit. It has a temperature range of 32 degrees C to 42.9 degrees C (89.6 degrees F to 109.2 degrees F), has an easy-to-read LCD screen, is fully waterproof, and comes with a supplied battery. 

    Unfortunately, some customers claimed that this thermometer takes a long time to take a reading, and the battery dies fairly quickly. Some users also had issues with accuracy. 

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • LCD screen
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Accuracy issues
    • Takes a while to provide a reading

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Thermometers

    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.

    rectal thermometer on dog
    Image Credit: O_Lypa, Shutterstock

    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.

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    Conclusion

    When you are caring for a sick dog or need to take a temperature for another reason, having a dependable and accurate dog 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. A premium choice that we’re sure your pet will love, the Mella Pet Dog Cat Non-Invasive Underarm Digital Thermometer is a non-contact version that is fast and accurate.

    We hope that our reviews list helps you find a dog 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

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