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temperature

How to Check Your Pet's Temperature
Health

To the Rescue: How to Check Your Pet's Temperature

OK, now that you're aware of how to check your dog's pulse, let's move on to temperature taking.
by

OK, now that you're aware of how to check your dog's pulse, let's move on to temperature taking. The easiest way to do this is with an ear thermometer like the Pet-Temp Instant Ear Thermometer ($40). It measures the infrared heat waves coming from the ear drum. Pet-specific versions are best because they have a long probe that can fit deeply in the ear canal.

The other option is to use a rectal thermometer like this Vet-Temp Rapid Digital Thermometer for Pets ($15). Coat it with a water-based lubricant, insert about one inch, and wait for the finishing beep. While it's a cheaper option, if your pet dislikes this process, you will need to have someone else hold him and distract him while you measure the temperature. See the normal ranges for both cats and dogs when you read more

How Do You Take Your Child's Temperature?
Health and Fitness

How Do You Take Your Child's Temperature?

'Tis the season for cold and flu and weary mamas are celebrating by monitoring their tot's temperature more than ever.
by

'Tis the season for cold and flu and weary mamas are celebrating by monitoring their tot's temperature more than ever. From the dreaded rectal method to the easy arterial swipe, there's more than one way to take your child's temperature. Most mommies have a preferred method — what's yours?

Do You Have an Oven Thermometer?
baking

Do You Have an Oven Thermometer?

While I might be a late-night baker, I have never trusted the temperature of ovens.
by

While I might be a late-night baker, I have never trusted the temperature of ovens. Instead I rely on a trusty oven thermometer. My somewhat new oven is about 25 degrees cooler than what the knob says, so with my thermometer, I can adjust the temperature and cook time correctly. With Fall in full swing and baking on the brain, I'm wondering, do you use one?

Taking a Child's Temperature
Behavior Tips

Tot's Hot, There's More Than One Way to Take a Temperature

Trying to wrestle a cranky fevered baby for a temperature reading can be like trying to wash a cat in a bathtub.
by babysugar

Trying to wrestle a cranky fevered baby for a temperature reading can be like trying to wash a cat in a bathtub. But when baby's feeling hot and bothered, it's time to pull out the thermometer and gauge the tot's temperature. Easier said than done, there are some simple steps mama can take to get the job done without screaming and crying.

Infants three-months-old and younger: Children 90-days-old and younger should be carefully watched for fever. To get the most accurate and easiest read, most prefer the rectal route.

  • Rectal: It is often easiest to take a newborn's temperature using a digital rectal thermometer. To ease the pain, parents can lay the child on a changing table as if changing a diaper. Dab a bit of Vaseline on the tip and lift the legs as if applying diaper cream. Insert the thermometer and wait for the beeping when the degree is revealed.
  • If the number is 100.4°F (38°C) or above, the doctor should be notified.

To see how to deal with older babes, read more