Rectal thermometers are the most accurate devices for taking a dog’s temperature. They are easy to use, affordable, and readily available online.
An accurate temperature reading may help you detect potential health issues as early as possible.
Here we showcase the best rectal thermometers for monitoring your dog’s health at home.
We hope you find the right answers in our guide on the best fast and easy-to-use rectal thermometer dogs and hoomans can trust.
First choice
Our first overall choice is:
As veterinarians with years of experience in animal care, we understand the importance of reliable and accurate readings when monitoring your furry friend’s health. We are confident that our recommended rectal thermometers will provide you with peace of mind. With their precise readings and easy-to-use design, these thermometers offer a quick and accurate picture of your dog’s overall health.
The iProven Pet Thermo is one of the best dog thermometers on the market. It is a comfortable and easy-to-use option for pet owners who need a fast and accurate reading. With results in just 20 seconds, it’s considerably faster than traditional rectal thermometers. In addition, cleaning is a breeze with just soap and water; You can also use this thermometer on cats. Plus, batteries are included, making it a hassle-free purchase.
Alternatives
As alternatives, we also recommend the following thermometers designed with pets in mind:
AURYNNS Pet Thermometer with holding ring
We do not recommend other types of thermometers, like ear or no contact types, as they tend not to be precise and can mislead you when deciding your dog’s health status.
We don’t have to tell you this far that having the right thermometer is crucial.
While all three thermometers highlighted in this article can accurately measure your dog’s temperature, each has its strengths and subtle differences.
We want to remark that rectal thermometers are the most accurate and reliable for obtaining a core temperature reading, being the best choice for puppies, senior dogs, or any dog with a compromised immune system.
Benchmarks
Ultimately, our final decisions were based on several criteria:
- Comfort
- Speed and accuracy
- Ease of cleaning
- Durability
- Reliability
- Overall quality
- Customer opinions
Read on and discover why our recommended products met our selection criteria as the best dog thermometer options.

Product Mini-Reviews
iProven Pet Thermometer
When seeing and holding the iProven Pet Thermometer, we immediately notice it is designed with your pet’s comfort in mind, as the flexible tip is gentle and easy to use.
This thermometer also delivers fast and accurate results in just 20 seconds, so you don’t have to keep your pet waiting for too long. We know 20 secs is not the perfect time, but considerably faster than the classical 60 seconds for most traditional rectal thermometers.
We were amazed at how straightforward this thermometer is to clean, just with regular water and soap
Also, this thermometer is versatile enough to be used on cats.
While batteries are required, they are included, so you don’t have to worry about any additional purchases.
Pros:
✅ Comfortable for pets with a flexible tip
✅Fast and accurate results in 20 seconds
✅ Easy to clean and waterproof
✅ Comes with a storage case and features like a memory function, empty battery alert, and auto-off
✅ Inexpensive compared to other pet thermometers
✅ Accurate enough to be useful with +/-0.2F accuracy
Cons:
🛑 Beeping sound indicating stable temperature is high-pitched and very quiet
🛑 Display lacks a backlight
AURYNNS Pet Thermometer
The AURYNNS Pet Thermometer is an accurate thermometer also designed to measure your pet’s rectal temperature rather than the ear or through no contact, ensuring more reliable and precise results. You will find that the LCD display and memory function make it easy to read and record your pet’s temperature, and the thermometer will beep if the temperature exceeds normal levels. With the ability to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales, this thermometer is easy to use and versatile enough to measure body temperature in various animal species, not only in dogs but also pigs, cattle, and horses. Unfortunately, although the manufacturers mention it is suitable for cats, the length of the probe portion is very long and pointy, making it difficult to use on our feline friends.
In general, this is a safe pet thermometer with an automatic shut-off for added convenience. While it’s not waterproof and takes more than 20 seconds to read, the AURYNNS Pet Thermometer is highly rated by customers for its accuracy and ease of use
Pros:
✅ Fast and accurate measurement with an accuracy of +/- 0.2°F
✅Memory function and LCD display
✅ Alarm will sound if temperature reading reached
✅ Can measure temperature in various animals such as dogs, pigs, and cattle
✅ Easy to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Cons:
🛑 Not waterproof
🛑 Hard plastic and not flexible
🛑 Probe portion is very long and pointy, making it difficult for cats
🛑 Takes about 30 seconds to get a reading
AURYNNS Pet Dog Thermometer
The AURYNNS Pet Dog Thermometer is similar to the AURYNNS Pet Thermometer but has some different features, especially a ring to hold it or attach a necklace.
Pros:
✅ Fast and accurate digital pet thermometer for all pets
✅ Suitable for large animals
✅ Alarm sounds if temperature is exceeded
✅ Switches off automatically
✅ Takes animal temperature within 20 seconds
✅ Easy to clean
Cons:
🛑 Cannot switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit (must purchase separate products)
🛑 LCD display may be hard to read for some users
🛑 Some users may find it difficult to use
🛑 Durability may be a concern for some users
🛑 May not always beep when done taking temperature
Buying Guide
A rectal thermometer is usually the best choice for routine dog temperature monitoring. Not only is it practical and easy to use, but it also provides accurate readings. In addition, most dogs are comfortable enough with this method. Of course, there may be specific situations where another type of thermometer is more appropriate. Still, in most cases, a rectal thermometer is the go-to tool for temperature monitoring in dogs due to accuracy factors.
We highly recommend using rectal thermometers for routine temperature monitoring in your dog.
Some relevant criteria to evaluate a dog rectal thermometer include:
Comfort: The thermometer should be designed with a flexible tip that is soft and gentle to use, ensuring your pet’s comfort during the process.
Speed and accuracy: An excellent rectal thermometer should give you the temperature reading quickly and accurately without waiting for long periods.
Ease of cleaning: The thermometer should be easy to clean and waterproof, making it convenient to use and maintain.
Additional features: Extra features such as a storage case, memory function, and battery life indicator can add to the thermometer’s usefulness and convenience.
In addition to these criteria, you should consider the thermometer’s durability, reliability, and overall quality.
Invest in a high-quality thermometer that can provide accurate readings consistently, as this can help you monitor your dog’s health effectively and catch potential issues early on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the winning product is the iProven Pet Thermometer.
You can also check our dog temperature chart to see the normal dog temperature range and some situations in which it can go above or below normal