Approximately how frequently should a dog's temperature be taken during an exam?

Taking a dog's temperature throughout the entire examination is crucial for several reasons. Monitoring temperature consistently allows practitioners to observe any fluctuations that might indicate a change in the dog's condition. This is particularly important because a dog's temperature can vary due to various factors, including excitement, stress, or underlying health issues.

During an examination, observing temperature changes is especially vital for identifying early signs of illness or distress. For example, a dog with an underlying infection might show a rise in temperature, calling for immediate medical intervention. Continuous monitoring enables the veterinary professional to make more informed decisions about the dog's health, treatment, and necessary follow-up actions.

In contrast, measuring temperature only once when the dog arrives may miss critical changes that occur during the examination. Moreover, checking every hour is generally unnecessary and may not provide relevant information as significantly as tracking temperature throughout the examination. Checking only when there is a suspected fever does not take into account other conditions that might present themselves during the examination that could alter the dog's temperature and require immediate attention.