Are Cold Ears a Sign of Illness? How to Check Your Dog’s Temperature

A dog’s ears can feel cold for a variety of reasons, not all of which are cause for alarm. The key is to understand the context and look for other accompanying signs. The ears, like the paws and tail, are extremities, and blood flow can be redirected away from them to protect the vital organs in the body’s core.

Benign and Environmental Causes

In many cases, cold ears are a simple and normal reaction to the dog’s immediate environment or physiological state.

• Cold Environment: The most obvious cause is exposure to cold weather. Just as your own hands get cold in winter, a dog’s body will restrict blood flow to the extremities to conserve core heat. This is a normal thermoregulatory response.
• Poor Circulation: Some breeds, particularly those with very thin ear flaps (pinnae) like Greyhounds or Dobermans, may naturally have cooler ears. Additionally, senior dogs or very young puppies have less efficient circulatory systems, which can lead to colder extremities.
• Recent Anesthesia or Sedation: Anesthesia and sedatives lower a dog’s metabolic rate and affect its ability to regulate body temperature. It is common for a dog’s ears to feel cool while they are recovering from a veterinary procedure.

Medical Conditions Warranting Concern

While environmental factors are common, persistent or extreme coldness in the ears, especially when paired with other symptoms, can signal a serious medical problem.

• Hypothermia: This is a dangerous drop in core body temperature, often caused by prolonged exposure to cold. Cold ears will be accompanied by other severe signs like intense shivering, lethargy, stumbling, and pale gums.
• Shock: Shock is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to maintain adequate blood flow to the vital organs. It can be caused by trauma, severe infection, or allergic reactions. The body shunts blood to the core, leaving the ears, paws, and skin feeling very cold and clammy.
• Heart Disease: Advanced cardiovascular conditions can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This poor circulation can manifest as chronically cold extremities, including the ears.
• Other Systemic Illnesses: Conditions like hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can slow down a dog’s metabolism, leading to an intolerance for cold and subsequently, cold ears. Kidney disease or other significant illnesses can also impact circulation and overall body temperature.

Cold ears are a single piece of a much larger puzzle. To accurately assess your dog’s health, you must evaluate this sign in conjunction with their overall demeanor and other physical indicators. A dog that has cold ears but is otherwise eating, drinking, and playing normally is likely not experiencing a medical emergency. However, if cold ears are paired with any of the following symptoms, it is a clear signal to investigate further and likely contact your veterinarian.

Key Symptoms to Observe

• Lethargy or Weakness: A significant decrease in energy is one of the most common signs of illness in dogs. If your dog is unusually tired, unresponsive, or weak, it’s a major red flag.
• Shivering or Trembling: While shivering can be a response to cold, uncontrollable or intense shivering can indicate pain, fever, or a more serious condition like hypothermia.
• Gum Color: A healthy dog’s gums should be a salmon-pink color. Press a finger gently on the gum; the color should return within two seconds after you release it. Gums that are pale, white, or blue indicate poor circulation or shock and constitute a medical emergency.
• Changes in Breathing: Note any labored, rapid, or shallow breathing. This can be a sign of distress, pain, or cardiovascular issues.
• Disorientation or Confusion: Any cognitive changes, such as stumbling, bumping into things, or appearing ‘lost’ in familiar surroundings, are serious and require immediate veterinary attention.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, shock, which would cause cold extremities.

Observing a constellation of symptoms is far more informative than focusing on a single sign. A vigilant owner who can provide a complete picture of their dog’s condition is an invaluable partner to the veterinarian.

Feeling your dog’s ears or nose is not a reliable method for gauging their core body temperature. The only way to get an accurate reading is by using a thermometer. While it may seem daunting, it is a simple and essential procedure that every dog owner should know how to perform. The rectal method is considered the gold standard for accuracy by veterinary professionals.

Gather Your Supplies

Preparation is key to a smooth and stress-free process. Have everything ready before you get your dog.

• Digital Rectal Thermometer: Do not use a glass mercury thermometer. A digital version is faster, safer, and easier to read. Designate this thermometer for canine use only.
• Lubricant: Water-based lubricating jelly or petroleum jelly is essential for comfort and ease of insertion.
• A Helper: While not always necessary, having a second person to gently restrain and reassure your dog can be extremely helpful, especially the first few times.
• High-Value Treats: Use special treats to reward your dog for their cooperation before, during, and after the process.
• Clock or Watch: To time the thermometer if it isn’t a rapid-read model.

The Step-by-Step Process (Rectal Method)

1. Prepare the Thermometer: Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol and rinse it. Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the tip.
2. Position Your Dog: Have your dog stand up. If you have a helper, have them place one arm around the dog’s neck and the other under its belly to keep it standing still and secure. Speak in a calm, reassuring voice.
3. Lift the Tail: Gently lift your dog’s tail at the base with one hand.
4. Insert the Thermometer: With your other hand, slowly and gently insert the lubricated tip of the thermometer into the rectum, about one inch for small dogs and up to two inches for larger dogs. Do not force it.
5. Wait for the Beep: Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps, which usually takes less than a minute for most digital models. Continue to hold your dog steady and offer verbal praise.
6. Remove and Read: Gently remove the thermometer. Read the temperature displayed on the screen.
7. Clean and Reward: Thoroughly clean the thermometer with alcohol. Most importantly, give your dog plenty of praise and their high-value treats for their patience.

Understanding the Results

A dog’s normal body temperature is higher than a human’s. A reading between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C) is considered normal. A temperature below 100°F or above 103.5°F warrants a call to your veterinarian.

Once you have an accurate temperature reading, you can make a more informed decision about the urgency of the situation. This data, combined with the other physical signs you’ve observed, will guide your next steps. It is crucial to act swiftly when readings fall outside the normal range, as both high and low temperatures can be life-threatening.

Use the following table as a guide for interpreting your dog’s temperature and determining the appropriate course of action. Remember, these are general guidelines, and any concerns should be discussed with a veterinary professional.

Important: Never administer any human medications to your dog, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to control a fever. These are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe internal damage.