What Is The Best Horse Thermometer On The Market?

Keeping an eye on the health of your horse is part and parcel of being a horse owner. You know if they’re lame because it’s obvious, but what about a more hidden ailment? Having a temperature is a sure sign that the system is fighting off some kind of virus or bug, so knowing that your horse has a temperature is the first step towards making sure they are as healthy as they can be, and deciding whether or not you need veterinary intervention.

Best Horse Thermometer Reviews

You may or may not be surprised to learn that there are a great many horse thermometers out there, so we have selected three of the best to help you easily decide which one to go for. These are:

Image	Horse Thermometers	Price
	TOP PICK: Pet Thermometer For Big Ear Animals A very clever no-touch system that is fast and accurate.	CHECK PRICE
	SHARPTEMP-V Veterinary Thermometer Great for horses that don’t mind oral or rectal use.	CHECK PRICE
	Pavia Fast Rectal Thermometer A great rectal thermometer for use in any horse.	CHECK PRICE

1. Pet Thermometer For Cat, Dog and Big Ear Animal Review

This is a very clever no-touch system that allows you to take an animal’s temperature without even touching them. It is fast, accurate, and will help you take a temperature so you can determine whether your horse is overly hot.

Pros

• Easily switches between C and F – Depending on what you are used to, one method of temperature readings may be incomprehensible! With this handy gadget you can switch between Celcius and Farenheit, so you get a result you can understand.
• Alarm sounds if a certain temperature is exceeded – You don’t need to worry about not knowing what an ideal temperature is – a useful alarm will tell you if your horse is too hot and you need to take action.
• Has memory function – This means that you don’t have to remember what the previous temperature was, as it will pop up on the display. This makes it ideal for long term temperature monitoring.
• No need to insert anything anywhere – For the horse who is sensitive about his, shall we say, personal space, it is good to have a thermometer that doesn’t need to introduced into the body.

Cons

• A relatively expensive item – For such a small piece of kit, this one carries quite a large price tag! But it could be a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Recommendation

A good device for measuring a horse’s temperature easily and without fuss, especially for those horses who don’t like to be fiddled with. Let’s face it, who enjoys being fiddled with when they’re poorly? With this thermometer you can check temperature in a completely non-invasive way.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2. SHARPTEMP-V Veterinary Livestock And Pet Thermometer Review

A durable, easy to use digital thermometer which is available in three different probe lengths. It can be used orally or rectally, depending on which your horse prefers (and how brave you are feeling!)

Pros

• A rugged, strong thermometer – This one is designed for use on a farm, meaning that it is strong enough to withstand knocks and bumps and the occasional dropping.
• Fast, accurate measuring – Having a thermometer that does the job quickly, especially when it is measuring the temperature from a place your horse might not enjoy, is paramount. This one delivers an accurate reading within 8-10 seconds, with an audible beep to tell you when it has got there.
• Replaceable battery – You won’t need to worry about buying a new one just because the battery has run out, you can simply replace it.
• Comes with a handy guide – Printed on the back of this thermometer is a useful guide to the normal temperatures of common pets and livestock, very useful if you are not sure what you are looking for.

Cons

• May arrive faulty – One user reported that the thermometer arrived displaying “L” which normally indicates that the temperature is too low to record, and may indicate a broken thermometer. Simply return it for exchange.

Recommendation

This is a great thermometer for use on horses that don’t mind oral or rectal use. It is hardwearing and accurate, which is just about all you need from a thermometer that is measuring the temperature of a large animal.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3. Pavia Fast Rectal Thermometer For Dogs, Cats, Horses Pets And Livestock Review

A thermometer which gives extremely fast and accurate readings, this one is great for quickly and easily checking your horse’s temperature. It is solely for rectal use, and is shaped to be as comfortable as possible during the process.

Pros

• Takes just 6 seconds to record a temperature – Speed is of the essence with this type of thermometer, as some horses find it invasive. Luckily you can get an accurate reading faster than just about any other thermometer out there with the Pavia.
• Versatile shape for different sized animals – You can measure the temperature of your Shetland just as easily as your Shire with this ergonomically shaped thermometer, as the small diameter ensures the least discomfort.
• Easy to view screen – The large LCD screen makes it very easy to read the temperature, even if your horse is dancing about.
• Ready to use from the box – You don’t have to scroll through different screens to find what you are looking for; this thermometer is set to go as soon as you turn it on.

Cons

• Not waterproof – It is easily cleaned with an antiseptic wipe, but don’t submerge the unit in water or may stop working.

Recommendation

A great rectal thermometer for use in just about any sized animal. The fact that it gives such a fast reading makes this one very popular – also the batteries are replaceable, making this an investment that you can use for years to come.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it absolutely necessary for a horse owner to have a horse thermometer?

Yes! High quality thermometer is an absolutely essential tool for the serious horseman. When you know your horse’s baseline temperature and keep track of it, you will have an early warning of a wide variety of potentially dangerous illnesses and conditions.

2. How can knowing your horse’s temperature help you avoid serious illnesses?

A high temperature is often the very first indication of problems such as viruses and bacterial infections. If you make it a habit to take your horse’s temperature regularly, you will have access to an early warning that could prevent you from overworking a horse who is coming down with the an illness. For example, many viruses infect affect the lungs. If you overwork a horse who is having respiratory difficulties, you invite complications, illness and even death.

3. Can’t you tell horses temperature without thermometer?

No! Despite old wives tales that imply that you may be able to tell your horses temperature by feeling his ears, his feet or some such, the fact is you need an actual thermometer to be able to get a precise temperature reading.

4. What’s the best time to take a horse’s temperature?

It’s smart to take your horse’s temperature at the same time every day and under the same conditions. Variables such as ambient temperature and sunlight and the level of exercise your horse has had can cause variations in temperature from one day to the next. Try to set a regular schedule for feeding, grooming and riding.

TIP: Take your horses temperature while you are grooming him or her. Here’s a good video that shows you how.

How To Take A Horse’s Temperature

5. What’s the best way to store a horse thermometer?

Take good care of your horse thermometer by cleaning it thoroughly after every use and storing it in the storage case that most likely comes with it. Keep it away from dirt and potential impacts. Store the thermometer in a location that is protected from extremes of temperature an out of direct sunlight.

Conclusion

A thermometer for taking temperatures should be a part of your first aid kit, no question. If you worry that your horse is looking a little under the weather but you have no real way of telling, discovering whether or not he has a temperature will help you decide the best course of action.

If your horse flatly refuses to have a thermometer in any orifice, then the Pet Thermometer For Cat, Dog and Big Ear Animal is for you. If you are looking for a well made, durable thermometer for rectal or oral use, try the SHARPTEMP-V Veterinary Livestock And Pet Thermometer. If you need a good, accurate thermometer that takes temperatures super quickly, the Pavia Fast Rectal Thermometer For Dogs, Cats, Horses Pets And Livestock is the one for you.