How to Take a Horse’s Temperature

Why Should You Know Your Horse’s Normal Temperature?

Taking your horse’s temperature is a simple way to monitor an important vital sign.

A healthy adult horse will typically have a temperature of around 37.2°C–38.6°C (99.0°F–101.5°F), but individual horses can vary.

Taking occasional readings when your horse is healthy helps you establish what is normal for your individual horse, giving you a useful baseline for comparison.

Know what’s normal. Spot when something changes.

What Type of Thermometer Should You Use for a Horse?

A digital thermometer can be used to take a horse’s temperature, but the size and design of the thermometer can make a difference when working with horses.

The HORSEPAL Thermometer is designed specifically for horses and has an extra-long probe, making it practical to hold securely while taking a rectal temperature.

It has a digital display, audible beep when the reading is complete and can display temperature in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

How to Take Your Horse’s Temperature Step by Step

A horse’s temperature is normally taken rectally.

Make sure your horse is safely positioned and comfortable before you begin. Apply a suitable lubricant to the thermometer probe.

Stand safely beside the horse rather than directly behind them. Carefully lift the tail and gently insert the thermometer rectally, keeping a secure hold of it throughout the measurement.

With the HORSEPAL Thermometer, wait until the thermometer beeps to indicate that the reading is complete. Carefully remove the thermometer and check the result.

Understanding the HORSEPAL Thermometer Display

The HORSEPAL Thermometer uses a colour display to make the reading easy to interpret.

Green indicates a temperature within the normal range.
Red indicates a high temperature.
Blue indicates a low temperature.

The actual temperature reading is also displayed digitally, so you can record the measurement rather than relying only on the colour indication.

Save the Temperature to the HORSEPAL App

The HORSEPAL Thermometer connects to the HORSEPAL app via Bluetooth.

This allows you to save the temperature to your horse’s health record rather than writing it down or trying to remember it later.

Recording readings over time can help you establish your horse’s normal temperature and make it easier to compare a new reading with previous measurements.

When Is the Best Time to Learn Your Horse’s Normal Temperature?

Don't wait until you are concerned about your horse to take their temperature for the first time.

Taking occasional measurements when your horse is healthy, relaxed and at rest gives you a better opportunity to establish their individual baseline.

Exercise and environmental conditions can influence temperature, so consider the circumstances when comparing different readings.

How to Clean Your Horse Thermometer

Clean the thermometer after each use.

The probe can be cleaned using mild soap and warm water or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Do not immerse the thermometer's display section in water. Once cleaned, dry it and store it safely until its next use.

What If Your Horse’s Temperature Is Outside Their Normal Range?

A temperature reading is only one piece of information about your horse.

If you obtain an unexpected reading, consider taking another measurement to confirm it and consider the circumstances, including recent exercise and environmental conditions.

If your horse’s temperature remains outside their normal range or you have concerns about their health or behaviour, contact your veterinarian for advice.

HORSEPAL Horse Thermometer

The HORSEPAL Thermometer costs €39.99 in Europe.

It is designed specifically for horses and combines an extra-long probe, digital colour display, audible reading indication and Bluetooth connectivity with the HORSEPAL app.

For owners who also want to monitor heart rate, the HORSEPAL Thermometer is included in the HORSEPAL Health Check Kit, which combines temperature and heart rate monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal temperature for an adult horse?

A healthy adult horse will typically have a temperature of approximately 37.2°C–38.6°C (99.0°F–101.5°F).

Individual horses can vary, so establishing your own horse’s normal temperature is useful.

Where do you put a thermometer in a horse?

A horse’s body temperature is normally measured rectally. Use lubricant, carefully insert the thermometer and maintain a secure hold on it throughout the measurement.

Can I use a human thermometer on my horse?

A digital thermometer may be capable of measuring a horse’s rectal temperature, but a thermometer designed specifically for horses can be more practical.

The HORSEPAL Thermometer has an extra-long probe designed for use with horses.

How often should I take my horse’s temperature?

There isn't a requirement to take a healthy horse’s temperature every day. Taking occasional readings when your horse is healthy can help you establish their normal baseline.

Can I record my horse’s temperature on my phone?

Yes. The HORSEPAL Thermometer connects to the HORSEPAL app via Bluetooth, allowing the reading to be saved to your horse’s health record.

Learn What’s Normal for Your Horse

Knowing how to take your horse’s temperature is useful. Knowing what is normal for your individual horse makes that information even more valuable.

By taking occasional readings when your horse is healthy and keeping a record over time, you can establish a baseline to compare with future measurements.

The HORSEPAL Thermometer makes it simple to take, view and record your horse’s temperature.

Know what’s normal. Spot when something changes.