When the gums are pressed they should go from white to the normal pink in one-two seconds. It will be over before your pet knows it. There's no reason both of you can't enjoy this. Note how the temperature of the nose, ears, and belly compare to that of the furrier back and sides, where you can't feel the warmth of the body. Rub the legs and stomach to feel how tense your pet normally is in these areas.
Body temperature is a valuable indicator of health.
Dogs' and cats' normal temperature is higher than humans, generally 100.5-102.5 degrees fahrenheit. Spotting Problems Look your pet over regularly. Here are some things that should make your antenna rise. Abnormal behavior such as hiding, lethargy, increased or decreased eating, drinking or sleeping, and any changes in urination or defecation can be signs of trouble. Convulsions, twitching, shaking or disorientation are possible clues to nervous disorders.