What common tool is used to measure a pet's temperature?

A digital thermometer is the standard tool used to measure a pet's temperature due to its accuracy, ease of use, and quick results. This type of thermometer can provide a precise reading of a pet's body temperature, which is crucial for identifying fever or other health issues. It is designed to be inserted rectally in animals, providing the most accurate core temperature readings, which is important given that pets can often have fluctuating surface temperatures.

In contrast, a stethoscope is primarily used for listening to heartbeats and lung sounds, which is valuable in an overall assessment of an animal’s health but does not measure temperature. A sphygmomanometer is specifically designed to measure blood pressure and is not related to temperature measurement. Similarly, a pulse oximeter is utilized to measure the oxygen saturation levels in the blood and is not applicable for temperature readings. Each of these tools has its particular purpose, but when it comes to determining a pet’s temperature accurately and efficiently, a digital thermometer is the appropriate choice.