Causes of Low Readings

1) Dirty Probe Window

As this window acts like the lens of a camera, it must always be clean. Open the sensor arm and check to be sure the probe window is spotless. Even a fingerprint will make the thermometer read low. Clean DAILY with alcohol and a Q-Tip and dry with a new Q-Tip. Allow the thermometer to air dry for at least 5 minutes before using.

2) Probe tip is pointed in the wrong direction

The Pet-Temp gives the temperature of what it is pointed towards; therefore, it must be pointed at the eardrum to get an accurate “core” body temperature. This is achieved by pointing in the direction of the angle of the animal's opposite jaw.

3) Probe tip not inserted in the ear canal deep enough

If the probe is not inserted deep enough, the Pet-Temp will give the temperature of the vertical ear canal. Because the vertical ear canal is under the influence of the ambient temperature, the Pet-Temp will register a low reading. It must be inserted as deep as possible pointing down the horizontal canal at the eardrum.

Causes of High Readings

1) The Pet-Temp is being used without a probe cover or with a broken probe cover

The Pet-Temp is calibrated with a probe cover intact. If the cover is missing or broken, the thermometer will register a high reading.

2) The probe is being left in the ear for longer than 3 seconds

As the infrared sensor is extremely sensitive to conductive heat forces, it can be affected by the heat from the ear canal walls. Once you have properly inserted the Pet-Temp into the ear, quickly push the activation button and remove the thermometer as soon as possible. This process should take no more then 1 –2 seconds.

Error Messages

1) Er1 (Error 1)

Temperature is out of range. Thermometer must be used in a stable ambient range of 50-104 degrees Fahrenheit. If the Pet-Temp is moved from one ambient temperature to another, its temperature should be allowed to stabilize for about 10 minutes before use.

2) Er2 (Error 2)

Er2 occurs when the Pet-Temp cannot calculate an accurate temperature. This can be due to:

1) A dirty probe window: clean immediately with alcohol and a Q-Tip
2) Movement of patient's head: stabilize patient's head before temperature measurement
3) Probe was not in ear for 1 full second: repeat temperature measurement

3) Er3 (Error 3)

Er3 occurs when the time between opening the sensor arm and measuring a temperature exceeds 60 seconds: repeat temperature measurement within 60 seconds of opening arm