What is the difference between the Vet-Temp and the human ear thermometers sold over the counter for home use?
The Vet-Temp has been designed exclusively for animal temperature measurement. The two main design features, an extended sensor arm and a reduced probe tip diameter, allow the sensor probe to be positioned at the animal’s horizontal ear canal for accurate readings. Human ear thermometers were designed specifically for human ear anatomy, which is different than that of most animals. The Vet-Temp has also been designed for high volume professional use such as that found in a busy animal health care facility. The over-the-counter human ear thermometers are intended for very limited (occasional) use found in a home environment. With battery replacement (every 3-5 years) the Vet-Temp should last for over 100,000 temperatures. The expected lifetime of a typical human consumer ear thermometer is only a few thousand temperatures – not nearly enough for a busy veterinary practice.
