Dog temperature

Question
Dear Dr. Fry,

Can you tell me how to take a dog's temperature from his "armpit?"  I realize that this won't be totally accurate, but I'm hoping it will give me a good idea if he has a fever or not.  

We have a 7yo lab/beagle mix who sometimes gets sick from getting in the trash.  (We barricade the trash, but sometimes he gets in when we forget.)  Knowing if he has a fever would help me to decide if I need to call his vet, or not.   

When my kids were little our doctor told me that by mouth a "normal" temp was 98.6, and to subtract one degree if it was a rectal temp, and to add one degree for an armpit, or axillary, temp.  Is it the same kind of thing for dogs?

He is a very laid-back dog, and I believe he would let me hold the thermometer in his armpit for however long it took.  Also, how long would I need to keep it there?

Thanks for your time, and help.  I really appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Ralphine  

Answer
You can not take a dog's temp from the armpit.   Rectal temperatures are gold standard.  I would suggest that you buy a thermometer just for the dog.  Put a little vaseline or KY on it before inserting...the digital ones are the best as you can see the temperature panel as you are taking it and it beeps when done.  Normal temp for a dog is 100 to 102 degrees F.