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Detecting a Dog's Fever: Key Indicators

Dec 05,2024 | puaintapets

A fever is one of the ways a dog’s body responds to infection or inflammation. While a mild fever can help fight illness, a high or prolonged fever can be dangerous. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a fever and what to do about it can protect your dog’s health and ensure they receive prompt care.

dog's fever

What Can Trigger a Fever in Dogs?

There are several potential causes of fever in dogs, including:

  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, including abscesses or respiratory illnesses.
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammation.
  • Ingesting Toxins: Eating harmful substances like spoiled food, antifreeze, or poisonous plants.
  • Vaccination Reactions: A mild fever can occur after vaccination as a temporary immune response.
  • Underlying Illnesses: Diseases like cancer, pancreatitis, or urinary tract infections.

Determining the cause of the fever is essential for effective treatment.

How To Tell If Your Dog Has A Fever?

  • Loss of Spirit or Lack of Energy

Dogs with a fever usually appear tired or lethargic and lose interest in their usual favorite activities.

  • Loss of appetite

Dogs with a fever may lose their appetite or refuse to eat.

Dogs release heat from their bodies by panting, a common symptom of fever in dogs.

  • Shivering

Like humans, dogs may shiver when they have a fever, although this can also be a sign of cold.

  • Warm ears and nose

While not always accurate, your dog's ears may feel warmer to the touch when they have a fever. Additionally, to lower the body temperature, you may notice that your dog has a runny nose.

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  • Red eyes or discharge

Dogs with a fever may have red eyes or eye discharge.

  • Coughing or vomiting

These symptoms, especially when combined with a fever, can be signs of infection or other serious health problems.

Also Read: Dog Coughing and Sneezing: Cause and Treatment

  • Changes in drinking habits

Dogs with fever may drink more or less than usual.

  • Dry nose

While a warm nose doesn't necessarily mean your dog is sick, if your dog's nose is unusually warm or hot, this could be a sign of a fever.

  • Yellow snot or eye discharge.
  • Pacing and general malaise.
  • Pale or bright red gums.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Inability to urinate or defecate as usual.

These signs can help you determine if your dog may have a fever, rather than just relying on temperature measurement.

dog's fever

What is a Normal Temperature for Dogs?  

A dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C). A temperature higher than 103°F (39.4°C) is considered a fever, while temperatures exceeding 106°F (41.1°C) are a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Unlike humans, you can’t rely on a dog’s nose to determine if they have a fever. A warm or dry nose isn’t always a sign of illness.

How To Take Dog's Temperature?

1. Prepare a thermometer 

Use a digital thermometer as they are safer and faster. Make sure the thermometer is sterilized and ready to use.

2. Lubricate the thermometer

Apply some lubricant, such as petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant, to the tip of the thermometer to minimize discomfort.

3. Allow your dog to relax 

Have your dog stand on a smooth surface or have him lie on his side. Soothe your dog to relax him.

4. Lift the tail 

Gently lift your dog's tail to expose the anal area.

5. Insert Thermometer 

Gently insert a lubricated thermometer into your dog's anus, about 1 to 2 centimeters deep. Make sure the thermometer stays in contact with your dog's body.

6. Wait for the reading 

Keep the thermometer in place until you hear the digital thermometer beep, which usually takes 30 seconds to 1 minute.

7. Read the Temperature 

Read the digital display on the thermometer. The normal temperature range for dogs is usually between 37.5°C and 39°C (99.5°F and 102.2°F).

8. Record Temperature 

Record your dog's temperature so that you can provide it to your veterinarian if needed.

9. Observe your dog's reaction 

Observe your dog's reaction throughout the process to make sure he is not uncomfortable or in pain.
With these steps, you can accurately measure your dog's temperature. Contact your veterinarian if your dog's temperature is abnormal or if there are any health issues.

Take Dog's Temperature

What to Feed Dogs with Fever?

When your dog has a fever, the diet should be easy to digest, and you should choose appropriate foods that can replenish nutrition and enhance energy. The following are some food suggestions for dogs with fever.

Egg custard: rich in protein, easy to digest, can help restore energy.
Millet porridge: rich in nutrients, contains a lot of water, can prevent dehydration.
Meat froth food: add a small amount of meat froth in dog food to improve appetite, but pay attention to control the amount to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Vegetable porridge: such as carrots, broccoli, etc., rich in vitamins and minerals, helps to enhance immunity.
Easily digestible meat: such as chicken breast, fish, etc. to provide necessary protein.
High-fiber foods: such as celery and carrots, which help with digestive health.

When feeding, you should pay attention to the following points:

  • Control the amount of food: your dog's appetite may decrease during a fever, so you should eat small meals and avoid overfeeding at one time.
  • Avoid greasy food: such as canned food, so as not to aggravate the burden on the stomach and intestines.
  • Hydration: Make sure your dog has plenty of water to help lower the body temperature.

It is important to note that the above advice is based on general conditions. If the cause of your dog's fever is due to an infection or other serious illness, you should seek medical attention and follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your dog’s temperature is above 103°F (39.4°C) and lasts for more than 24 hours, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. A temperature of 106°F (41.1°C) or higher is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Consult a Veterinarian

FAQs

Can you tell if a dog has a fever by touch?

It is inaccurate to determine if your dog has a fever by touch alone. While your dog's body may feel hotter than usual if he has a fever, there are many factors that can affect how it feels to the touch. For example, a dog's body can also be hot after just exercising or being in a hot environment. Also, temperature perception varies from individual to individual, so touch should only be used as a very preliminary clue to suspicion and not as a basis for a definitive diagnosis.

You can touch your dog's ears, foot pads and abdomen. If these areas are noticeably hotter than usual, it could be a fever, but it could also be other normal physiological conditions such as the dog being excited or the environment being warm.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of a fever in your dog is crucial for early treatment and recovery. By understanding the symptoms and knowing how to take your dog’s temperature, you can ensure your pet receives the care it needs. Always consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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