How to tell if a dog has a fever?
A fever can be tough to spot in dogs, because they don’t tend to show physical signs the way humans do. Dogs don’t sweat, so what you’ll notice is that their paws are cold or wet or that they’re panting more than usual. If the dog’s body temperature is over 100.4F (38C), it might have a fever. Some other signs of an elevated temperature could be drooling excessively, lethargic behavior, increased breathing rates and sluggishness to get up or walk around.
How to spot fever in a dog?
Is your dog the type that still wants to play? And when you look closer, you notice she’s panting and her paws are sweaty? If so, there’s a chance she might have a fever. You may also notice that her eyes are glassy and her tongue is dry or clamy. If she seems lethargic, has a glassy stare or a rapid heartbeat but you don’t see any other physical signs of illness (such as runny nose, redness of the eyes), it might be best to visit the veterinarian anyway.
Other symptoms of fever in a dog
Dogs get fevers for the same reasons people do: infections, certain medications and underlying illnesses such as cancer. If your pet has a fever, you’ll probably notice that it seems to feel lethargic and generally not well. The first thing most people do with a human patient is take their temperature, but that’s not always possible with dogs.
A dog’s normal temperature can range between 100.4°F and 102°F (38°C and 39°C), depending on the breed and age of the dog. Any change from 101-103°F (38-39°C) could be cause for concern. Low body temperatures may indicate the possibility of an underlying illness, such as cancer or another serious condition.
If you think your dog may be sick, bring him to the vet for a check-up. If in doubt, get out a thermometer and take her temperature — it’s not difficult and you can be sure she is not suffering any pain at that stage.
How can I lower my dog’s fever?
The best way to lower a dog’s fever is by providing plenty of fluids and keeping them cool with room-temperature baths or cold water sponging, which soaks the body with cold water.
What else can you do?
• Have your dog stay in the shade and do not leave him outside for long periods of time.
• Bring your dog indoors and provide plenty of fresh water. If he’s young or seems to be recovering from an illness, you may consider removing his collar to allow him more freedom in the home and out of direct sunlight. If his temperature is high, leave the collar on as this gives him a sense of security while leaving some restraint. Don’t use a sedative collar as it could mask signs of an internal problem.
• Do not bring your dog into direct sunlight or expose him to cold drafts by opening a window. If a cold draft is present, look to close the window or door instead.
• Keep your dog quiet and do not allow him to run around the house. He should not participate in strenuous activities such as exercise or playing. If he’s normally active and well-exercised, try to keep him in a restful position but don’t force him to sleep if he’s not tired.
• Offer your pet ice cubes; this can help bring down the temperature by inducing the dog to drink water which helps cool his body temperature. You may add a little chicken broth or other fluids for flavor if you wish, but remember that ice cubes alone may be enough to keep your pet well-hydrated.
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Have pets receive a thorough examination to check for an underlying problem once the fever subsides. While a fever may not be serious, it is an indication that something is wrong and the sooner it’s addressed, the better your pet’s chance of a full recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
FAQs about Fever in pets
- What should I do if my dog is having fever?
- Visit the vet.
2) What causes fever in dog?
- Same causes of human fever. So, something has invaded his body. Like an infection or cancer and so forth. These are the usual causes of dog’s fever. Go for a thorough examination to find out what exactly is causing your pet’s fever. You can tell the diagnosis from the symptoms and from how long this situation lasts over time. A good vet should be able to help you out with that.