Are you a Dog Daddy or Dog Mommy? No wonder you landed here. Your babies are the most active when they have you around, but when you see them being all lazy and not wanting to do anything, it’s a matter of concern.
As protective as these kids are of their families, they are equally susceptible to sickness and fevers. Most often, when your baby is not doing well, you’ll figure it out in their behavior, but sometimes, this gets tricky!
| Dog Temperatures | Low | High |
| Ideal | 99.5 | 102.5 |
| Fever | 103 | >105 |
Dos and Don’ts During Dog Fevers
| Activity | Dos | Don’ts |
| Temperature<102 Degree | Check for other symptoms | Start with home treatment |
| Temperature>102 Degree | Try bringing the temperature down using a wet towel, and consult a vet. | Give human medications |
| Drink Water | Try as much as the Dog can intake. | Force |
| Eat | Try regular Dog Food | Add new foods to make the Dog have food |
| Using a Rectal Thermometer | Use baby oil/ lotion to insert | Use a glass thermometer |
To Know Everything About Dog Fevers and Sickness
Dogs are pretty friendly with their family and love seeking attention. In case your Dog feels like lazing around, check his nose. A dry nose indicates that they aren’t doing well. But as easy as it sounds, it sometimes isn’t.
Examine the canine nose
The canine’s nose can also be examined. We can assume that the Dog has an infection, which is one of the leading causes of fever in dogs if they have yellow or green nasal discharge. You must visit the veterinarian as soon as possible in this situation.
Examine the gums on your Dog
Instead of being pink as usual, your Dog’s gums will be dry, heated, and red if they have a fever.
Examine your pet’s ears
The tip of a dog’s ear usually is cold but typically warm. Even the tip of your Dog’s ears can be scorching, which is a sign that their temperature is higher than average.
Examine your pet’s body
Finally, you can look under your Dog’s arms and in the crotch area. Your Dog most likely has a fever if they are also hot or puffy. We also encourage you to watch the video below on typical symptoms of a sick dog for more information.
The Dog Feels Hot on the Tummy
Because dogs’ body temperatures can also rise in stressful or exhilarating circumstances, it might be challenging to identify fevers in them. The temperature of a dog can also change throughout the day and even at night. Consequently, it’s critical to comprehend what a healthy temperature is for your Dog. This can be discovered by keeping track of your Dog’s temperature throughout the day for several days.
Some individuals believe that if you touch your Dog’s nose and it is wet and chilly, your Dog’s temperature is average, and if it is hot and dry, your Dog likely has a fever. However, this is not a reliable sign of a fever in your Dog. Dog fevers can be extremely challenging to spot at home and are frequently found in the veterinarian clinic. This is because a dog’s temperature is typically higher than a human’s, making it nearly impossible to tell if a dog has a fever only by touching its skin.
For a dog, the average temperature is slightly above that of humans. The temperature that might make you feel feverish is ideal for dogs, i.e., between 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. So if your Dog feels excessively warm some day accompanied by any of the following, there’s a reason to worry.
Red eyes
Along with the other symptoms described below, your pet may have a fever if his eyes are red. Even if your Dog is not feverish, you should still get him examined because the redness may be brought on by irritation, an infection, allergies, pink eye, influenza, or distemper.
Coughing
Your Dog may have kennel cough, a highly contagious condition brought on by a combination of viruses and bacteria. Because it can spread quickly to dogs who come into touch with it in a kennel, doggie daycare, or even from a visit to the groomer if a sick dog is observed in the salon, it is known as kennel cough.
Vomiting
Vomiting may also accompany your pet’s fever. A virus could bring this on, or because your pet ate something poisonous. If your pet is throwing up, you should also check for a temperature and consult your veterinarian to identify the cause. Vomiting and fevers can also be caused by bowel obstructions, such as those brought on by swallowing toys or other non-food items, and the block may need to be surgically removed.
Lethargy/lack of energy
Lethargy is one possible sign of a feverish pet, but it can also be a sign of another disease or health issue. Consult your veterinarian if your pet exhibits prolonged spells of inactivity and doesn’t appear to be regaining his vigor.
Warm ears
One of the most critical points to check the temperature in dogs is the ear. Most often, even while using a thermometer, the ear canal is used since the infrared rays travel faster, sensing the body’s temperature. Warm ears are another indicator of a higher body temperature than usual.
Warm, dry nose
Some claim that by feeling a dog’s nose, you can determine whether or not it is unwell. While not entirely accurate, a warm, dry nose could signify a fever in your Dog, especially if it is present with some of the other signs mentioned above. Another sign that a fever might induce is nasal discharge. There are additional causes for your pet’s nasal discharge besides this one. Other causes could be kennel cough, allergies, inflammation, or a more severe condition like cancer. If your Dog gets a nasal discharge, you should consult your veterinarian to identify the source and administer the proper care.
Shivering
If your Dog is shaking but not because they are cold, it may have a fever. If your pet is shivering, make sure they are dry and warm. Check to see if you are not overheating them and if a fever causes the shivers.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite can also accompany fevers. If your food-motivated Dog starts abruptly snubbing his favorite goodies, there may be a problem. This alone does not indicate your pet has a fever, but it could be another clue, similar to the other symptoms described above. Loss of appetite may mean pain elsewhere in your pet’s body or mouth (toothaches). You should take your pet to the veterinarian for an examination to find out why they aren’t eating or drinking as usual.
What Causes Fever in Dogs?
A set of illnesses known as autoimmune disorders can cause the immune system to attack a body part without any apparent reason. Lupus, uveitis, and rheumatoid arthritis are a few examples of autoimmune illnesses. These illnesses may also bring on dog fevers.
Fever can also be triggered by bacterial, fungal, or viral illnesses that have inflamed the immune system. Another illness process that frequently activates the immune system and raises the body’s temperature is cancer. Tumor development brought on by neoplastic processes might be benign or malignant. Leukemia or lymphoma are the most typical cancers that cause a fever.
Pancreatitis is the most typical cause of fever from inflammation. This inflammation of the pancreas may cause nausea, constipation, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Although the exact etiology is unknown, it is assumed to be distinct in dogs from cats and humans.
A fever can be brought on by anything that stimulates the immune system. For instance, it is typical for animals to experience a low-grade fever following vaccination. This is due to the immune system being activated to defend the body from various diseases. Fever is the body’s immunological response to healing while fighting any virus/bacteria that might have caused infection/ inflammation. While the reasons may be internal or external, it is best to get them recognized soon. A variety of reasons can lead to these infections, some of which may be-
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- An infected or abscessed tooth
- An ongoing bacterial or viral disease
- An infected bite, scratch, or cut
- Ear infection
- Infection of organs, such as lungs or kidneys
Other external factors that might cause sickness in dogs may include Ingestion of toxic foods, including plants, medications, and antifreeze. However, your pet may be down a few times just due to a recent medication/ vaccination.
How To Monitor a Fever with A Thermometer?
Above are some ways you can tell that your Dog has a fever, even without a thermometer. However, keep a pet thermometer handy in your first aid kit if you own a pet.
Unlike humans, animals don’t speak of how they feel. Hence it is the owner who needs to ensure their well-being. Keeping a thermometer will only make the situation better. Currently, two kinds of thermometers exist to check your pet’s temperature- Rectal and Ear.
For Rectal ones, the thermometer’s tip should first be lubricated with petroleum or a water-soluble lubricant. After that, carefully place the thermometer roughly an inch inside your Dog’s rectum while lifting its tail up and to the side. To prevent your Dog from sitting, enlist the help of a second person to hold under the Dog’s hind legs. You can carefully remove the thermometer once the temperature has been recorded.
While Rectal thermometers are comparatively cheaper, you’ll have to use baby oil/ lotion to insert it into your Dog’s anus to get a reading of their temperature. On the other hand, an ear thermometer only requires you to place it horizontally on one ear canal, and It’ll capture the infrared waves measuring the temperature in the process. Although a little more expensive, the latter is an easier way to check your pet’s temperature. The more important part, however, is to understand when to take your Dog to the Vet.
Finding the underlying reason can be challenging once you’re at the veterinarian. Your veterinarian presumably documented your Dog’s medical history, including information on vaccinations, operations, allergies, medications, and previous illnesses. But the veterinarian might also need to be informed of any recent physical wounds, ingesting poisons from plants or other sources, insect bites, etc. It will be helpful to remember when your pet initially became ill with a fever.
When a dog’s temperature reaches 103 degrees or above, it is regarded that the animal has a fever. If so, it’s time to visit the veterinarian. Never wait until a temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher because doing so might harm a pet’s internal organs and even be fatal. It is crucial never to give your Dog any over-the-counter drugs, including ibuprofen, to lower the fever. These drugs are lethal to animals and can cause them great harm or even death.
Getting a diagnosis of dog fevers as quickly as possible and starting treatment will typically have better results. If identified early, most causes of fever are treatable. If your Dog stops eating, is excessively lethargic, has blood in its stool or vomit, has a fever over 104.5°F, or exhibits any of these symptoms, it is considered an emergency.
Your veterinarian might prescribe common laboratory tests like a blood count, urine, or a biochemistry profile after a physical examination. They may provide important details about an underlying illness or infection. If your Dog has an infection, treatment might be recommended. Additional tests can also be necessary. Sometimes it is impossible to identify the primary cause of the fever. Veterans even refer to this as FUO (Fever of Unknown Origin).
But what to do if the temperature remains high and there’s no vet around? What to do if the Dog has a fever? What can I give my Dog for fever?
A pet with a fever of 103 degrees or higher should have cool water applied to his paws and ears first. Use a wet towel or cloth, a dog-cooling garment, or both. If you keep an eye on his temperature, you can stop applying the water when it falls below 103.
- Apply a lukewarm, moist cloth to your Dog’s paws and ears to clean them. Verify that the fabric is not frigid or cool. To assist lower its body temperature, repeatedly wipe its paws and the region around its ears. Be sure to wipe your Dog’s chest and abdomen as well to aid in cooling it off.
- Bathe your Dog in warm water. Ensure the bath water is slightly colder than lukewarm, not cold. Put your Dog in the bathtub and wet it with a cloth or sponge. Its ears, paws, chest, and abdomen should all be wetted. You don’t need to use soap in the bath because the only goal is to calm down your Dog, not clean it.
- Dry off your Dog completely to prevent a cold. Ensure your Dog is well dried off after being cleaned up or given a bath to prevent it from becoming too cold. Dry your Dog using a towel or a hair dryer on a low setting. To try and lower its temperature, give your Dog a bath or a wipe-down twice daily. Each time, make sure to dry it thoroughly.
Try to persuade him to take a sip of water. If your Dog develops any more symptoms, you should keep a close eye on him to ensure his fever doesn’t come back.
- Make sure your Dog gets plenty of water to drink. Fill your Dog’s water bowl with new water, and then put the bowl in front of it to stimulate water consumption. Making sure your Dog drinks plenty of water will prevent it from dehydrating due to the fever. Bring your Dog to the doctor for care if it shows signs of dehydration or won’t drink water. Fever and dehydration increase your Dog’s risk of developing major health problems.
- Feed your Dog the usual food. To help it keep its strength, make an effort to convince your Dog to eat solid food. For feverish dogs, both canned and dry diets are beneficial. Please do not attempt to alter its diet to entice it. The Dog can get digestive problems as a result. Take your Dog to the Vet for care if it won’t eat any solid food or food.
- Don’t administer human medications to your Dog. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are hazardous to dogs to treat human fever. Do not administer any medications to your Dog without first consulting your veterinarian. Avoid feeding your Dog herbal or essential oil medicines without consulting your veterinarian.
Never administer human medications to your Dog (or cat) unless a veterinarian has prescribed them. Remember: It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How Do Dog Fevers and Sicknesses Get Treated?
Infected dogs are often treated with a course of antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Other illnesses, like pancreatitis, don’t have a single folk remedy. Therefore patients are given drugs to treat their symptoms until the inflammation goes down. Depending on how severe it is, this may take days or weeks.
The reason for a dog’s fever will determine how best to treat it. To identify the cause, it is frequently essential to do a number of diagnostics, including blood tests, radiographs (x-rays), and ultrasounds. A reason may only sometimes be discernible.
Depending on the type of cancer diagnosed, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to treat it. While certain cancer types may respond well to various treatments, others may not. Drugs that suppress the immune system are needed to treat autoimmune illnesses to stop the body’s multiple organs from being attacked.
Most of these illnesses can be controlled but are typically incurable. Never treat a fever with human medications unless your veterinarian instructs you to. Fever treatment at home can make things worse or even be fatal.
Make sure to keep an eye on your pet’s body temperature at all times, and notify your veterinarian if there is any change in it or if the animal doesn’t seem to be responding to therapy. Carefully adhere to the treatment and medication administration guidelines. Make sure your pet is receiving enough food, water, and relaxation. If possible, keep your pet away from kids and other animals while he recovers.
Some Home Remedies for Dog Fevers
Vitamin E: To strengthen your Dog’s immune system, give him vitamin E (5–10 mg/lb, once a day).
Echinacea is a superb herb for enhancing the immune system. Utilizing a natural supplement like Animal Essentials Super Immune Support is one simple method.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system. Give your Dog 5–10 mg/lb, 1-2 times daily.
Belladonna: For dogs with anxious or even aggressive fevers, this homeopathic medicine works well. The animal is hot to the touch as well.
Sulphur: This treatment is effective for canines with a mild temperature that won’t go away. It is not advised to take this cure for an extended period.
Nasturtium aconitum: This treatment is effective for fever that has suddenly appeared without any other symptoms.
Since they seem to improve the immune system’s capacity to fight off infection, mild fevers are frequently beneficial. Additionally, they might hinder bacteria and viruses’ capacity to reproduce within the host animal’s body. So long as your Dog gets help right away, everything will be all right.
How Long Does Dog Fever Usually Last?
Just like Doctor differs, so do dogs. Dog fevers may last for different durations, ranging from a few hours to a few days. While the ones that last just a few hours may not have anything serious, your dog regularly falling sick for a few hours may not bring good news. Hence, it is always advisable to take care of your pets and monitor them every now and then. Keeping a check on their hygiene is also one of things you should take care of as dog parents.
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