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Is your furry friend feeling warm and under the weather? A fever in dogs can be a cause for concern, but don't panic! Watching your furry family member feeling unwell is heartbreaking. While we can easily check our own temperature when feeling under the weather, knowing if your dog has a fever requires more careful observation and specific techniques.
As pet parents, we understand the worry that comes with a sick pup. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to recognize dog fever symptoms, take their temperature safely, know when to contact your vet, and provide comfort while you seek veterinary attention.
Can Dogs Get Fevers?
Dogs can get fevers just like people. A fever is an increase in body temperature above the normal range. It may also be called hyperthermia. A dog's normal temperature ranges from 99.5°F to 102.5°F, with 100-101°F being most common. Dogs have individual temperature variations, so establishing your dog’s baseline temperature through regular veterinary check-ups can help you identify significant deviations and potential health concerns. If your dog's temperature deviates significantly from their normal range, it's important to consider other potential causes of fever.
Dog Fever Symptoms and Its Subtle Signs
A fever in dogs, like in humans, is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or illness. It's a natural response to foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. By recognizing the subtle and overt signs of a fever, you can take timely steps to address the underlying issue and provide your furry friend with the necessary care. Let's explore the key symptoms and subtle signs that might indicate your furry friend has a fever.
Physical Signs Your Dog has fever
Contrary to popular belief, a warm and dry nose in dogs isn't a definitive sign of illness. Many healthy dogs have dry noses, and some sick dogs may have wet noses. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can significantly impact a dog's nose. This means that, unfortunately, checking the nose is not a reliable or accurate way to tell if a dog has a fever.
When your dog has fever, they may display various signs that can help alert you to their condition. Common symptoms include:
Red or glassy-looking eyes: If you notice your dog's eyes turning red don’t be alarmed. This change in your dog's eyes occurs because fever can cause blood vessels to dilate and create a glassy or bloodshot appearance.
Warm ears and/or nose: While not a definitive indicator, unusually warm ears or nose can be a sign of increased body temperature associated with fever.
Shivering: Just like humans get the chills with a fever, your dog shivers or trembles as their body tries to generate heat to fight off infection.
Decreased energy or lethargy: When fighting a fever, dogs typically become less active and may seem unusually tired or reluctant to engage in normal activities.
Loss of appetite: When your dog is in pain, especially when your dog has a fever, this often suppresses appetite as the body diverts energy to fighting infection rather than digestion.
Coughing: A dog's persistent cough can indicate an underlying respiratory infection that may be causing the fever.
Vomiting: A fever can lead to nausea and vomiting in dogs as their bodies fight off infection. Conversely, severe vomiting can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may contribute to a fever.
Panting: Excessive panting, especially when your dog hasn't been exercising, can be a sign that they're trying to cool down their elevated body temperature.
Runny nose: Nasal discharge often accompanies fever, particularly when the underlying cause is a respiratory infection or inflammation.
Taking Your Dog’s Temperature
The best way to take a dog's temperature is to check it rectally with a thermometer. Any quick-read, digital thermometer will work. It is very important to designate and label this thermometer for dog use so that it isn't accidentally used by people in the future. Make sure to lubricate the thermometer with either petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant.
Steps for Taking Your Dog's Temperature:
Lubricate the thermometer tip
Lift your dog's tail gently
Insert the thermometer about 1 inch into the rectum
Wait for the reading (usually about 60 seconds)
Remove and clean the thermometer thoroughly
Checking a dog's temperature orally is almost always inaccurate. Dogs have trouble holding still long enough to properly position a thermometer under their tongue with their mouths closed to achieve a reading. Canine ear thermometers can be used, but these too are often inaccurate. Typically, ear thermometers show lower results than the dog's true current temperature.
How to Tell If a Dog Has a Fever Without a Thermometer
If using a thermometer is not an option, temperature can sometimes be assessed by feeling the hairless parts of the skin, such as the belly and armpits. It helps to be very familiar with your dog's normal skin temperature. If he seems hotter in these areas than normal, he may have a fever. This is a pretty inaccurate method, but it can help you decide if he needs to be checked by a veterinarian. Usually, he will be showing other symptoms of illness to help reinforce the need for a vet visit.
Common Causes of Dog Fever
Dogs can develop a fever for many reasons. A common cause of fever is infection. Symptoms will depend on where the infection is. For example, a dog with an upper respiratory tract infection (e.g. doggy cold) may have a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneeze or cough in addition to his fever.
Signs and Cause of Dog fever:
Understanding what causes fever in dogs is crucial for proper treatment and prevention. While some causes may be relatively minor and resolved quickly, others require immediate veterinary attention to prevent serious complications. Here are the most common causes of fever in dogs:
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections: These common infections can occur anywhere in the body and trigger your dog's immune system to raise its temperature to fight off the invading organisms.
Ear infections: Another common case for a dog fever is ear infection. When bacteria or yeast overgrow in your dog's ear canal, it can cause inflammation and fever, often accompanied by head shaking and ear scratching.
Infected bites, scratches, or cuts: Any break in the skin can become infected with bacteria, leading to local inflammation and potentially systemic fever as the body fights the infection.
Tooth infections or abscesses: Dental infections occur when bacteria enter damaged or decaying teeth, creating painful pockets of infection that can cause fever and reduced appetite.
Urinary tract infections: Bacteria in the urinary system can cause inflammation and fever, often accompanied by frequent urination and discomfort.
Vaccination reactions (typically mild and short-lived): Some dogs may develop a mild fever 24-48 hours after receiving vaccines as their immune system responds to the vaccine components.
Ingestion of toxic substances: When dogs consume harmful substances like certain plants, human medications, or toxic foods, their bodies may respond with fever as part of an inflammatory response.
Another cause of fever is being overheated. Mild overheating can occur after running around the yard and playing hard. Panting and drinking a lot of water are common signs in addition to a slightly high temperature (e.g. 103.5°F).
The temperature should go back to normal quickly once the dog is calm and resting in a cool environment. Severe overheating, also known as heat stroke, can cause a very high increase in temperature (>104°F). Stumbling or trouble walking, collapse, and trouble breathing may be seen. This is considered a medical emergency, and you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
How to Comfort a Dog with a Fever
If your dog has a fever, he will need to be checked by a veterinarian. If you can't get him in for a visit immediately, here are ways to provide comfort:
Keep him hydrated by offering plenty of clean water and low sodium chicken broth
Keep him calm and in a cool (but not cold) area
If his temperature is very high, cool him down by rinsing him with room temperature water. Do not use ice cubes or very cold water because this may lower his temperature too quickly
Do not give aspirin or any other fever-reducing medicines normally prescribed for people, as these medications can make dogs sicker
When Dog Fever Becomes an Emergency
If your dog's temperature reaches 106°F or higher, this is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. This level of fever can cause organ damage and can be fatal if not treated promptly. When you arrive for the veterinary appointment, make sure to let the veterinarian know what his temperature was, his symptoms, and what you did to try to reduce the fever.
Peace of Mind for Your Pet's Health: The Value of Pet Insurance
While we never want our furry family members to fall ill, being prepared for unexpected health issues like fevers is important. You never want to feel like you can’t get your pup the care they need because you’re afraid of the vet bill. Getting your dog pet insurance can provide valuable protection against the costs of diagnostic tests, treatments, and emergency care that may be needed when your dog develops a fever or other illness.
Additionally, many pet insurance providers offer non-insurance, optional wellness plans that can help cover the cost of preventive care, helping you catch potential health issues before they become serious. Having this protection in place gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most - getting your pet the care they need when they need it.
Protecting Your Pup: Your Action Plan for Managing Dog Fevers
Understanding how to recognize and respond to your dog's fever is a must for every pet parent. While it can be worrying when your furry friend isn't feeling well, being prepared with the right knowledge and tools can help you act quickly and appropriately.
Remember, while this guide provides valuable information, it's essential to consult your veterinarian for any specific concerns about your dog's health. They can provide accurate diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatment, and offer personalized advice.
By understanding the signs of fever and taking prompt action, you can help ensure your furry friend's well-being. Your dog relies on you to keep them healthy and happy. By providing them with love, care, and timely veterinary attention, you can help them live a long and fulfilling life.