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May 22nd
It can be quite the scare when your dog gets a fever. But how can you even tell if your dog has a fever?
It’s much harder to detect a fever in dogs then it is in humans. For one, you cannot ask your dog how they’re feeling. They also don’t have the same symptoms as humans, so you may miss some of the signs of an illness in your dog.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes and symptoms of fever in dogs. We’ll also tell you how you can treat your dog’s fever, and when you need to take them to the vet.
If you take your dog’s temperature and notice that it’s higher than yours, don’t panic. Dog’s have a higher resting body temperature than humans. That means that a temperature around 101.5 is normal in dogs.
However, if you take your dog’s temperature and it’s higher than 102.5, they may be running a fever. Check for other symptoms of fever, including loss of appetite, fatigue, shivering, or vomiting.
Fevers Are A Sign Of Infection
A fever in dogs, like in humans, is a sign of infection. These infections can come from a number of different sources. Sometimes they are a bacterial or infection that your dog picks up from another dog.
They can also come from toxins that your dog ingests. Plants are one of the most common toxins for dogs. Many plants that you have around the house can be toxic when consumed by your dog. Try to keep plants out of reach of your dog.
A fever can also be caused by household cleaning products ingested by your dog, as well as medication. Always keep chemicals and medication locked away so that your dog cannot get to them.
Immunizations Can Cause Low Grade Fevers
Your dog may also get a fever after they receive their immunizations. That’s because vaccines use a low dose of bacteria, which can lead to an immune response that causes a fever. This fever usually passes on its own. However, if your dog’s temperature rises above 103 degrees, contact your vet.
A common way that dog owners check temperature is to feel their nose. If the nose is cool and we to the touch, that’s a good sign. However, if you notice that their nose is dry and hot, this could be a sign that they have a fever.
This method, however, is extremely inaccurate. It can work in a pinch, but you’re much better off getting an exact temperature.
The best way to do this with dogs is with a rectal thermometer reading. This may be uncomfortable for your dog- and for your- but it’s by far the most accurate way of getting their temperature.
Ear thermometers are another great way of getting your dog’s temperature. You insert the canal into the ear canal and wait until the thermometer gives a reading. These thermometers, although accurate, are a bit more expensive.
If you are uncomfortable doing this or are worried about getting an accurate reading, you can take your dog to the vet and they can measure your dog’s temperature.
If your dog has a fever, put down that bottle of acetaminophen or aspirin. These drugs are not meant for dogs, and aspirin can be lethal. There are medicines that your dog can take to help reduce their fever, but these should be prescribed by your dog’s vet.
The best way to lower your dog’s fever is to apply a cold damp towel around their paws and ears. Try to keep them in a fairly cool place, or put a fan by them.
You should also try to get your dog to drink water. Fever can cause severe dehydration, which only makes the symptoms worse. You can also try to get them to eat a small amount of food, although you should not feed them if they are vomiting or have other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
If your dog’s fever still has not gone down after a day, you should take them to the vet. They could have a more serious infection that needs immediate medical attention. They could also have another medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or cancer.
You should also take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice a temperature above 104 degrees. If your dog’s temperature rises to 106, they could have serious organ damage.
Once you’re at the vet, they can run a battery of tests to find the cause of the fever. They may also recommend that your dog take medication, such as antibiotics, to treat the infection. Unless your dog has a serious medical condition, they will likely be able to return home with your the same day.
If you still don’t have the perfect dog, we have a network of vetted ethicial breeders and companies with puppies for sale across all the major breeds. Get your search started on the right paw.
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