Does My Dog Have a Fever?
A general gauge that most of us know to test a dog’s temperature is feeling his nose. Wet and cold is good, hot and dry is a cause for concern. This is just a possible symptom, and should not be cause for concern alone. A dog’s normal temperature is higher than a human’s, ranging between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is considered to be 103 degrees or higher. The following are the symptoms that could indicate a fever, besides the warm, dry nose:
- Red eyes
- Lethargy
- Warm ears
- Shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Vomiting
A fever in a dog can be caused by an infection or inflammation, both internally or externally. Possible causes are:
- Ear infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Infected bite, scratch, or cut
- Infected or abscessed tooth
- Ongoing bacterial or viral disease
- Infected organs, such as kidneys or lungs
- Ingesting poisonous materials, such as toxic plants, antifreeze, human medications, human foods toxic to dogs (xylitol)
If you think your dog has ingested a toxic substance, call the Pet Poison Hotline immediately.
The only exception for possible fever is after a vaccination, as it is not uncommon in both humans and pets. Monitor your dog and the fever should resolve in a day or two.
If you want to take your dog’s temperature at home, there are three devices you can use (please keep one of these in your pet’s first-aid kit):
- A rectal thermometer requires you to lubricate the device with petroleum jelly or baby oil, then gently insert it in your dog’s anus about an inch. Once you get a reading, remove it.
- An ear thermometer is a reliable yet less invasive form of reading your dog’s temperature. Place the device deep into the horizontal ear canal, where it will measure the infrared heat waves emitted from the area around the eardrum.
- A digital thermometer is the least invasive way. It can register your dog’s temperature in about 60 seconds, cutting down on his (and your) discomfort.
To help reduce your dog’s fever, apply cool water around his paws and ears using a soaked towel or cloth. If you notice the fever falls below 103 degrees, you can stop applying the water. Make sure cool, fresh water is readily available and encourage him to drink a bit.
If your dog reaches a temperature of 103 degrees or higher, it is time to consult your veterinarian. A temperature of 106 degrees or higher can cause damage to a pet’s internal organs and can be fatal; never wait until it gets this high. Make notes of symptoms and temperature readings in case you need to go to the vet.
Your vet will more than likely consult your pet’s medical history and will need to know of any recent injuries, ingestion, bites, etc. It will be helpful to share your notes on your pet’s recent behavior and symptoms. If you need to bring your dog in, a routine physical exam is normal. Your vet may order some laboratory tests to discover the underlying condition or infection.
Never give your pet human medication, unless expressly directed to by your veterinarian. These medications can be extremely toxic for them.