Does My Dog have a Fever?
As a pet parent, being able to detect an oncoming fever can help significantly when your pup is sick. If you’re worried that your furry friend has a fever, or you want to be prepared if they ever do have one, here are some things you should know.
First You Have to Know What’s Normal
The single most important step in recognizing Fido’s fever is knowing what their regular body temperature is. Dogs’ temperatures can vary, but overall a normal temperature for a dog should be between 100.4 and 102.5 degrees F. To have a foundational temperature you can use to compare future temperature readings to, you’ll need to take your pup’s temperature with a rectal thermometer when they’re feeling good. If you have an upcoming vet visit or had a recent one where Fido was feeling well, you can also note the temperature taken at that time.
Knowing what your canine’s healthy pulse, respiratory rate, and capillary refill time are is also important for recognizing illnesses in the future.
Know What Symptoms to Watch For
A change in your canine’s behavior will be your first hint that something is off. If your pooch is acting lethargic or seems uninterested in the activities they usually love, this could be a sign that they’re coming down with something. Other symptoms to watch for:
- Glassy-looking eyes
- Feeling warm to the touch
- Shivering
- Panting
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased energy
How to Take Fido’s Temperature
If you’re noticing some of the symptoms above, it’s probably time to pull out the thermometer. Be sure when you buy your pup a thermometer, you mark it as “Dog’s,” so no one else will use it by mistake.
Once you have your thermometer ready, you’ll add lubrication to the tip of it with petroleum or water-soluble jelly. Next, you’ll need to lift Fido’s tail up and off to the side to prevent them from trying to sit. Then you’ll carefully insert the thermometer 1/2 an inch to an inch into the rectum. Typically you’ll wait for the thermometer to beep, indicating it’s successfully taken your pup’s temperature, and then you can carefully take it out. If the thermometer indicated your canine companion’s temperature is higher than usual, it might be time to call their veterinarian.
What You Should Do if Fido Does Have a Fever
Just like our bodies raise in temperature to fight off an infection, our dogs’ bodies do the same. An infection could be caused by anything. The most common reasons Fido could have an infection would be due to a virus, UTI, infected cut, or pneumonia. If your pup’s temperature is under 103 degrees F., it can typically be monitored at home for up to 24 hours. But if the fever is any higher or lasts any longer, it’s time to go to the vet.
There are numerous reasons your pooch could be experiencing a fever, so there’s not too much you can do to prevent them entirely. But you can stay prepared so that you can take the proper action needed if your pooch ever does have a fever.
