How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Fever: An Expert Guide
As a devoted dog parent, you know your furry friend better than anyone. So when something seems off with your normally playful pup, it‘s natural to worry. One of the more serious signs of illness in dogs is a fever.
But short of your canine companion telling you "I feel hot," how can you tell if your dog has a fever? Don‘t fret – we‘ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on recognizing and dealing with fevers in dogs. Let‘s get started!
What Is a Dog‘s Normal Temperature?
First, it helps to know the healthy baseline for canine body temperature. According to the American Kennel Club, a dog‘s normal temperature ranges from 99.5 to 102.5°F (37.5 to 39.2°C). Anything above that is considered a fever.
It‘s important to note that dog temperatures are naturally a bit higher than human body temps, which hover around 98.6°F (37°C). So while 101°F would be a concerning fever for a person, it‘s completely normal for Spot.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Fever
Of course, taking your pup‘s temperature is the most accurate way to determine a fever (more on that later). But there are also some tell-tale physical signs that your dog is feeling feverish:
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Lethargy and weakness. If your normally energetic dog suddenly seems exhausted and uninterested in playing or going for walks, a fever may be to blame.
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Shivering. Just like us, dogs may shiver to generate heat when feverish. You may notice trembling, especially in the legs and tail.
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Warm ears and nose. The ears and nose are two areas where you can often feel heat radiating from a feverish dog. While a dry, warm nose alone isn‘t necessarily a fever sign, when combined with lethargy or other symptoms, it‘s worth checking into.
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Loss of appetite. Many dogs with a fever will show a marked decrease in appetite. If your chow hound is turning up his nose at dinner, something‘s not right.
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Rapid breathing or panting. Unless they‘ve been exercising, healthy dogs take between 15-30 breaths per minute. A feverish dog‘s respiratory rate may increase to more than 35 breaths per minute.
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Coughing or nasal discharge. Fevers resulting from respiratory infections like kennel cough are often accompanied by coughing and nasal discharge.
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Vomiting or diarrhea. Viral or bacterial infections that cause fevers can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes containing blood.
If you notice any of these symptoms in conjunction with an overall "blah" demeanor, it‘s time to take Rover‘s temperature.
How to Take Your Dog‘s Temperature
For the most accurate reading, you‘ll need to use a rectal thermometer. I know, I know – it sounds awkward and invasive. But vets agree it‘s the gold standard for assessing doggie temps.
You can purchase a digital rectal thermometer made specifically for pets at most pharmacies or pet supply stores. Look for one with a flexible tip. Here‘s a step-by-step for taking your dog‘s temperature:
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Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly. This will make insertion more comfortable for your pup.
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Have a helper gently restrain your dog by hugging her close to their body. If you‘re flying solo, you may need to tie your dog‘s leash to something sturdy or use a muzzle if she tends to nip when nervous.
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Lift your dog‘s tail up and to the side, then carefully insert the thermometer about one inch into the rectum. Don‘t force it – the thermometer should slide in easily.
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Wait for the thermometer to beep (usually takes about 10-20 seconds), then remove and check the digital reading. A temp over 103°F is a definite fever.
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Give your brave patient tons of praise and a treat! Taking a rectal temp isn‘t exactly a walk in the park, so be sure to reward your dog for tolerating the process.
If you absolutely can‘t bring yourself to go the rectal route, there are also ear thermometers made for pets. However, these tend to be less accurate. Only use an ear thermometer designed for animals, not one made for humans.
What Causes Fever in Dogs?
Now that you‘ve confirmed Fido does indeed have a fever, you‘re probably wondering why. As with humans, an elevated body temp in dogs is an indication that the immune system is fighting some sort of invader or dysfunction. Here are some of the most common culprits:
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Infection. Viruses like parvovirus, distemper, and influenza can cause high fevers in dogs, as can bacterial infections of the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever also trigger fevers.
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Inflammation. Conditions that cause inflammation in the body, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis often present with a fever.
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Ingestion of toxins. Exposure to toxic substances like antifreeze, human medications, and certain plants can send a dog‘s temp soaring as the body tries to burn off the poison.
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Immune-mediated disease. Sometimes the immune system goes haywire and starts attacking the body‘s own cells. This can manifest as a fever, such as in the case of lupus or immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
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Cancer. Certain cancers cause an inflammatory response that leads to fever. This is especially common with lymphoma and leukemia.
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Vaccines. While crucial for preventing serious diseases, vaccinations can sometimes cause a low-grade fever for 24-48 hours as the immune system responds. This is generally nothing to worry about as long as your dog is otherwise acting okay.
When to Call the Vet
Any temperature over 103°F is considered a fever in dogs. However, a temp of 103-104°F without other symptoms may not be an emergency if your dog is still eating/drinking and not acting too down in the dumps. You can try to bring the fever down at home (more on that below).
But if the fever persists for more than a day or reaches 105°F or higher, it‘s time to high-tail it to the vet. Extremely high temps can damage organs and even be fatal if left untreated. You should also head to the vet ASAP if your feverish dog displays any of these symptoms:
- Vomiting or bloody diarrhea
- Staggering, weakness, or collapsing
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Signs of severe pain (whining, panting, belly tenderness)
- Blue or very pale gums
The vet will do a full exam and likely run some diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the fever. Treatment will vary depending on the culprit but may include IV fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even surgery in severe cases.
Soothing a Mild Fever at Home
If your dog has a temp between 103-104°F and is acting okay other than being a bit lethargic, you can try some home remedies to make them more comfortable and bring the fever down gradually:
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Encourage drinking. Offer fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration. You can even offer some low-sodium chicken broth as an enticing way to get fluids in.
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Damp towels. Place a cool, damp towel or compress on your dog‘s paws and ears to help draw heat away from the body. Don‘t use ice or very cold water, as this can constrict blood vessels and make it harder for the body to regulate temperature.
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Brushing. A gentle brushing not only feels great, it helps circulate air near the skin to cool your dog. Focus on areas with less fur, like the belly.
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Rest. Now‘s not the time for intense fetch sessions. Let your dog relax in a cool, well-ventilated area of the house until the fever subsides.
Never give human fever/pain meds like Tylenol or Advil to a dog, as they can be toxic. Likewise, don‘t try to force feed a dog who‘s not interested in eating. Offer small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice, but don‘t push the issue if your pup refuses.
The Bottom Line
Identifying and monitoring a fever is an important part of keeping your dog healthy. By understanding the signs, learning how to take an accurate temperature, and knowing when to seek veterinary help, you‘ll be well-equipped to weather a fever with minimal stress for you and your pup. Remember, when in doubt, it‘s always safest to consult with your trusted vet. Here‘s to many more years of happy, healthy dog parenthood!
