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Summery :

1. What is the normal temperature of a dog?
2. What are the signs of fever in dogs?
3. What can cause fever in dogs?
4. How to measure your dog’s temperature?
5. When is it a good idea to take your dog to the vet?
6. How to reduce dog fever?

The most “tried and tested” method that many dog ​​owners rely on to check if their dog has a fever is to touch his nose . When it is wet and cold, the dog is fine. If it is warm and dry, he probably has a fever .

However, while this method can provide a suspicion of the presence or absence of fever, sometimes, the diagnosis is more complicated than that .

1- What is the normal temperature of a dog?

Unlike people, who have a normal temperature range of 36.4 to 37.6 degrees Celsius, a dog’s normal temperature is higher : the range is between 37.5 and 39.2 °C .

You can measure this with a pet thermometer . So now that we know what is “normal”, let’s look at the signs that can indicate if your dog has a fever .

What are the signs of fever in dogs?

Your dog cannot verbally communicate to you when he has a fever, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the most indicative possible clinical signs/symptoms .

Here are the most common conditions that are associated with abnormally high temperatures in dogs:

• Red eyes;
• Lethargy/lack of energy;
• Hot ears;
• Hot and dry nose;
• Chills;
• Loss of appetite;
• Cough;
• Vomit .

Attention! Fever is a normal defense reaction of the organism; therefore, it should not be considered as a cause, but rather as an important clinical sign for the health of the animal.

3- What can cause fever in dogs?

Infection and/or inflammation are the conditions that most frequently cause fever in dogs, since, as we have said, it represents a defense mechanism.

The most common primary causes of infection and/or inflammation include:

• Bite or scratch or infected cut;
• Ear infection ;
• Urinary tract infection ( UTI);
• Infection or abscess in the oral cavity (tooth, gum, etc.);
• Systemic infectious disease;
• Infection of organs, such as the kidneys or lungs.

Ingestion of poisonous substances can also cause fever. These include:

• Toxic plants;
• Antifreeze for motor vehicles;
• Human drugs;
• Human foods that are toxic to dogs , including the artificial sweetener xylitol .

If you believe your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or a clinic.

Vaccinations

It is not uncommon for pets (like humans) to develop a low-grade fever 24-48 hours after a vaccination. This is usually not dangerous and resolves after a day or so; but it is important to monitor the situation.

4- How to measure your dog’s temperature?

An accurate assessment of his temperature can only be done with a rectal or ear thermometer . Nowadays, there are digital thermometers made especially for pets, which record the temperature in about 60 seconds , reducing his (and your) discomfort.

If you choose a rectal thermometer, lubricate it with petroleum jelly or baby oil first. Gently insert it about 2-3 centimeters into your dog’s anus and then remove it as soon as you get the reading.

Ear thermometers are less invasive, but still a reliable way to measure temperature. These detect infrared heat waves emitted from the area around the eardrum. The thermometer is placed deep into the ear canal. These are usually a little more expensive, but your dog will appreciate it.

However, read all instructions carefully and do not use mercury glass thermometers.

5- When is it a good idea to take your dog to the vet?

The dog has a fever when its temperature reaches 39.5 degrees or more . In these cases it is best to contact the vet.

A temperature of 106°F or higher can damage your pet’s organs and can be fatal, so never wait until that point.

Diagnosis can be tricky, however. Your vet will likely have a medical history of your dog, including information about vaccinations, surgeries, allergies, medications, and previous illnesses. But they may also need to know about any recent physical injuries, ingestion of plants or other toxins, insect bites, and so on. It will also be helpful to mention when you first noticed the fever.

After conducting a physical exam, your veterinarian may suggest routine laboratory tests , such as a urinalysis , complete blood count , or biochemical profile . These can provide useful information about an underlying condition or infection. If an infection occurs, your dog may be prescribed antibiotics . Other, more specific tests may also be necessary.

Sometimes, it is not possible to determine the main cause of the fever; this is a condition called FUO ( Fever of Unknown Origin ).

6- How to reduce dog fever?

To help reduce your pet’s fever, apply cool water around (not inside) the paws and ears .

You can use a soaked towel or cloth or a cooling aid. Continue to monitor the temperature and when it drops below 103°F (39.5°C), you can stop. If you can persuade him, give him a drink of water. You will still need to monitor him closely to make sure the fever does not return and consider taking him to the vet if he has other symptoms.

Remember: better safe than sorry .

Warning! Never give human medications to your dog (or cat) without a veterinary prescription.