How Can You Tell if a Dog Has a Fever?

For most dog owners, there’s nothing scarier than seeing their beloved dog sick with a fever. Unfortunately, determining if they have a fever can be challenging because dogs normally have a higher temperature than people anyway.

However, if your dog displays obvious symptoms of fever (listed below), visit your vet ASAP. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about fever in dogs, so let’s jump right in!

As a responsible dog owner, you should know all about hyperthermia and hypothermia in dogs, as both can indicate common health issues in dogs.

The normal body temperature of a dog is between 101° to 102.5° Fahrenheit, and a dog’s fever starts at over 103°F. If it goes up to 106°F, it can result in serious and even fatal problems. Fever in dogs can be a result of many things, which typically fall into these categories:

Infection

Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can provoke the immune system, resulting in fever. Moreover, they can be either external (bite wounds), which is why dogs lick their paws, or internal (affecting the kidneys or lungs).

Canine parvovirus can also cause fever in dogs, especially in young ones.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough, which is a persistent cough in dogs, can also cause fever, among many other symptoms like lethargy, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, etc.

Additionally, dogs can get colds, so keep in mind that a cold might cause fever, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.

Immune response

Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, among other autoimmune diseases, can turn the immune system against the body, resulting in fever.

Cancer

Common cancers that affect dogs often activate the immune system, causing fever. If you notice any signs of cancer, visit your local vet clinic immediately.

Vaccinations

Vaccines help pets build immunity by making the immune system fight various diseases, which sometimes results in a mild fever within 24–48 hours. This typically resolves without complications but should still be monitored.

Ingesting harmful substances like toxic plants or antifreeze can trigger fever in pets. Your dog can encounter these hazards during walks or while exploring the yard.

If you suspect your canine has ingested something toxic, contact the Pet Poison Hotline ASAP.

Unknown

Sometimes, even vets can’t pinpoint the cause of fever in dogs and cats. In this case, they usually say it’s a “fever of unknown origin.”

How Can You Tell if a Dog Has a Fever?

You will get the most accurate results using a thermometer. However, if you don’t have one at hand, watch out for changes in behavior, as this is often the first sign of illness in pets. Additionally, look for the following common symptoms of fever:

• Red or glassy eyes
• Warm ears and nose
• Shivering
• Panting
• Runny nose
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing
• Vomiting

All in all, detecting fever in dogs can be tricky because their body temperatures changes with excitement or stress. Additionally, their temperature can vary throughout the day. To understand your dog’s healthy temperature, monitor it at different times over several days.

When I took my dogs to get their shots, the vet noticed they had a high body temperature. Thinking they might be sick, we began treatment, but their fever didn’t go away. It wasn’t until later that we figured out their excitement during walks might have made their temperature rise. Further tests confirmed our suspicion.

Sometimes, even vets can misinterpret fever in dogs. Always double-check before assuming the worst.

How to Take a Dog’s Temperature?

Contrary to popular belief, a wet or dry nose isn’t a reliable indicator of fever. The best way to check is with a digital rectal thermometer, available at pet stores. Here’s how to use it:

1. Lubricate the thermometer
2. Gently insert it about 1 inch
3. Hold it for accurate reading

Some dog owners use ear thermometers because they’re less invasive and measure heat waves from the ear canal. Just follow instructions carefully and avoid using glass thermometers on dogs.

Interesting: While we aren’t the best at detecting illnesses in pets without the help of medical professionals, certain dog breeds can detect illnesses in humans.

If your dog’s temperature reaches 106°F or higher, schedule a vet appointment ASAP. For temperatures of 103°F or more, you can help cool your dog down by:

• Applying cool water to their ears and paws with a soaked towel
• Using a fan to circulate air around them

Once their temperature drops below 103°F, stop applying water and monitor closely to prevent fever recurrence. Also, encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water to stay hydrated, but never force them.

Don’t include and administer human medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen in your pet’s first aid kit, as they can be toxic to dogs. If your dog shows other symptoms like shivering, panting, or vomiting, schedule a vet appointment as quickly as possible.

How to Comfort a Dog with a Fever?

Once your vet confirms your dog’s fever, comfort becomes a priority. Here’s how to help them feel better:

Ensure your dog stays hydrated, especially during fever bouts lasting multiple days. Try:

• Making hydration treats with unflavored gelatin, Pedialyte, and bouillon
• Rewarding visits to the water bowl with treats
• Creating kibble soup by adding warm water to their food

Make their resting area cozy with the following:

• Extra pillows
• Fuzzy blankets or flannel sheets
• A covered heating pad or hot water bottle
• Their favorite toys for comfort

Encourage Exercise

A light exercise routine can help their digestion and prevent restlessness. Additionally, activities like short walks and fetch can lift their spirits.

Medicate as Prescribed

Give your dog any prescribed medication on time; set reminders if needed. Additionally, consider over-the-counter supplements like probiotics to support their recovery.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, you can’t really tell if a dog has a fever by feeling their nose or skin. You need a thermometer for precise results. However, if you assume that your canine has a fever by their behavior and appearance, contact your vet immediately.

Sometimes, fever in dogs can be a cause of something more sinister, while other times, it’s just out of excitement or stress. Either way, as a responsible and caring owner, you should always be cautious and visit the vet for a check-up.