Dog fevers can have a lot of possible causes — from underlying illness to too high of an environmental temperature. Understanding the possible causes and how to tell if your dog has a fever is important to maintaining their physical health.
Here’s what you need to know about dog fevers and fever management, and when to seek medical attention for your animal’s temperature.
Just like in humans, a dog’s body regulates its temperature by gaining and losing heat. The average temperature of a healthy dog ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over 103* Fahrenheit generally indicates a dog fever.
Here’s a helpful guide to help you understand your dog’s body temperature.
🚨 A temperature of greater than 104°F should prompt an immediate visit to the veterinarian. A fever of 106°F could be fatal or cause permanent damage to a dog’s organs.
There are other symptoms your dog may experience if they’re running a fever. Look for the following signs and keep track as they come up, giving your veterinarian the most comprehensive view possible into your dog’s health.
Many different illnesses and conditions can cause your pup to run a fever. If you determine that your dog is feverish, It’s important to get them to the vet quickly so they can identify the possible cause.
Fevers happen when a dog’s body and immune system are working hard to fight off an illness. Once your vet identifies what’s causing their fever, they can prescribe the necessary treatment. Always mention any other abnormal symptoms displayed by your pup.
Here are some of the most common causes of a dog fever:
🚨If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, don’t induce vomiting on your own. Contact their veterinarian and the Pet Poison Control Hotline immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Vaccinations can sometimes cause dogs to experience a low-grade fever for a day or two after they get injected. Monitor the situation and go to the vet if the fever doesn’t go away after a day.
Now that you suspect a fever, it’s time to take your dog’s temperature using a canine thermometer. The first thing you’ll need is a thermometer. If you don’t already have one, we recommend adding a thermometer to your dog’s first aid kit right away.
It’s important to keep in mind that you don’t need a super expensive dog thermometer for it to be effective. Here are two different methods to safely take your dog’s temperature.
Once you take their temperature, you can take them to the emergency medicine center for medical treatment. Follow your doctor’s advice, and give them all the information you have. This can help them get to the root cause of your pet’s fever quickly.
Digital ear thermometers take your dog’s temperature by reading it through their ear. Take the following steps to get an accurate reading:
Beyond minimizing infection risk, working with a clean thermometer ensures that the temperature is as accurate as possible. Ear wax can affect the reading you get, rendering it incorrect.
The rectal method can be a little bit trickier when it comes to getting your dog to remain still. Here’s the best way to get an accurate reading:
The rectal method tends to offer a more accurate reading. However, we understand that not all dogs will sit still for a rectal temperature check — and that excessive wiggling can lead to a bad result. Both methods, when done carefully, should alert you to whether or not your dog has a fever. Pick the one that your dog prefers, and stick with it.
👉 It’s important to take your dog’s temperature often, even when you don’t suspect that they have a fever. Every dog has a different normal body temperature, so you want to get to know your dog’s healthy baseline. Then, if you suspect your dog is sick, you’ll know for sure when something’s wrong.
Speaking of vet visits, there are a few instances where you should take your dog to the vet for their fevers and symptoms. Here’s a helpful guide to help you get through the “do I, don’t I” decision-making process:
When your dog is home from the vet and recovering from their illness, they may still be fighting a fever. Here are a few things that you can do to help them recover quickly:
Use a damp towel to place on your pup — A cold compress is a great way to lower a fever and help your dog feel more comfortable.
Always keep a supply of clean water near them — Hydration is key when your dog is fighting off any illness, so find ways to sneak in some extra water. Make sure to give your pup cool water, but not freezing. Consider feeding them a water-rich snack like fruits and vegetables.
Ensure your dog is in a cool part of your home — Keep your dog out of the sun and in a cool room with a fan.
Feed them ice cubes — Ice cubes or chips are great to feed your dog for some extra hydration. Other cold treats like frozen bananas can also help cool your dog and give them some added nutrition.
If your dog has a fever, there’s no time to waste. It’s best to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment support as soon as possible, mitigating the risk of some more serious complications.
A fever in dogs is a temperature that exceeds 103° Fahrenheit, in most cases. If you suspect a fever, take the dog’s temperature rectally or in their ear with the appropriately designed thermometer, and find support from your veterinarian.
It’s best not to use a human thermometer (Trusted Source) on your dog, as they can give you inaccurate readings. There are plenty of rectal and in-ear thermometer options available at your local pet store.
Certain human thermometers will not fit in a dog’s ear canal or rectum. However, you can use a human thermometer on dogs. Use a quick reading thermometer as the most accurate way to get a temperature reading, especially if you’re using the rectal method. Never use your dog’s thermometer on you or another human.
Tell-tale signs of a dog fever can include dry eyes and a dry nose, shaking, vomiting, shivering, lethargy, and bright-colored gums.
Aspirin for humans might not work for your pet, as it can have coatings that block the benefits from them. Your veterinarian may prescribe dog-approved aspirin that is specially formulated in place of baby aspirin. However, no course of pharmaceutical treatment (including aspirin) should be administered without ongoing supervision by your vet. If done at home without proper oversight, it could complicate your dog’s case and cause serious harm.
