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How To Tell If Your Dog Has A Fever

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: June 5, 2018
How To Tell If Your Dog Has A Fever

Just like humans, dogs can develop fevers. Fever is a normal response to an infection in the body. When a virus or bacteria invades the body, the body raises the temperature to enhance the immune system and weaken the foreign invader. The normal body temperature for a dog varies between 38.5º and 39.5º C(101.3º and 103.1º F). If their temperature is higher, your dog has a fever.

Often, fever in dogs is a symptom of a parasitic, bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes, a fever has an unknown cause. It is important to know the underlying cause of the fever, so you should take your dog to the veterinarian when you notice symptoms of a fever. But how to tell if your dog has a fever? Stay with us at oneHOWTO and find out.

You may also be interested in: How To Tell If My Dog Has Mange

What are the main symptoms of fever in dogs?

Knowing whether your dog has a fever will require a certain amount of observation on your part, although there are some clear symptoms, such as:

  • Nose is warm and dry to the touch
  • Watery or cloudy eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Agitation
  • Rapid heartrate
  • Shivering
  • Weakness
  • Panting or rapid breathing

If you notice any of these possible symptoms of fever in dogs, you should check their temperature. Read this article to find out how to check a dog's fever with different kinds of thermometers.

When should you go to the vet?

Although there are steps you can take to lower your dog's fever with home remedies, it is very important that you go to the vet as soon as you detect a fever.

This is important to determine the cause of your dog's fever, whether it is caused by a parasite, a problem related to the immune system or a more specific condition. The necessary treatment will vary according to the cause of the fever. Only a specialist can tell if your dog has a fever and determine the source of the problem.

How To Tell If Your Dog Has A Fever - When should you go to the vet?

First aid if your dog has a fever

You should always follow the instructions of your veterinarian, but you can also help your dog at home by following these suggestions as first aid:

  • As with any fever, hydration is essential. If you see that your dog does not want to drink water, you can give it beef or chicken broth instead. Either way, it is very important that you get your dog to take in fluids.
  • If your dog is trembling, cover it with a light blanket and stay by its side for as long as possible to help your dog feel comforted.
  • Giving your dog a lukewarm bath can help lower its body temperature.
  • Wipe a cold, damp cloth over your feverish dog's stomach and head.
  • Regularly check your dog's nose so that you can tell if its temperature has dropped.
  • If your dog's symptoms worsen, seek emergency veterinarian attention.

You can also check our article on what to give a dog with a fever.

If you want to read similar articles to How To Tell If Your Dog Has A Fever, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

Tips
  • Although it might initially be stressful, by looking after your pet and following the advice of your vet, your dog will soon be back to normal.

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