Dogs are energetic and happy creatures who like to keep themselves occupied all day long, playing with this and nosing at that. If one of a sudden your dog starts becoming lethargic and loses their appetite, or shows symptoms such as vomiting or coughing, it is normal for you to take notice and worry.
The first thing to do in such cases is to check the body temperature of the dog. If the temperature is 103º F or above, then your dog is suffering from a fever. To every concerned dog lover, keep reading this oneHOWTO article and find out what to give a dog with a fever to help them recover.
Keep your dog well-hydrated
The most important thing you can give your dog if they have a fever is plenty of water. You must make sure that your pooch is fully hydrated at all times, especially if they sweat or pant a lot. Give them small amounts of clean, fresh water at regular intervals.
In addition to water, consider offering ice chips if your dog is reluctant to drink. Ice chips can entice your pet to hydrate while also providing a cooling sensation. However, ensure that your dog consumes these slowly to avoid any choking hazard.
Chicken soup or broth
If your dog has a fever but refuses to drink water, give them something more enticing such as chicken soup or broth.
Chicken soup is an excellent way of keeping your feverish dog hydrated, and it will also give them lots of nutrients. When a dog suffers from fever, they will probably lose their appetite. At such time, homemade chicken soup or broth can be the best thing you can give a dog with a fever. Remove the pieces of chicken from the soup before feeding it to your dog.
Moreover, you can add a small amount of rice or cooked vegetables like carrots and peas to the broth. These ingredients can provide additional nutrients and energy, helping your dog recover more effectively.
Can you give aspirin to a dog with a fever?
This is a tricky question. Aspirin can be considered appropriate for dogs with a fever because of its antipyretic properties, but you should never give aspirin to your dog without consulting your vet first.
Human medication can prove fatal for dogs if you give them the wrong dosage, which will depend on your dog's weight. The approximate ratio is 325 mg aspirin per 140 lb of a dog's weight every 12 hours, but you should always check first.
Additionally, be aware that some dogs may have adverse reactions to aspirin, such as gastrointestinal issues. It's crucial to monitor your dog closely if your vet suggests aspirin as a treatment option.
Can you give pedialyte to a dog with a fever?
Pedialyte is a common medicine used to prevent dehydration in both kids and adults. When used properly, it is also good for dogs. However, the same warning as with aspirin applies. Never give your dog any medicine without asking your vet first.
The treatment with pedialyte for dogs usually consists of one part medicine for three parts water once a day.
It should be noted that flavored Pedialyte might contain artificial sweeteners or flavors that are not suitable for dogs. Always opt for the unflavored version to be safe.
Other measures to lower your dog's fever
There are other things you can do at home in order to lower your dog's fever:
- Use cold compresses to lower your dog's temperature. Put them under the dog's armpits for two minutes at the most, as sudden cold can cause shock and be counter-productive.
- Don't bathe your dog completely; instead, use lukewarm water to wash their armpits, stomach and groin. Remember to dry your pet properly, as leaving your feverish dog wet can cause a cold and worsen their condition.
- Encourage your dog to rest in a cool, shaded area. A quiet and comfortable environment can help prevent their body temperature from rising further.
If you need more details, take a look at our article on how to lower your dog's fever with home remedies.
What if your dog's fever gets worse?
If your dog's body temperature reaches 106º F (40º C) or more, then it is very important to visit the vet as soon as possible. Such high body temperatures can damage your pet’s internal organs and can even be a threat for their life.
In such cases, immediate veterinary intervention is crucial. The vet may administer intravenous fluids to quickly rehydrate your dog and stabilize their condition.
This is what to give a dog with a fever in order to help them recover. If you have any tips or doubts, please tell us in the comments section.
Always remember that while home remedies can be effective, professional veterinary advice is indispensable for ensuring the health and safety of your pet.
If you want to read similar articles to What to Give a Dog with Fever: Tips for Recovery, we recommend you visit our Pets category.