Trying to figure out if your dog has a fever is next to impossible. With a child, it’s a thermometer to the tongue. But, in case of pets, their behavior also notes a fever. They don’t want to play or have a special treat. Seeing your dog look up at you with those sad eyes easily breaks the heart.
A dog’s average temperature is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, a dog has a fever when its temperature has risen to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
How does a dog communicate that they have a fever? Bringing a talking collar looks like an easy way out. As the parent of a dog, it’s your job to note when they’re not feeling well. Ignoring your dog’s health is an awful choice.
There are many different techniques used to note if a dog has a fever. The musical notes to ‘Hallelujah’ already sound its lovely tone.
However, beyond all other possibilities, this article provides nine signs on how to tell if your dog has a fever. Additionally, you will also get to know how to take care of your special friend.
Table of Contents
Feeling Your Dog’s Nose
Similar to feeling your child’s head, feeling your dog’s nose is the first key that something is not right. If their nose is cold and wet, then they’re healthy. Also, if their nose is warm, that’s when you should express concern.
However, a dog’s nose is not the most accurate test. Don’t go off on just that sign. A warm nose is not full confirmation that your dog has a fever.
Other Signs Include:
- Red Eyes
- Warm, Dry Nose
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Shivering
- Vomiting
- Warm Ears
- Loss of Appetite
- Mild, Dry Nose
The Causes of a Dog’s Fever
An infection or inflammation either exhibiting on the external or internal part of the dog is the primary concern for fevers in dogs. Maybe, a solution is only trying to get rid of infection or inflammatory from different conditions.
If a dog has ingested poisonous material that also can cause a fever. Immediately contact a pet hospital to notify the incident. Your dog will directly be given treatments and vaccinations throughout 24-48 hours.
Causes of a fever include
- A bite or a scratch that has become infected
- An infected ear
- Urinary tract infection
- An infected or abscessed tooth
- Bacterial or viral disease
- Kidney or lung infection
- Vaccinations: A fever from a vaccination injection is not too serious
Poisonous Injections Include
- Toxic Plants
- Antifreeze
- Human Medications
- Certain human foods that are toxic to dogs
How do I take my Dog’s Temperature?
No, you will not be able to take your dog’s temperature the way your child does. It’s not the most suitable, but the way you need to get your dog’s temperature is to take a rectal thermometer and gently insert it up your dog’s behind.
It’s highly significant that a specific jelly (petroleum gel or baby oil) is lubricated first so your furry friend won’t be painfully discomforted. As soon as you get the reading, take the thermometer out. Rectal thermometers are the accurate thermometers to see if your dog’s fever is high.
Don’t worry; there is probably another way to take your dog’s temperature which is more suitable. Take the thermometer and place it inside your dog’s ear canal using an ear thermometer.
In this way, his temperature will be notified to you in sixty seconds or less. Then their temperature is read through the heat waves surrounding the ear lobe.
Other pet parents mostly recommend this technique. And ear thermometers are a lot more comfortable to use, both for the pet owner and your furry pal.
When is the Right Time to Bring my Dog to the Vet?
First of all, if your dog has a fever between 103-106 degrees Fahrenheit, then it’s time to call your veterinarian for a visit. Temperatures that are higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit are hazardous. The fever could affect their internal organs and other fatal concerns. Therefore, don’t wait.
It’s hard for the vet to diagnose your dog immediately. Vets keep the Records on file regarding your dog’s medical history, but it may not help the case so much. Thus, the vet will conduct a physical test, examinations such as urinalysis, blood count, or a biochemistry file. It will also be helpful to notify them about what your dog has ingested throughout the day. Then there will be a more precise diagnosis.
If the reason behind a dog’s fever is not determined, then the vet will tell us this acronym: FUO (Fever of Unknown Origin).
Other Causes of Unknown Fever Include
- Disorders of the immune system
- Problems with Bone Marrow
- Undiagnosed Infections
- Cancer
How to Bring a Dog’s Fever Down
Fill a tub with ice-cold water and then let your dog’s paws sit in it. Moreover, splash some cold water around the ears by using a piece of cloth or a towel. A fan can also be turned on to give your dog a nice steady breeze against them. Pay close attention to their temperature to note when you can stop.
Drinking water is also an essential tip. Everyone needs to drink water to stay hydrated. If dogs don’t want to drink any water, it’s best not to force it. Never give your dog, or even a cat, certain medications that you use to make yourself feel better. Human medicine is toxic.
Take note that even if your dog’s fever has vanished, it may not have gone away completely. If symptoms continue, notify your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Never ignore your dog’s health. You will regret it. Take care of your furry guy and study their symptoms. Now pet parents have an idea on how to take your dog’s temperature. Caring for your dog is almost the same as taking care of a child.
Watching your poor four-legged friend look sick is the worst feeling on the heart. Don’t worry. If you’re doing everything to bring down the fever, then you’re an excellent pet parent.
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