HEALTH
6 min
My Dog Has a Fever! What Should I Do?
Worried your dog has a fever? Dr. Rohit shares a detailed guide on checking their temperature, spotting danger signs, and knowing when to rush to the vet.
Table of contents
A fever in dogs is more than just a high temperature—it’s a symptom that often points to an underlying issue like infection or inflammation. The typical sequelae of fever in dogs can often include lethargy and sleepiness as their body focuses on recovery. The exact rise in the body temperature can also provide valuable diagnostic insights into specific root causes of the fever.
By recognizing these signs and accurately tracking your dog’s temperature, you can help your veterinarian diagnose the problem more quickly.
By recognizing these signs and accurately tracking your dog’s temperature, you can help your veterinarian diagnose the problem more quickly.
What Exactly Happens When My Dog Has Fever?
A fever happens when certain chemicals called pyrogens are released into the body. They can come from external sources such as foreign organisms or drugs (exogenous) or from the body’s own cells (endogenous). These pyrogens activate “fever neurons” that further send signals to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body’s thermostat. The hypothalamus is responsible for thermoregulation and elevates the body temperature.
The higher temperatures help the body fight infections by making it harder for certain microorganisms to grow inside the body. They also help carry out certain reactions of the immune system that help keep the body safe, fight off infections, and support healing.
However, in non-infection conditions, a fever can be harmful and may interfere with the dog’s normal bodily functions.
The higher temperatures help the body fight infections by making it harder for certain microorganisms to grow inside the body. They also help carry out certain reactions of the immune system that help keep the body safe, fight off infections, and support healing.
However, in non-infection conditions, a fever can be harmful and may interfere with the dog’s normal bodily functions.
What Causes Fever in Dogs?
Various conditions can cause a fever in dogs. Some of the common reasons are:
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases can cause fevers, and the temperature the body reaches can help identify the type of infection
- Immune reactions: Fevers can sometimes occur after vaccinations or during allergies when the immune system is activated.
- Inflammation: The body’s normal response to injury, illness, or foreign substances can lead to a fever.
- Cancers: Certain cancers, like lymphoma and leukaemia, may cause a fever.
- Drug reactions: Some medications or substances can cause a fever as a reaction in dogs.
- Unknown origin: If no clear cause for the fever is found, it’s called "Fever of Unknown Origin" (FUO).
What Is a Dog’s Normal Temperature?
A dog's normal temperature will depend on their age group. Depending on that different temperatures are considered a fever:
- For puppies under 6 months, a body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) is considered a fever.
- For adult dogs, a temperature above 102.5°F (39.1°C) is concerning.
- If your dog’s temperature rises above 105°F (40.5°C), it’s a medical emergency, and you should take them to a vet immediately.
How to Measure and Identify Fever in Your Dog?
There are several ways to spot a fever in your dog:
- Thermometer: The most accurate way to measure a dog’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer. Insert the thermometer about an inch into the dog’s anus, using a lubricant like Vaseline. Gently press it to the side or roof of the rectum until you get a reading. Keep a separate thermometer for your dog in your canine first aid kit and clean it with alcohol before and after use.
- Note: Infrared thermometers aren’t accurate for checking your dog’s temperature.
- Relative body temperature: You can get a rough idea of your dog’s temperature by touching and holding certain areas like the ears, underbelly, and gums for a few seconds. Our dog's body temperature is usually higher than a human’s. So, to understand what’s normal for your dog, feel these areas regularly, especially when you visit the vet and they have a normal body temperature.
- Other symptoms: A fever in dogs is often accompanied by symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, dehydration, shivering, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive panting, and cold extremities.
Video credits: Parker's Paw Animal Hospital
How is Fever in Dogs Treated?
Based on the diagnosis of the root cause of the fever, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antipyretics, fluids, and supportive care to manage the fever. Be sure to share any recent injuries, exposures, or anything unusual your dog may have eaten—it can help pinpoint the cause and ensure proper treatment.
Temporary Dog Fever Treatment at Home
Instead of using random medicines to lower your dog's fever, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause and treat it accordingly. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose and manage the condition. In the interim, here are some ways you can provide supportive care at home:
Temporary Dog Fever Treatment at Home
Instead of using random medicines to lower your dog's fever, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause and treat it accordingly. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose and manage the condition. In the interim, here are some ways you can provide supportive care at home:
- Cool Your Dog Down: Apply wet towels or cold packs, but only as a temporary measure. If the fever persists, a vet visit is essential. You can remove cold packs or towels once it returns to normal (102.5°F).
- Monitor Temperature & Track Fever Patterns: Record your dog's temperature and note the timing and frequency of the fever. Persistent, recurrent, or biphasic fevers may be characteristic of specific disease conditions.
- Ensure Hydration: Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. Fevers can cause dehydration, so keeping your dog hydrated helps them cope better.
- Address Pain-Related Fevers: Conditions like arthritis can cause fevers. Talk to your vet about appropriate pain relief.
- Prioritize Rest & Comfort: Let your dog rest and recover. Your presence can be reassuring and help them feel more at ease.
Important Considerations for Managing Fever in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has a fever, here are some crucial things to keep in mind before taking action.
- Urgent Vet Visit: If your dog is also experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or incoordination, don’t delay—seek veterinary care immediately.
- Never Self-Medicate: Do not give human medicines like paracetamol, as even a slight overdose can cause serious health issues. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are extremely toxic to dogs and should never be used. Only give medications prescribed by your vet, ensuring the correct dosage.
- High Fever Risks: Fevers above 105°F lasting more than 48 hours can be life-threatening, potentially causing brain damage, clotting issues, and bone marrow suppression. Immediate treatment is crucial.
- Medical Records Matter: Always have access to your dog’s medical history, including current medications, diet, bowel habits, activities, and any changes in behaviour. These details can help the vet diagnose the issue accurately.
- Fever vs. Hyperthermia: Fever is a systemic response, while hyperthermia (body temperature over 103.5°F) is caused by external factors like heatstroke or excessive exercise with poor heat dissipation. Hyperthermia is a medical emergency.
- Herbal Remedies: Many herbal anti-pyretic products are marketed for dogs, but they are only supplementary. They should never be relied upon as the primary treatment, as most have little to no effect on reducing fever.
FAQs on Dog Fever
Q: Can dogs recover from fever on their own?
A: Mild fevers may resolve without intervention if the underlying cause is minor and the immune system successfully fights it off. However, persistent or high fevers require veterinary attention to prevent serious complications.
Q: How long does a dog’s fever last?
A: The duration of a dog’s fever depends on its cause. A mild fever may last around 24 hours, but if it continues for more than 48 hours or exceeds 105°F, immediate veterinary care is necessary to avoid life-threatening risks.
Q: How long does a dog’s fever last?
A: The duration of a dog’s fever depends on its cause. A mild fever may last around 24 hours, but if it continues for more than 48 hours or exceeds 105°F, immediate veterinary care is necessary to avoid life-threatening risks.
Final Thoughts
Fever is the body’s way of signalling that something isn’t right, but treating it effectively means looking beyond just reducing the temperature. Identifying the root cause and seeking timely veterinary care is essential to prevent complications.
Monitoring your dog’s temperature accurately, avoiding self-medication, and keeping track of any recent changes can make a significant difference in their recovery. By staying observant and proactive, you can help your vet provide the best possible care and ensure your dog gets back to feeling their best.
Happy pet parenting!
Monitoring your dog’s temperature accurately, avoiding self-medication, and keeping track of any recent changes can make a significant difference in their recovery. By staying observant and proactive, you can help your vet provide the best possible care and ensure your dog gets back to feeling their best.
Happy pet parenting!
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