Understanding How Dogs Feel When They Have a Fever
Dogs, like humans, can develop fever as a response to illness, injury, or infection. However, unlike humans, dogs cannot tell us when they feel unwell, making it vital for pet owners to recognize the signs and understand the implications of fever in their pets.
What Is a Fever in Dogs?
A fever in dogs is defined as a body temperature above the normal range of 100°F to 102.5°F (38.1°C to 39.2°C). When a dog’s temperature climbs above 103°F, it is considered a fever. Temperatures over 106°F are a medical emergency due to the risk of severe complications and damage to internal organs.
Common Causes of Fever in Dogs
Many underlying issues can cause your dog to develop a fever. These include:
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
- Abscessed or infected tooth
- Infected wounds, bites, or scratches
- Autoimmune or immune-mediated conditions
- Inflammation or cancer
- Side effects from vaccination
- Ingestion of toxins (e.g., antifreeze, harmful plants, medications)
- Bone marrow disorders
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)
How Does a Dog Feel During a Fever?
A dog with a fever may feel very unwell, weak, and tired. They may:
- Become lethargic and lie down more often
- Lose interest in food or water
- Shiver or tremble involuntarily
- Show signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea
- Have noticeably warm ears or a dry, hot nose
- Appear to have red or glassy-looking eyes
- Pant excessively or have rapid breathing
- Exhibit stiffness or reluctance to move
These behavioral changes may be observed before any fever is confirmed, and are often the first signs that alert an owner something might be wrong.
How to Accurately Check Your Dog’s Temperature
To confirm a fever, you must measure your dog’s rectal temperature using a digital or veterinary thermometer. Here are the steps:
- Lubricate the thermometer’s tip
- Gently lift the dog’s tail
- Insert it about one inch into the rectum
- Wait for the device to register the temperature, then remove it
While ear thermometers may provide reasonable results, the rectal method remains most reliable and is recommended. Measuring by feel (e.g., touch of nose) is not accurate.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your dog’s temperature is above 103°F, it's advised to contact a veterinarian. Emergencies include:
- Fever reaching or exceeding 106°F
- Severe lethargy or collapse
- Neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, confusion)
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Blood in vomit or stools
What You Can Do at Home
While waiting for veterinary advice, the following steps can help manage a mild fever:
- Apply cool, damp cloths to the ears and paws
- Use a fan to aid cooling
- Stop cooling procedures once body temperature drops below 103°F
- Offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration
Do NOT administer human medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as these are toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
Diagnosis and Veterinary Treatment
Veterinarians will likely perform:
- A physical exam
- Bloodwork (CBC, serum chemistry)
- Urinalysis and cultures
- X-rays or ultrasound
- Specialized cultures or serological testing based on symptoms
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Antibiotics or antifungal meds for infections
- IV fluids for dehydration
- Immune-suppressive drugs for autoimmune conditions
- Cancer therapies when applicable
Prognosis for Dogs with Fever
With prompt and appropriate treatment, most dogs with fever recover well. However, high or persistent fevers require serious evaluation to avoid organ damage or other complications.
Conclusion
Fever in dogs is not just an indicator of elevated temperature—it’s a sign of underlying health issues. While your dog may simply appear tired or off, paying close attention to subtle behavioral changes can allow for early intervention. Always measure temperature accurately and seek veterinary care when needed.
