Recognizing the Signs of Fever in Dogs
When your dog isn't acting like themselves, it's natural to worry. Fever in dogs can be tricky to spot because the symptoms often sneak up quietly and can easily be mistaken for something less serious. Knowing what to look for helps you respond quickly and keep your furry friend safe.
What Counts as a Fever in Dogs?
A dog's normal body temperature falls between 101°F and 102.5°F, which is higher than what humans experience. Anything over 103°F is considered a fever in dogs. If their temperature ever hits 106°F or higher, that's an emergency—internal organs could be at risk.
The Most Reliable Way to Detect Fever
You might've heard that a warm or dry nose means your dog has a fever. That's just a myth. The only way to know for sure is to use a rectal digital thermometer. Here's how:
- Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or water-based lubricant.
- Gently insert it about one inch into your dog's rectum (having another person help hold your dog makes this easier).
- Wait for the reading—digital pet thermometers are quick and accurate.
Avoid using human ear thermometers; they're not made for dogs and won't give you reliable results.
Common Signs Your Dog Has a Fever
The symptoms of fever vary from dog to dog and can range from mild to severe. Watch for these warning signs:
- Lethargy or decreased energy—your dog seems tired or less playful than usual.
- Loss of appetite—they turn away from food or treats they normally love.
- Shivering—even when it's not cold.
- Panting more than normal.
- Vomiting or diarrhea—sometimes both.
- Coughing or sneezing—especially if paired with other symptoms.
- Nasal discharge—a runny nose that's new for them.
- Warm ears and/or nose—though this isn't reliable on its own.
- Red or glassy-looking eyes—they may seem more watery too.
- Depression or unusual behavior—they may hide, whine, or act withdrawn.
If you notice several of these together—or any sudden change in behavior—it’s time to check their temperature and possibly call your vet if it’s elevated.
Why Do Dogs Get Fevers?
The causes are wide-ranging. Some common reasons include:
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (affecting organs like kidneys, lungs, skin)
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- An infected bite, scratch, or cut
- Dental issues like tooth abscesses
- Eaten something toxic (certain medications, foods, plants)
- A reaction after vaccination (usually mild and short-lived)
Sometimes the cause can't be found—that's called fever of unknown origin (FUO).
Treating and Monitoring Your Dog’s Fever
If your dog's temperature is between 103°F and 106°F but they're otherwise stable:
- Dampen their ears and paws with cool (not cold) water using a cloth or towel.
- Aim a fan gently at those damp areas to help lower body heat.
Encourage small sips of water but never force them. Stop cooling once their temperature drops below 103°F. Never give human medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin—they're highly toxic for dogs!
When Should You Call the Vet?
- If the fever lasts more than 24 hours.
- Your dog’s temperature rises above 104.5°F at any point.
- You see persistent vomiting, blood in vomit/stool, extreme lethargy, or other severe symptoms.
Your vet will examine your dog and may run tests—bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays—to find out what's causing the fever. Treatment depends on what they find: antibiotics for infections; antifungal/antiviral meds; sometimes immune-suppressants if it's an autoimmune issue; even cancer therapies if needed.
The Bottom Line on Canine Fever Symptoms
- Lethargy and loss of appetite are among the first things you’ll notice when your dog has a fever.
- The only way to be sure is by taking their temperature rectally with a pet-specific digital thermometer.
If you're ever unsure about your dog's health—or if they seem off in ways you can't explain—don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Early action makes all the difference when it comes to fevers in dogs!
