Quickly detecting that your dog’s temperature has risen is essential to prevent his health from getting worse. Although we dream that our pet could tell us out loud that he is not well, but since (today) it is not possible, we have to find other ways to know if he is well.
Stay alert for these recognizable signs that your dog has a fever. Do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian for the well-being of your pet when you notice a rise in temperature.
Signs that your dog has a fever
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, take his temperature. In case of not having the appropriate tools, the veterinarian can do it in a review.
Changes in the look and feel of your nose
Dogs’ noses tend to be hotter and drier than normal. You may also notice an increase in nasal secretions.
His eyes cry
It is common that when the temperature rises, pets with a fever have their eyes water or appear cloudy.
Touching him is hotter
As with humans, a fever means that the body is hotter than usual. Therefore, it is recommended that you touch your pet to check if its temperature has risen.
If your dog has tremors
Fever, especially when it is very high, causes tremors and chills.
Vomiting and diarrhea
It is common that, together with the rise in temperature, the dog suffers from vomiting or diarrhea.
Don’t feel like playing
Fever also causes changes in your dog’s behavior. If the temperature is high, you will notice that he has less desire to play, that he is more tired than usual, that he seems a little sad…
Some dogs react aggressively because they are not feeling well.
Your dog complains
If he has a fever, your dog may be in aches and pains. For this reason, it is possible that he emits moans and small howls caused by discomfort.
Lack of appetite
Even the most eater will stop being hungry with the fever. However, you should not forget to feed him and give him water. If you can’t get him to drink, use a syringe to get the liquid into his mouth and keep him well hydrated.
Why does my dog have a fever?
As in humans, when a fever appears there is some kind of disease and infection. The rise in temperature is a defense mechanism of the body against a pathogen that is doing damage. However, there are also other situations where your dog’s temperature may be higher than normal.
When it is very hot in summer, it is normal for your dog’s temperature to be somewhat higher. This also occurs when your pet has been doing a lot of physical exercise.
- Fever can also be a symptom of a lung infection.
- It is possible that your dog has a kidney problem that has caused an infection.
- Infections can also occur in the brain, in a wound, etc.
- Some types of fungus can also cause fevers.
- Certain vaccines react with fever.
- Immunological disorders can also raise the temperature.
- Poisoning can cause fever, as well as some internal and external parasites.
How to take your pet’s temperature?
- The best way to know what your dog’s temperature is is to do it with a rectal thermometer. This means that you will insert the device through the anus, so you must do it with caution.
- Don’t forget to lubricate it with a little Vaseline so as not to hurt it and, once you’re done, wash it well. She tries to relax him with caresses and sweet words so that it doesn’t become too unpleasant an experience. You may need the help of another person to hold it.
- You can try two types of thermometers:
- Using a digital thermometer is the most recommended because it will be a faster and more reliable process.
- Using a mercury thermometer carries the danger that it may break if the dog moves too much.
How to lower your pet’s fever?
- The best way to lower your dog’s fever is with the treatment recommended by the vet. But there are some guidelines that you cannot forget.
- Use a towel dipped in cold (but not frozen) water to apply to face, underarms, or groin.
- Give him a bath with lukewarm water and dry his hair well so that he doesn’t catch a river.
What is your dog’s normal temperature?
- Normally, dogs have a body temperature higher than ours. Therefore, it seems that they are always very hot. It’s not that they always have a fever, but that’s their normal fever level. Therefore, it is difficult to realize that it has risen.
- When your dog is not sick or has a fever, his body temperature is between 38.5 degrees and 39.5 degrees. When the thermometer marks more temperature, then your pet is not feeling well. When 41 degrees are reached, the fever is more worrisome. Its consequences can be very serious for the pet’s health.
- There are some circumstances that can change the average temperature of your pet: during pregnancy, lactation, when they are puppies, when they are very old…
- When you start to notice that your dog has a fever, go quickly to the vet so that they can find the cause and recommend the best treatment for your aso.
