Apart from many mild to chronic diseases, just like human beings, dogs go through many types of fevers as well. Unlike a human body temperature which on average is 99.6°, a dog's normal body temperature ranges from 101 degrees to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Normally temperature of more than 103° F is considered febrile in dogs and when it reaches 106 degrees, fatal complications can occur. This article deals with different types of fever and what can be the cause of potent complications.
Also Read: Tick Fever: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. The Reason Behind Your Doggie’s Lethargy
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How To Check Your Pet’s Temperature
Perhaps all dog owners rely on age-old ways to see if their dog has a fever. The most popular ones are feeling his nose. If the nose of a dog is wet and cold, the pooch is considered in pink health. If it is hot and dry, he or she probably has a fever. Well, there is nothing wrong with using this old-time trick, but sometimes the nose test alone is not enough for an accurate assessment of the presence of fever, and it may cause risk to your dog’s health. A pet thermometer is the most reliable way to check if your dog is out of range and running a fever. There are digital versions of rectal, or ear thermometers made for pets which are a reliable way to take your dog’s temperature. It can easily detect the infrared heat waves that are getting emitted from areas surrounding the ears and eardrums.
Signs of Fever in Dogs
Since the dog will not be able to convey the symptoms that can indicate the presence of fever in dogs, here are the most common signs that can help:
- Lethargy
- Warm dry nose and warm ears
- Refusal to eat
- Shivering
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Change in behavior or tantrums
- Trying to hide in a corner
Causes Of Canine Fever
Internal or external infections or inflammation can produce a fever in pets which the body attempts to fight off. Some of the causes are:
- An infected bite, scratch, or cut
- Ear infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Infected or abscessed tooth
- An ongoing bacterial or viral disease
- Infection in kidneys or lungs
- Use of human medications
- Ingesting a toxic substance or toxic plant
- 24–48 hours after vaccines have been administered
When To Visit The Vet?
A thermometer touching 103 degrees or higher is febrile and it is time to head to the veterinarian. If the temperature goes over 105 degrees, it can damage a pet’s internal organs or can even turn fatal, so never wait until it reaches that point. For any vet, diagnosing the underlying cause can be tricky, but if he or she is your pet’s regular doctor, there must be a record of your dog’s medical history, about vaccines, surgeries, allergies, medications, and past illnesses if any. If you are taking your furry buddy to a new doctor, carry his medical history and certificates. Inform the vet of when you first noticed the fever, recent physical injuries, ingestion of toxic substances or plants, and so on. After the physical exam, your vet may ask for detailed laboratory tests, such as urinalysis or blood count which can provide useful information about an underlying condition or infection. In case of a severe infection, your dog may be prescribed medication.
How To Reduce A Dog’s Fever?
While you are on the move to head to the veterinarian which is extremely important, try to reduce a pet’s fever by yourself. To begin with, apply cold water around your pet’s paws and ears. Soak towel or cloth, or a dog cooling vest in case you have one. Continue to monitor the temperature, and the moment it drops below 103, you can stop applying the water. However, you will need to monitor your dog closely until the fever goes down or the pet has reached the vet clinic. You must never give your dog human medication without a veterinary prescription. To be safer side, always keep emergency pet medicines with you.
