If you are familiar with the tried and true method of checking if your dog has a fever, if his nose is wet and cold he’s fine but if his nose is hot and dry your dog has a fever. Usually, you can detect a temperature change in the dog. Is he suffering from a fever? Perhaps he doesn’t.
There’s a good chance that your dog’s normal body temperature is higher than yours; most dogs normally run from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so he may seem particularly warm to you at any given time. Because of this, it is important that dog owners know what signs and symptoms to look for in their dogs in order to recognize fever.
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Fever in dogs has several symptoms that you should consider.
The standard for a dog experiencing a fever is a temperature of at least 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The dog will also exhibit symptoms such as panting, lethargy, or acting tired, shivering, and trembling.
The dog’s ears may also become very hot and swollen. He might also experience other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing if his fever is caused by an illness. A dog with a fever may be thirsty, but it is unlikely that they are hungry, so it won’t eat if they don’t need to.
The temperature of your dog cannot be determined by his nose. The nose of a cold person will often feel warm and dry if the air is too dry and warm. When it comes to diagnosing a fever, you should not rely on the “nose touch”.
Take your dog’s temperature to determine if he has a fever and if so, what the severity of it is. To make sure you are aware of your dog’s normal behavior, it is ideal to do this only once or twice when he is feeling well.
The following are some of the most common signs to look for:
- Intense redness in the eyes
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Feeling warm in the ears
- Having a lack of appetite
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Dry, warm nose
- Shivering
What is the cause of a dog’s fever?
A dog’s fever can be caused by a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Among them are:
- An infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses
- Infection of the ear
- Bites, scratches, or cuts that are infected
- Abscess or infection of the tooth
- Infection of the urinary tract
- Dogs ingest poisonous plants, human medications, or food poisoning by humans
It is not always possible to determine whether a dog is feverish. FUO is a term commonly used to describe this kind of fever. Associated with underlying immune system disorders, cancer, or bone marrow problems, fever can be caused in these situations.
Here’s how to take your dog’s temperature
It may not be the most enjoyable activity you and your dog will ever share, but a rectal or ear thermometer is necessary to accurately assess his temperature. Today, digital thermometers designed specifically for pets are available.
It is a good idea to keep one of these in your dog’s first-aid kit. This device can take his temperature in about 60 seconds, reducing discomfort for him (and you). Using a digital thermometer for rectal use is the most effective way to check your dog’s temperature.
You can find pet-specific thermometers in pet stores. Keeping your dog’s thermometer separate from other supplies is recommended.
Apply lubricant to the thermometer’s tip by dipping it in petroleum or water. Your dog’s tail should be lifted until its tail reaches its rectum, then the thermometer should be inserted about an inch into its rectum.
Hold under the dog’s hind legs with a second person to prevent the dog from sitting. Take the thermometer out carefully when the temperature is recorded.
The ear thermometer is a less invasive method for taking your dog’s temperature, yet still provides accurate results. Emissions of infrared heat waves around the eardrum are detected. Obtaining an accurate reading requires placing a thermometer deep within the horizontal ear canal.
The cost of ear thermometers is generally higher, but your dog will thank you for being willing to spend a little more money. Make sure you read every instruction carefully. Glass thermometers should not be used.
Taking Care of Your Feverish Dog
As with us, if your dog has a fever, he may be uncomfortable as well as us. In order to comfort him, it is better if you provide him with a place that is quiet, cool, and quiet. You can provide him with fresh, cool water to drink.
If he feels overheated, you can apply a cool compress to his groin or to his paws to prevent him from overheating. You can also use alcohol wipes on the paws, but only wipes can also be used on the paws sparingly.
If your dog’s temperature is over 103 degrees F, you should consult your veterinarian, or at the very least take your dog to your veterinarian. He needs to be treated for an underlying cause of fever if he wants to bring down his temperature. Don’t administer medication without consulting your veterinarian first.
When to Take Your Dog to the Vet
Temperatures of 103 degrees or higher are considered feverish in dogs. If your dog has a fever of this kind, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. The internal organs of a pet can be damaged or even killed if its body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher. Don’t wait until the pet reaches this point before bringing him or her to the vet.
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A veterinarian may struggle to diagnose the underlying reason for a pet’s behavior once it’s in the clinic. Generally, a veterinarian will keep a file on the health history of the dog, including vaccinations, surgeries, allergies, medications, and previous illnesses.
Moreover, it is very important to inform the veterinarian if you have recently suffered a physical injury, ingested plants or other poisons, or if you have been bitten by an insect. In addition to the time you noticed the fever, your veterinarian will also want to know when it began.
Be sure to discuss the health condition of your pet with your veterinarian prior to ordering routine laboratory tests such as a urinalysis, blood count, or a biochemistry profile. They are often useful to diagnose conditions and illnesses. Diagnostic tests can give insight into underlying illnesses and conditions. Some tests may be more specific than others.
The root cause of a fever is sometimes difficult to determine. FUO (Fever of Unknown Origin) is even an acronym used by vets.
