Normal temperature for a dog is 101 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3-39.2º Celsius), but anything above 103F is abnormally high and considered a fever. It can be mild, like in cases where your dog is coming down with a viral infection, but severe fevers can cause seizures or organs to shut down. It can be caused by infection, environment, or excessive exercise. Any temperature of 106ºF (41.1ºC) can be life-threatening and should be considered an emergency.
Symptoms of Fever in Dogs
Your dog can have a fever without showing any symptoms, or he may show some of the following:
– Lethargy
– Shivering
– Loss of appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Dehydration
– Panting
– Vomiting
– Coughing
– Nasal
– Discharge
Causes of Fever in Dogs
Causes of high temperature in dogs can include:
– Infection – When an infection is present the body will increase temperature to fight it off. A lot of bacteria, viruses and fungi are sensitive to heat and can’t survive at a higher body temperature.
– Inflammation/allergic response – Fever can be associated with these.
– Toxins – Consuming come poison materials may result in fever.
– Medication – Some medications may elevate body temperature
– Vaccination – As with infection, the body’s immune system will often respond to vaccination with a low grade fever. This fever may last up to 48 hours after vaccination.
– Fever of Unknown Origin – Sometimes the cause of fever cannot be determined. This is often the case with immune system abnormalities, blood and bone marrow disorders and cancer.
Diagnosis of Fever in Dogs
The very first step in determining if your dog has a fever is taking his temperature with a thermometer. Don’t use a human thermometer, as they’re not designed to measure your dog’s naturally higher body temperature. Digital thermometers designed for rectal use on your dog are available at pet stores.
To take a rectal temperature, rub the thermometer with a little baby oil or petroleum jelly and gently insert it about an inch, and keep it in place until it’s finished reading.
The vet will need a history of your pet’s symptoms, medication, recent events, and allergies. A physical exam will help your vet take note of any swollen lymph nodes, abdominal swelling, pain in the joints, and other signs of infection or abnormalities.
Your vet may also want to do a blood cell count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. They’ll examine the function of metabolic and endocrine systems and can tell if there’s any infection or other causes of your dog’s elevated body temperature. A radiograph can identify abnormalities in organ systems, cancer, or infections.
Treatment of Fever in Dogs
A temperature above 103ºF (39.4ºC) is a fever, and you ought to have a veterinarian examine your dog. A temperature at or above 106ºF (41.1ºC) is considered a medical emergency.
You can help bring his temperature down by wiping his paw pads and ears with a cool, wet washcloth, or wrapping ice packs in a towel and putting them on his chest and abdomen. A fan can also help.
Never use human medicines on your dog without the instruction of your veterinarian, especially because aspirin and acetaminophen are toxic to dogs.
Your vet will decide on a course of treatment based on the information gathered from your pet’s history, physical exam and diagnostic tests. IV fluids can help rehydrate your pet, and antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection. In severe cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying condition.
Recovery of Fever in Dogs
You’ll need to monitor your pet’s temperature at home, and report any increase in body temperature or let your vet know if your dog isn’t responding to treatment. Follow the instructions given to you for your dog’s treatment and medication administration very carefully. Your dog will also need adaquate food, water and rest. If possible, keep your dog away from children and other animals while he recovers.
Again, don’t treat your dog’s fever with human medicines unless your vet advises you to. If not properly treated, your dog’s fever can get worse and lead to life-threatening conditions.
