Fever in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know 2024

Did you know that dogs can also get a fever? Although it's not always easy to spot, a fever in dogs is a sign that something is affecting the proper functioning of their body. Just like humans, dogs can experience fever as a response to infections, inflammation, pain, and many other causes. How do you know if your dog has a fever? What are the symptoms you should look out for? On Waggy's blog, we're going to explore everything you need to know about fever in dogs, how to identify it, what to do if your dog has one, and when it's urgent to take your dog to the vet. Read on to learn how to care for your pet in these moments!

What is fever?

Fever is a condition in which your dog's body temperature rises above 39°C (103°F) in adults and above 39.6°C (103°F) in puppies. Your dog's temperature may vary slightly depending on factors such as activity, time of day or environment, but in general, this is the accepted average for a healthy pet. To measure your dog's temperature, it is most accurate to do so rectally using a suitable digital thermometer.

Causes of fever in dogs

Fever in dogs can be a sign of a variety of causes. Some of the most common ones include:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can cause fever in dogs. Infections such as parvovirus, leptospirosis or pyometra are some of the most common.
• Inflammatory diseases: Disorders such as inflammatory arthritis or autoimmune diseases can cause fever as a response from the body.
• Reactions to medications or vaccines: Some dogs may develop fever as an allergic reaction to some component of some medications or vaccines.
• Infected wounds: Your dog may have a fever as the body is fighting the infection generated by the wound.
• Cancer: Some types of cancer can cause fever as one of the symptoms because some immune system cells that are stimulated release chemicals that promote an increase in temperature.
• Dental Problems: Serious dental infections, causing inflammation, bleeding and sometimes abscesses can cause fever due to the infection.

There are other causes of elevated temperature, but it is not considered fever because the temperature rises very quickly compared to fever, which rises gradually. A clear example is heat stroke, caused mainly by exposure to hot climates for a long time or by performing some physical activity. It is important to act quickly in this type of case, because the temperature rises in a short time, and if it is not controlled, it has serious consequences.

It's important to monitor your dog for any signs of fever, such as an increased body temperature (above 39.5°C), lethargy, loss of appetite, or shivering. If you suspect your dog has a fever, it's best to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of fever in dogs

Fever symptoms in dogs can vary depending on the cause, but some common signs that your dog may have a fever include:

• Elevated temperature: The most reliable way to tell if your dog has a fever is to take his rectal temperature. A normal temperature for dogs is 38°C to 39°C. If it is over 39.5°C, he probably has a fever.
• Lethargy or excessive tiredness: If your dog is more tired than usual, is less active or has difficulty getting up, this may be a sign of fever.
• Rapid or labored breathing: Fever can cause your dog to breathe faster than usual as a mechanism to dissipate heat through panting, but this can affect his breathing over a prolonged period of time.
• Dry or hot nose: Although it is not always a clear indication, the nose of a dog with a fever may appear more dry or hot to the touch.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: If your dog has a fever caused by a digestive infection, he may experience vomiting or diarrhea.
• Red gums: The body sends more blood to the blood vessels that are in greater contact with the environment so that the air or water cools the blood that passes through there, which is why your dog's gums become redder than normal.
• Restlessness or abnormal behavior: Some dogs may become more restless or look for a cool place to rest when their temperature is elevated.
• Loss of appetite: Dogs with fever often show little or no interest in food as they need to rehydrate.

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If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is recommended that you take him to the vet to determine the cause of the fever and receive appropriate treatment. Fever in dogs should not be ignored, as it may be a sign of a condition that needs professional attention.

How to lower a dog's fever? Treatment

To safely lower a dog's fever, it's important to approach the problem gradually and very carefully. Here, Waggy's tells you some steps you can take, but always under the supervision or recommendation of a veterinarian.

• Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Fever can lead to dehydration, so keeping him hydrated is essential. You can offer water with a syringe (without a needle) if he is not drinking on his own.
• Cold compresses: Dampen a washcloth with cool (not ice-cold) water and gently place it on your dog's legs, abdomen, and head. This can help to gradually lower the body temperature. Avoid using very cold water or ice, as cooling the dog too quickly can be dangerous and cause thermal shock.
• Cool environment: Keep your dog in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. If possible, turn on a fan or air conditioner to keep the room temperature under control. Don't wrap your dog in blankets or leave him in a hot place, as this could make his fever worse.
• Veterinary medication: Never administer medications such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen without the recommendation of a veterinarian. These medications can be extremely toxic to dogs. If your veterinarian deems it necessary, he or she can prescribe a specific medication to safely reduce your dog's fever.
• Treating the cause : Fever is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Your veterinarian must identify the underlying cause of the fever, such as infections, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases. Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, or even intravenous fluids if necessary.

Remember that fever in dogs is often a symptom that it may be associated with an infection, inflammation, or even an autoimmune disorder. Never attempt to administer medications intended for humans, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as these can be very toxic to dogs. Veterinary intervention is essential to treat the cause of the fever and ensure your pet recovers safely. If visits to the vet are causing stress and anxiety for your dog, consider using Waggy's CBD Olive Oil with HEMP for dogs, with prior approval from your veterinarian. Remember that the use of any HEMP product should be supervised by your pet's veterinarian. At Waggy's, we care about the health and well-being of your furry companion every step of the way.

Can a dog die from fever?

Fever itself is not fatal, but if a dog's body temperature reaches levels above 41°C, it can cause damage to vital organs and lead to heat shock, which can result in death. Fever can also be a sign of a serious infection, disease, or inflammation, which, if left untreated, can result in serious complications.

It's crucial to take fever in dogs seriously and seek veterinary care quickly if the temperature reaches dangerous levels or if your dog shows signs of being very ill, such as extreme lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. Early and proper treatment of the fever and the cause can help prevent serious complications and save your pet's life.

Conclusion

Fever in dogs is an important symptom that should not be ignored, as it can be indicative of an infection or a more serious illness. It is essential to monitor your dog's temperature and seek veterinary attention if he or she shows signs of fever, especially if it exceeds 40°C. With a proper diagnosis and the correct treatment, most dogs recover without problems. Always remember that fever is just a sign that something is not right, so it is key to act quickly to protect your pet's health.