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Fever in Dogs - Signs, Causes, and Treatment
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As a pet parent, few things are more worrying than suspecting your dog might have a fever. Unlike humans, who can tell us they’re feeling unwell, dogs heavily rely on us to notice the signs. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for dog fever will allow you to take better steps to secure your pet's health.
What is a Dog's Normal Temperature?
A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 99.5°F to 102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.2°C), significantly higher than the human normal of 97.6°F to 99.6°F. The only reliable way to check your dog’s temperature is with a digital rectal thermometer. A reading of 103°F (39.4°C) or above is considered a dog fever and warrants attention. A temperature of 106°F (41.1°C) or higher is a veterinary emergency.
What Are The Signs of Fever in Dogs?
Dogs can’t tell us they are not feeling well, but their bodies give clues. Here are some common dog fever symptoms and signs you need to watch out for:
- Lethargy, low energy, or reluctance to move or play
- Loss of appetite or refusal to drink
- Shivering or trembling
- Warm or red ears
- Dry or warm nose
- Red or glassy-looking eyes
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting or diarrhea in some cases
What Causes Fever in Dogs?
A fever is the body’s natural immune response to an infection, inflammation, or foreign substance. Common causes of fever in dogs include:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections anywhere in the body
- Tick-borne diseases: Particularly important in the Philippines, where ehrlichiosis and other tick-borne illnesses are common causes of fever
- Immune-mediated diseases: The immune system attacks the body’s own tissues
- Toxins: Ingestion of toxic substances, including certain plants, human foods, or medications
- Post-vaccination reaction: A mild, short-lived fever within 24-48 hours of vaccination is normal
- Cancer: In some cases, especially in dogs with a persistent fever of unknown origin
- Inflammation: From pancreatitis or other internal conditions
What To Do If Your Dog Has a Fever?
If you suspect that your dog has a fever, here’s what you need to do:
- Take their temperature using a lubricated digital rectal thermometer.
- If it’s 103°F or above, call your vet. Do not wait and see if it “goes away on its own” for more than a few hours.
- Keep your dog calm, cool, and hydrated. Offer fresh water and keep them in a cool room.
- If the temperature is above 103°F, you can apply cool (not cold) water with a damp cloth to the ears and paw pads to help lower the temperature while you prepare to see the vet. Stop once the temperature drops below 103°F.
- Never give human fever medications such as ibuprofen, paracetamol (acetaminophen), or aspirin; these are toxic to dogs.
When To Bring Your Dog to The Vet?
Here are signs that you need to call your vet:
- Your dog’s temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
- The fever has lasted more than 24 hours
- Your dog is also vomiting, having difficulty breathing, or showing extreme weakness
- Seek emergency care immediately if the temperature reaches 106°F (41.1°C), or your dog is collapsing, having seizures, or has pale gums
How to Reduce Your Dog's Fever?
Dog fever home remedies, such as applying cool water to the ear flaps and paw pads, using a fan, and providing fresh drinking water, may help keep your dog comfortable while you seek veterinary care. However, these measures are supportive only and should not replace proper treatment from a veterinarian, who can identify and address the underlying cause of the fever. Once the underlying cause is found, your vet may prescribe condition-specific medications.
How to Cure Dog Fever?
Treatment of dog fever will depend on the underlying cause. A veterinarian may recommend antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungal medication for fungal infections, fluids for dehydration, or specific treatment for tick-borne diseases. Treating the root cause is the most effective way to help bring your dog’s temperature back to normal.
The Road to Recovery Starts with Early Care
We know how worrying it can be to see your dog feeling unwell. In case a dog fever strikes, contact your veterinarian, keep your pup comfortable, and monitor their condition closely. Staying proactive about your dog’s health can help support their well-being and quality of life for years to come. For more pet health and wellness tips, make sure to visit the PEDIGREE® blog.
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FAQs
A mild, brief fever, such as after vaccination, may resolve within 24-48 hours without treatment. However, any fever that persists beyond 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by a vet.
Dogs and humans share very few pathogens. While there are rare shared diseases, you are extremely unlikely to “give” your dog a human fever.
Offer small amounts of easily digestible, bland food such as plain boiled chicken and rice, and ensure constant access to fresh water. Do not force-feed a dog with no appetite; focus on hydration and seek veterinary guidance.
The definitive method is a rectal thermometer reading above 102.5°F. Behavioural cues such as lethargy, warm ears, loss of appetite, and shivering can indicate fever, but are not conclusive on their own.
Loss of appetite accompanied by fever suggests your dog is unwell enough to need veterinary care. Offer water frequently and contact your vet the same day; do not wait more than 24 hours.