Understanding Dog Fevers: How to Detect and Seek Veterinary Care
Fever is a common symptom of disease in dogs and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammation, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know how to detect if your dog has a fever and seek veterinary care promptly.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell if a dog has a fever, what temperature is considered a fever in dogs, and the symptoms and causes of dog fevers.
How to Tell if a Dog Has a Fever
Dogs’ normal body temperature ranges from 99.5F to 102.5F. A dog is considered to have a fever when the body temperature rises above the normal range.
You can detect an elevated body temperature in your dog by taking a rectal temperature using a digital thermometer. To do this, lubricate the thermometer and insert it about 1 inch into the rectum.
Keep your dog still and calm during the process. It’s important to use a rectal thermometer rather than an ear or oral thermometer, as their readings are not as accurate.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this at home, you can also have your veterinarian take your dog’s temperature at a visit. Some other signs that your dog may have a fever include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and shivering.
What Temperature is Considered a Fever in Dogs? A dog’s body temperature can rise for many reasons, including overheating, infection, and inflammation.
Because of this, the severity of a fever and its underlying cause should be determined by a vet. A low-grade fever that is 103F to 104F may be normal after a vaccine, while a high-grade fever above 105F can indicate a serious disease process.
Hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke, is a common cause of elevated body temperature in dogs. Dogs are susceptible to overheating because they cannot sweat and must regulate their temperature by panting or expelling heat through their paw pads.
If you suspect your dog is overheating, take them to a cooler environment and offer water to drink. Do not submerge them in cold water or use ice packs, as this can lead to shock.
What are Some Symptoms of Dog Fevers? Dog fevers can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause and how rapidly the fever develops.
Some common symptoms of dog fevers include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, shivering, and changes in behavior or demeanor. If your dog is lethargic or in extreme discomfort, has blood in their vomit or stool, or stops eating entirely, consult your vet immediately.
These symptoms could be a sign of a medical emergency. What Causes Dog Fevers?
Dog fevers can be caused by a variety of infectious and non-infectious factors. Some common causes of dog fevers include bacterial and fungal infections, viral infections, cancer, inflammation, pancreatitis, and autoimmune diseases.
Immunization and some types of medications can also cause a fever. It’s important to note that fevers are a symptom of a larger issue, and it’s essential to identify and treat the underlying cause of the fever for a favorable outcome.
Seeking Veterinary Care for Dog Fevers
If you suspect that your dog has a fever, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Veterinary diagnostic tools such as bloodwork, radiographs, and ultrasounds can identify infections and other underlying causes of fever.
Depending on the underlying cause, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other treatments, including anecdotal treatments to address inflammation, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. In some cases, drugs that suppress your dog’s immune system may also be used to manage the symptoms of fevers.
It’s important to remember that dog fevers are symptoms of more significant health issues, and it is essential to identify and treat the underlying issue to manage dog fevers. Over-the-counter medications can be dangerous and ineffective in treating dog fevers, and consulting a vet is necessary for positive results.
In conclusion, knowing how to recognize and detect symptoms of fever in dogs is crucial to their overall health and welfare. Prompt veterinary care is essential for the rapid identification and treatment of underlying causes of dog fever, and this can have a significant impact on the outcome of your dog’s treatment.
In summary, dog fevers are common and can be caused by a variety of factors such as infections, inflammation, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Pet owners must know how to detect the symptoms of fever in dogs and seek veterinary care promptly.
It is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause of the fever for a favorable outcome. Never give over-the-counter medications, and always consult with a vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Overall, understanding dog fevers can save your dog’s life, and prompt treatment can result in positive outcomes.