Our dogs can’t talk, but they can certainly communicate with us. Usually, we can easily recognize when they are feeling under the weather, but sometimes, dog fever can go unnoticed.
How to tell if your dog has a fever? Signs of dog fever
If your dog is experiencing at least 2 or 3 symptoms of the following list, then he may have a fever.
- Lethargy or change of behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Warm ears
- Glassy eyes
- Shivering and panting
- Runny nose
- Vomiting and diarrhea
While our body temperature fluctuates throughout the day between 97 and 99 F°, dogs’ body temperature ranges between 101 and 102.5 F°.
Dog fever: how to break it at home
There are a few things you can do to break your dog’s fever before going to the vet. However, if your dog’s fever lasts more than a day o goes higher than 106 F°, it’s important to consult with a vet to know what’s going on. It’s probably nothing serious, but she/he will need to rule out some conditions just to be safe.
- Apply a soaked cloth to cool down his ears and paws. Repeat this action as many times as needed.
- Make sure your pup is getting hydrated. Provide more water than usual and encourage him to drink.
Can I take my dog’s temperature at home?
To take your dog's temperature at home, cover the thermometer with a lubricant and insert it about one inch into your dog's anus. Try to use a digital thermometer since it will read the temperature in approximately 5-10 seconds.
It’s important for you to know that dogs’ temperature (and ours as well) vary during the day. It tends to reach its pike at night, so make sure to take his temperature several times throughout the day.
Can I check my dog’s temperature under the arm?
Yes, a dog’s temperature can also be measured in his armpit, but bear in mind that it’s not so accurate.
Can I use a human thermometer on a dog?
The answer is yes. There is no problem with using a human thermometer for your dog. The only thing I can recommend you is to label it properly and leave it out of reach, in a special place where you keep other dog items.
Can I give my dog Tylenol or Ibuprofen?
Just like most over-the-counter human meds, Tylenol and Ibuprofen are both toxic to dogs. Don’t ever administrate even small doses of any med without the authorization of your vet. You can read more about it in our blog about Ibuprofen in dogs.
