Fever in dogs is one of the most common indicators that your four-legged friend is not feeling well. With a fever – or hyperthermia as it is also called – your dog will have a higher body temperature than normal. This is because the heat production in the dog’s body is higher than the heat loss. There are many reasons why your dog’s body temperature can increase – but if Fido has a persistently high temperature, it is considered that the dog has a fever. It can be difficult to tell whether a dog has a fever or not. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of fever in dogs, how to spot the signs of a fever, how to take a dog’s temperature and when it is time to see a vet.
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What is the normal body temperature of a dog?
A dog's normal body temperature is between 37,5–39 °C. During strenuous physical exertion, it is perfectly normal for the body temperature to reach 40 °C without it meaning that your dog has a fever. With some rest, the temperature will drop again. Elevated body temperature can also be caused by external factors – such as the sun. This is called heatstroke.
Read more about symptoms of heat stroke in dogs in our veterinary blog!
Causes of fever in dogs
Common causes of fever in dogs are due to inflammatory conditions or infections. If your dog has an infection – he will try to fight this by increasing his body temperature. Other possible causes of fever in dogs can range from kennel cough, reactions to medications, stress and immunological diseases to pain, heat stroke or poisoning in dogs.
How do you tell if a dog has a fever?
It can be difficult to tell if a dog has a fever without taking it rectally. The temperature is often taken in conjunction with other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or if the dog is shivering. If your dog has a fever – do not give him antipyretics made for humans. Medicines such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are harmful to both dogs and cats. Some of the symptoms of a fever – such as warm paws or ears – can occur even if the dog does not have an elevated body temperature.
Symptoms of fever in dogs:
- Higher body temperature than 39,5 °C
- Persistent temperature above 39,2 °C
- Decreased appetite
- Increased desire to drink
- Impaired general condition – lethargy
- Confusion or restlessness
- Trembling
- Shallow breathing
- Stronger red color on gums than normal
- High heart rate/low heart rate
- Dry nose (healthy dogs can also have a dry nose from time to time without it signifying a fever)
How to measure a dog's fever?
To check if your dog has a fever – you can measure the temperature in the rectum with a digital thermometer. It is not possible to measure a dog's fever by feeling if the muzzle, ears, tongue or other parts of the body are warm. If you measure body temperature inaccurately – it may result in you not picking up temperatures that are more acute to treat. It may be a good idea to measure your dog's temperature when you know it is healthy – so that you get a clue as to what the normal temperature is for your four-legged friend.
Step-by-step: How to take your dog's temperature
You can use a digital thermometer intended for humans – but it may be a good idea to clearly label the thermometer with “for dogs only” to avoid confusion later.
It's easier to take your dog's temperature if there are two of you. Then one can keep the dog calm – preferably with some treats – while the other takes the temperature.
A tip to reduce discomfort for the dog is to use neutral oil, Vaseline or oily ointment to get the thermometer in far enough (about 1–2,5 cm – depending on the size of the skin).
When the thermometer beeps, the measurement is complete and you can see the result on the display.
If your four-legged friend strongly objects, you can leave the measurement to a veterinarian.
When should I see a vet?
Consult a veterinarian if the thermometer shows temperatures above 40 °C. At temperatures above 41 °C, the condition can be life-threatening and you should go to the veterinarian immediately. If your dog's body temperature has only risen slightly - but is otherwise in good general condition - you do not need to rush your dog to the clinic. Contact a veterinarian for advice - while waiting and closely monitoring the development. Make sure your dog gets enough rest, water and food in the meantime. If the fever does not subside - or the veterinarian suspects that it may be something more serious based on other symptoms or causes - it will be appropriate to take your dog to the clinic. Here we can do proper examinations - such as performing blood tests, ultrasound or X-rays if applicable. Remember that you can always contact a veterinarian if you suspect illness even if your dog does not have a fever.
