Dogs like their human friends get fever too. Fever or the change in the body's normal temperature is an indication that something is amiss in the dog's system. Fever occurs when the normal temperature is increased by the body in response to a bacterial or viral infection. The set point of normal body temperature for humans is 98F while a dog's normal body temperature is between 100F to 102F. The dogs inability to speak and the rather elevated temperature of dogs makes it harder for pet owners to know if the pet has a fever.
How can you tell if the dog has fever? Bright eyes and lively alert expression are telltale signs of a healthy dog. We know how energetic dogs are but a sick pet would be lethargic. Instead of playing, the dog would prefer to lie down all day. Dogs are food motivated but a fevered pet will have no interest in food. Change in behavior will be noticed in dogs with fever.
Dogs are affectionate pets and the indifference to the family's attention is a glaring sign that something is wrong with the pet. Dogs with fever will have warmer nose, ears and fur. With a rectal thermometer, the temperature of the dog can be correctly determined. It would be best to use rectal thermometer as it would yield quick results.
There are many reasons why a dog would have a fever. Dog fever troubles can happen if the pet is left outdoors when the weather is very hot. Fever though is commonly caused by infection. Dogs are food motivated but they will turn away from food if they are sick. Pet owner must encourage the dog to eat to prevent dehydration. If the sick dog would not get up to drink, you can use a needleless syringe to squirt water into the mouth of the pet.
Fever that results from infection is usually gone after a day or two even without any treatment. But if the dog shows no infected cuts, canine fever is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and organ diseases. Fever that just happened - with no obvious reason would be the hardest to treat. Cases such as these must have the expert attention of a vet. A thorough physical exam and a battery of diagnostic test will be necessary as without a definitive diagnosis, the appropriate treatment cannot be administered.
How can you tell if the dog has fever? Bright eyes and lively alert expression are telltale signs of a healthy dog. We know how energetic dogs are but a sick pet would be lethargic. Instead of playing, the dog would prefer to lie down all day. Dogs are food motivated but a fevered pet will have no interest in food. Change in behavior will be noticed in dogs with fever.
Dogs are affectionate pets and the indifference to the family's attention is a glaring sign that something is wrong with the pet. Dogs with fever will have warmer nose, ears and fur. With a rectal thermometer, the temperature of the dog can be correctly determined. It would be best to use rectal thermometer as it would yield quick results.
There are many reasons why a dog would have a fever. Dog fever troubles can happen if the pet is left outdoors when the weather is very hot. Fever though is commonly caused by infection. Dogs are food motivated but they will turn away from food if they are sick. Pet owner must encourage the dog to eat to prevent dehydration. If the sick dog would not get up to drink, you can use a needleless syringe to squirt water into the mouth of the pet.
Fever that results from infection is usually gone after a day or two even without any treatment. But if the dog shows no infected cuts, canine fever is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and organ diseases. Fever that just happened - with no obvious reason would be the hardest to treat. Cases such as these must have the expert attention of a vet. A thorough physical exam and a battery of diagnostic test will be necessary as without a definitive diagnosis, the appropriate treatment cannot be administered.
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