At what temperature does one speak of fever in dogs?
Your dog seems to have a fever, but you're not sure? Well, the normal body temperature of your four-legged friend is already higher than that of us humans. The normal temperature in dogs is between 38.0°C and 39°C, and for young puppies, it is often even up to 39.5°C. A temperature of about 40°C can be considered a fever. If the body temperature exceeds 41°C, the condition can become life-threatening for the dog.
Note that your dog's body temperature changes throughout the day. In the morning, it is usually at its lowest, and after extensive activities or a long stay in the sun, it can be slightly elevated, which is harmless in this case.
How do I recognize if my dog has a fever?
It is often said: If your dog's nose is dry, something is wrong. And yes, a dry nose can indicate fever in dogs. However, it is better to pay attention to the following symptoms in your four-legged friend:
- Shivering/trembling
- very warm ears
- fatigue and lethargy
- →refusal to eat
- excessive thirst
- heavy panting
- increased pulse/strong heartbeat
- →diarrhea or
- very →dry and hard stool
If you want to accurately recognize fever, it takes a bit more than just placing your hand on your dog's forehead. Due to the fur, an elevated body temperature is not always immediately noticeable. But many of the above-mentioned symptoms are usually clear and noticeable.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Fieber beim Hund ist meist nur ein Krankheitssymptom. Bist du dir unsicher, gehe besser zum Tierarzt bzw. zur Tierärztin.
Properly measuring fever in dogs - 8 steps
If you can recognize some of the mentioned symptoms or notice other unusual behaviors in your dog, it is time to check the temperature. First, you can touch your dog's ears and belly. If these areas feel warmer than usual, it may indicate fever.
However, it is better to measure fever properly. If your dog is a bit fidgety, a special thermometer for dogs is suitable. If you don't have one on hand, you can also use a regular digital thermometer. It is important that your dog stays still to avoid measurement errors.
Since you need to gently insert the thermometer into your dog's rectum, it is advisable to bring a second person to help. One person can hold the dog's body while the other distracts the animal a bit.
1. Clean and disinfect the thermometer thoroughly before measuring.
2. One person gently but securely holds your dog, possibly distracting the dog with something tasty like licking a →tube of liver sausage for dogs.
3. Apply some Vaseline to the tip of the thermometer to make it more comfortable for your four-legged friend.
4. Carefully insert the thermometer a few centimeters into your dog's anus.
5. If there is strong pressure from the dog, do not press back hard, but wait until your dog relaxes!
6. It is important to have mucous membrane contact when measuring. The tip should be held against the inside of the rectum; otherwise, you will only measure the warm air of the intestine.
7. Clean and disinfect the thermometer thoroughly after measuring.
8. Reward your dog!
Especially if you or someone else is measuring fever in your dog for the first time, you should proceed with caution. If your dog is particularly anxious or shows defensive behavior, putting on a muzzle may be sensible to protect against possible biting attacks. During the measurement, you should praise a lot, and afterwards, you can treat him with a tasty snack (if health permits).
Leckere Belohnungen für tapfere Hunde
Possible causes of fever in dogs
In most cases, fever in dogs is a symptom accompanying other diseases. Sometimes it is just a body's own defense reaction because your four-legged friend may be fighting off a flu.
Common causes of fever include:
- Viral infections like flu or →kennel cough
- Bacterial infections like →inflammations in the mouth
- Parasites or worms like →giardia
- →poisoning
- Immune-mediated diseases
- vaccinations
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Hat dein Hund Fieber, gönne ihm viel Ruhe und Schlaf. Beobachte ihn und messe regelmäßig die Temperatur.
What can I do about fever in dogs?
You have noticed an elevated temperature in your dog and are unsure whether you need to go to the veterinarian and how you can help your dog? For adult dogs, you do not need to immediately visit a practice for fever. Often, the fever will decrease on its own. However, it is important to observe your four-legged friend closely and measure fever at regular intervals. If the condition worsens, you should visit a practice promptly!
Here’s what you can do to lower fever in your dog:
- Give your dog plenty of rest and sleep. If there are children in the household, explain to them that the dog is sick and they should leave him alone.
- A dark, cool resting place is just right now. Perhaps a darkened room or a dog crate.
- Keep the walks short and adjust to your dog's pace.
- Ensure that your dog drinks plenty of water. Alternatively, you can offer him cooled chamomile tea.
- If your dog doesn't want to eat, he can sip a bit of salt-free vegetable or meat broth.
As always: If you are unsure, head to the veterinarian! Sometimes, just a call to the practice is enough.
