If your dog’s temperature is higher than normal, then your pup might be having a fever. The normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 101° to 102.5° Fahrenheit, which is obviously higher than humans at 97.6° to 99.6° Fahrenheit. If your dog’s temperature rises above 103° F, they are considered to have a fever. A temperature beyond 103°F could put your dog’s life at risk.
What Causes Fever In Dogs?
Just like in humans, many things can cause fever in dogs.
One of the major causes of fever in both humans and animals is infection. When an infection is present, the body temperature increases. Many bacteria, viruses, and fungi are heat sensitive and will die if exposed to high body temperatures.Your body is trying to kill the virus or bacteria that caused the infection. Most of those bacteria and viruses do well when your body is at your normal temperature. But if you have a fever, it is harder for them to survive. So basically, having an increased body temperature is a reaction that’s not caused by the infection.
An inflammatory disorder, however, is where the immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own cells or tissues. This causes abnormal inflammation that can result in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness and damage to otherwise healthy body tissues. This can be associated with a fever.
When your dog consumes poisonous, spoiled, or other materials from the garbage, they’ll likely get infected and maybe have diarrhea. There are certain foods that your dog should avoid at all cost. These foods can cause disruption in their digestive tract and may result in fever.
Symptoms of Fever in Dogs
There are many signs you should always look out for in your dog. When your dog is feeling discomfort or isn’t as active as they used to be, then there is an issue. If your dog has shallow breathing and has an increased heart rate, then there should be an issue. If your dog isn’t the quiet type and all of a sudden becomes calm and quiet most of the time, becomes depressed and refuses to eat, then you should consult your vet. Most dog owners ignore the fact that their dogs should be diagnosed when they show symptoms like,
- Loss of appetite
- Red or glassy-looking eyes
- Warm ears and/or nose
- Runny nose
- Visible energy reduction
How Can You Treat Dog Fever At Home?
This article was to point out how you can treat dog fever at home. We’ve discussed the causes and symptoms of dog fever, let’s dig in to the treatments. You can consider self-medicating your dog by following instructions from your veterinary doctor. If your dog is diagnosed with a particular alignment, your vet can possibly prescribe medications or tell you the things that need to be done so your dog will eventually feel better. Fever isn’t a condition you would want to treat lightly. If your pup’s temperature reaches 106° F, your dog has a very high temperature and is at risk of serious, possibly fatal complications.
A fever should resolve itself in 24–48 hours, but you’ll want to carefully monitor your pet to make sure the fever breaks. To reduce fever in dogs, apply a towel or cloth soaked in cool water to your dog’s ears and paws and run a fan near them. Stop applying the water when your dog’s temperature drops below 103° F. Continue to monitor your dog closely to ensure that the fever doesn’t return. Following this routine, your dog should eventually get back to normal, but if symptoms persist after a few days, you should consult your veterinary doctor as soon as possible.