It seems that your normally lively, playful pup is snoozing more and dashing around the house less. You nestle up next to them and discover their entire body is warm, particularly their ears. It might be a fever. The usual body temperature of a dog is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Fever may occur if your dog's temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit and they exhibit other symptoms of illness.
Dog flu symptoms
Keep an eye
out for the following frequent dog fever symptoms or other signs of disease that
might lead to a canine fever:
Lethargy
Loss of
appetite
Nasal
congestion
Coughing
Vomiting
Warm
earlobes
Shivering
A reddened
eye
Seeking heat
and finding ways to stay warm
Understanding how to identify a fever in a dog and how to use a thermometer to measure his body temperature is essential. Knowing viable at-home dog fever remedies and when to seek veterinary assistance is critical for making your four-legged friend feel better as quickly as possible.
Causes of Dog Fever
A fever in
your dog may have a variety of causes, some of which can be quite serious.
Choosing the best and most appropriate treatment for dog fever requires a visit
to the veterinarian's clinic. To determine what caused your dog's fever and the
best treatment options, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and ask
questions.
Bacterial illnesses can occur in dogs who come into touch with microorganisms in polluted water, undercooked meat, and dairy. Bacteria are also naturally present in our environment, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of infection.
Dogs with healthy immune systems can often fight off bacterial infections without becoming ill, but dogs with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop a fever and other symptoms.
Bacterial illnesses can occur in dogs who come into touch with microorganisms in polluted water, undercooked meat, and dairy. Bacteria are also naturally present in our environment, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of infection.
Dogs with healthy immune systems can often fight off bacterial infections without becoming ill, but dogs with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop a fever and other symptoms.
Infections caused by fungi
Fungus-related
illnesses can also induce a fever. Symptoms, like bacteria, will vary depending
on the site of infection. Sneezing and nasal discharge are symptoms of a fungal
infection in a dog's nose. A dog suffering from systemic fungal illness may
experience joint pain and a limp.
One example of a common fungus that infects dogs is Cocci diodes amities, which causes Valley Fever. The fungus lives in the soil in certain parts of the United States, and can become airborne; dogs that inhale the spores can develop symptoms that include a dry cough, lack of appetite, lethargy, depression, and fever: Valley Fever in dogs is most common in desert areas like Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
One example of a common fungus that infects dogs is Cocci diodes amities, which causes Valley Fever. The fungus lives in the soil in certain parts of the United States, and can become airborne; dogs that inhale the spores can develop symptoms that include a dry cough, lack of appetite, lethargy, depression, and fever: Valley Fever in dogs is most common in desert areas like Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
Infections caused by parasites
While ticks
do not because of illnesses associated with fevers, they can transmit diseases
that do cause fevers. These blood-sucking parasites live in wooded places, long
grass, and dense brush, and they adhere to your dog's ears and folds between the
legs, between the toes, and around the neck. Ticks can
transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain
spotted fever, through their bites. One of the indications of these tick-borne
infections is fever.
Autoimmune conditions
When a dog's immune system incorrectly targets itself, it is usual to see a fever. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia are chronic disorders that trigger a dog's adaptive immune system to attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation. Other chronic conditions, such as pancreatitis and diabetes, can induce inflammation, which frequently results in fever.
Toxins or drugs
Antifreeze,
human pharmaceuticals, some plants, and the artificial sweetener xylitol are
toxic to dogs. Dogs who inadvertently consume these poisons may develop a
variety of symptoms, including fever.
Vaccinations
Some dogs
have a low-grade fever within 24 to 48 hours of receiving standard vaccines.
This is usually self-limiting, which means it fades away on its own. It's also
an indication that the vaccine is functioning because your dog's body
recognizes the vaccine and produces antibodies in response.
How to Check Your Dog's Temperature?
A
thermometer is the best way to determine if your dog has a fever, even though
paying attention to your dog's symptoms can provide clues. Feeling your dog's
ears and nose for warmth is not a reliable way to determine if your dog has a
fever.
If you want to take a precise reading of your pet's temperature, use a pet thermometer in their ear or rectum. To obtain a rectal temperature, lube the thermometer with petroleum jelly and enter it one inch into the rectum, removing it as soon as a reading is obtained. This is the most accurate method of determining body temperature in dogs. Ear thermometers cost more but are less invasive. Insert the thermometer into the ear canal and hold it there until it reads. A vet should be contacted if the thermometer reading is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to take a precise reading of your pet's temperature, use a pet thermometer in their ear or rectum. To obtain a rectal temperature, lube the thermometer with petroleum jelly and enter it one inch into the rectum, removing it as soon as a reading is obtained. This is the most accurate method of determining body temperature in dogs. Ear thermometers cost more but are less invasive. Insert the thermometer into the ear canal and hold it there until it reads. A vet should be contacted if the thermometer reading is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you treat dog fever at home?
The first step to treating dog fever at home is to keep your dog hydrated.
Offer your dog low-sodium chicken or beef broth if water is not
What are some natural home remedies for dog fever?:
You may take steps for dog fever treatment at home to help your pet as comfortable as possible while they recover in addition to keeping an eye on their temperature with a rectal thermometer.
- Reduce a low-grade dog fever by applying cold water with a wet cloth to your dog's feet, ears, and tummy. Monitor your dog's body temperature. Stop spraying water when the temperature falls below 103 and encourage your dog to drink.
- Ensure a peaceful setting for rest. Make sure that your sick dog has a peaceful, pleasant environment to recover. If the fever is spreadable, keep them away from other pets in the house. If your dog enjoys spending time in their kennel, you can let them sleep there while keeping the door open so they can enter and exit as needed to drink water or to poop.
- Use a dog fever reducer. Ask your veterinarian whether you may give your dog aspirin to lower the temperature even though it is not recommended for usage in dogs. Even though there are safer and more effective veterinary anti-inflammatories available, aspirin is occasionally given for dogs. Gastric ulcers are one of the more severe adverse effects of aspirin.
When to consult a veterinarian
Even a canine fever of 103 degrees warrants medical attention from a veterinarian. The temperature of your dog's fever should not surpass 104 degrees; else, a dangerous sickness or disease may be present. If your dog is not drinking the typical quantity of water, you should also get assistance.
In addition to performing a physical examination, your veterinarian may also request further tests including blood work and urinalyses. After your dog has been assessed by your veterinarian, you may decide how to effectively treat your dog's fever together.
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