Your dog feels tender to you . Does he have a feverishness ? perhaps not . Your dog ’s normal temperature is higher than yours — most dogs usually run anywhere from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit , so he should feel slightly warm to you on any given day . That ’s why it ’s so of import to be able to spot the signs and symptoms of fever in dogs . Here ’s how to tell if a dog has a fever .

What Are the Symptoms of a Fever in Dogs?

A dog with a feverishness will have a temperature of 103 stage Fahrenheit or higher , and he will often show symptoms such as panting , lethargy , tiredness , or shivering . His ears may feel hot and be scarlet . If the pyrexia is relate to illness , you might notice other signs such as regurgitation , diarrhoea , or coughing . While dogs with a fever may be hungry , they often are n’t thirsty and will pass on a meal .

Your dog ’s nose is not really a dear barometer of his temperature . If the tune is warm and dry , his nozzle will often experience warm and dry . Do n’t rely on the " nose trace " for a fever diagnosing . The best way to pass judgment if your heel has a fever is to take his temperature . Ideally , you should do this once or twice when your dog is experience fine so you will know his normal .

How to Use a Thermometer on Your Dog

Ear and rectal thermometers can be used for dogs . If you have a " human " rectal thermometer it ’s all right to utilize that , or you could buy a pet - specific rectal thermometer . To use an ear thermometer , you ’ll need to buy one specially design for dogs .

With a rectal thermometer , utilise a small amount of lubricant before you push it into the rectum . This could be petroleum gelatin or baby oil ( but cook crude oil also works in a pinch ) . If it is a digital thermometer , depart it until you get a reading . Three moment is recommend for a non - digital one , so it is deserving investing in a profligate digital readout .

Ear thermometers must be rate cautiously into the ear duct . These are almost all digital and will give a flying read-out . If your heel has a sensitive ear , he may not support using an spike thermometer .

beagle sleeping on couch; does your dog have a fever

Photo: Przemyslaw Iciak / Adobe Stock

How to Comfort and Care for Your Feverish Dog

Just like us , if your dog has a fever , he may be uncomfortable . The best manner to comfort him is to give him a subdued , coolheaded place to rest . ply fresh , coolheaded water . you’re able to put coolheaded compresses in his groin or on his paws for cool . Alcohol wipes can also be used on the paws but meagerly .

With a temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit , your dog should be seen by your veterinarian , or at a lower limit , you should consult your veterinary surgeon . There is always an fundamental cause for a fever , and it should be treated to get his temperature down . Do not give any medications without consulting your vet .