Dealing with Fever in Dogs: What Steps to Take?

The symptoms of underlying illnesses can cause fever in dogs. It is dangerous when it becomes too high. It is therefore necessary to visit the veterinarian. Find out how to recognize a dog’s fever, and how to measure and reduce the symptoms.

The cause of a dog’s fever must be determined first. This is usually a sign of a disease, or inflammation. The immune system raises the body’s temperature to combat it. Fever-reducing drugs and measures are rarely used because this response is so important. They are also not as important as combating the causes of fever. When does one start to talk about madness in dogs, though?

A dog’s body temperature is usually between 38degC to 39degC. It is not always due to an illness if the temperature rises for a brief period of time. Even if you dog is overheating temporarily because he has been playing or romping, it can be caused by his exertion.

If the elevated temperature persists, or if it is accompanied by any of the symptoms below, then you can assume that your pet has a fever.

The symptoms of a fever: How to identify a fever in your dog
If a dog’s temperature is slightly higher than 39degC it’s called elevated temperature or fever above 40degC. The affected dog will usually appear listless and exhausted. The dog will often lose appetite, move more slowly than normal, and appear apathetic when the fever is high. It is common for the ears to feel warm, as well as areas with less hair on the body, like the inside of the legs.

A dog’s nasal skin is usually warm and dry when it has a fever. A high temperature can also cause chills and ruffled hair. The four-legged companion sleeps a great deal. When the fever increases, the pulse rate is higher and the dog will breathe faster than normal. The fever may be constant or come in waves, depending on the cause. The turmoil in dogs can be dangerous if it exceeds 42degC.

Taking your dog’s fever is done by placing the thermometer in their anus. This is not a pleasant procedure for them, but it is not painful. Use a digital thermometer that you have purchased specifically for your dog and label it accordingly. This will prevent confusion with human-made equipment. Follow these steps:

If you are using a digital thermometer, you will need to wait until the beep signals that the reading has been completed. It takes about two minutes for a regular clinical thermometer to accurately measure the temperature and settle.

What causes fever in dogs?
A vet should determine the cause because fever is often related to a underlying condition. Rage is a natural reaction to bacterial, viral, immune, and inflammation-related infections.

Fever can be caused by side effects of medications, fungi, or rheumatism. Fever can also occur without a known cause. This makes treatment difficult, as it is dependent on the cause.

In most cases, the veterinarian will treat the illness that causes the fever with medicine, such as antibiotics. After a while, if the dog is recovering, the fever will also go away.

Rarely are fever-reducing medications prescribed, as they could interfere with the body’s ability to fight the disease. In some cases, a doctor will still give it to the pet to help speed up recovery. You can help your pet recover quickly when you bring it home from the vet after treatment.

How to quickly bring your sick dog back to health
At home, make sure that your pet is comfortable and warm. Show it lots of love. It is important that your dog drinks enough water. Unlike food, dogs should never go without water while they are sick. He should have access to enough water.

If the condition worsens, consult your veterinarian. You can make a calf wrapping for your dog in consultation with a veterinarian. This is done by moistening a towel in lukewarm tepid water and placing it on the legs of your dog.