Signs of a dog with a fever:
Elevated body temperature is the primary indicator of fever in dogs. Normal adult dog temperatures range between 37.5°C (99.5°F) and 38.5°C (101.3°F), while puppies may run slightly higher. If a dog's temperature exceeds 39.5°C (103.3°F), it can be considered a high fever.The most noticeable sign of a fever is lethargy—your dog will be sluggish, uninterested in moving, and sleepy. Even when going out to play, they'll lack energy.Other signs include rapid breathing. If you can see their belly, it may appear redder than usual, and the whites of their eyes may also turn red. It's important to note that their nose might still be wet—at least my dog Dangdang's nose stayed wet throughout his fever. So a dry nose alone doesn't necessarily mean your dog is sick.
Home Care for a Dog with a Fever:
First and foremost, if you notice your dog has a high temperature, appears lethargic, and a thermometer confirms a fever, you must take them to the vet immediately. A thorough diagnosis by a veterinarian to determine the root cause of the fever is essential for proper treatment. The home care methods below are only for situations where you cannot get to the vet right away.
Home Care for a Dog with a Fever:
Easily accessible human fever reducers: When a dog has a high fever, administering a fever-reducing injection is the treatment method.Consult the "Quick Reference Guide for Medications in Dogs and Cats" published by China Agricultural University to find two commonly available human fever reducers. You can administer the following doses to help lower your dog's temperature: Aspirin: 10mg/kg body weight, twice daily Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 10mg/kg body weight, twice daily
Physical cooling for a feverish dog:
After discovering your dog has a high fever, try to lower its body temperature to prevent organ damage from excessive heat—the same principle applies as with humans. You can use alcohol to wipe the dog's belly, paws, and armpits to help reduce its temperature. If you don't have alcohol at home, tap water will also work.The challenge with dogs is their thick fur. Don't hesitate to dampen the fur—use slightly cooler water to wipe down as much skin as possible, but avoid soaking the entire coat. Alternatively, wrap ice packs in towels and place them alternately in the paws of all four legs. Avoid leaving ice in one spot too long, as it can be uncomfortable for the dog.
Beyond the methods mentioned above, there aren't many other effective ways to treat a dog's fever. Moreover, a dog's fever can stem from various causes—it might be a simple cold, the dreaded distemper, or inflammation somewhere in the body. Ultimately, the methods above are only temporary solutions. The most fundamental approach is still to take your dog to the vet.