Do dogs shiver if they have a fever?

In our lives with dogs, every tiny change in them tugs at our hearts. When a dog's body shows signs of trouble, we often become extremely worried. And the question "Do dogs shiver if they have a fever?" has become a concern for many dog owners.

Dogs, like humans, can have a fever for various reasons. Fever, medically known as hyperthermia, is a defense response of a dog's body to infections, inflammations, or other diseases. Under normal circumstances, a dog's body temperature ranges from 37.5°C to 38.5°C. The body temperature of small - breed dogs may be slightly higher, close to 39°C. Once a dog's body temperature exceeds this range, it means it may have a fever.

So, do dogs shiver when they have a fever? The answer is very likely. Shivering, medically termed as chills, is a mechanism by which the body tries to generate more heat through rapid muscle contractions and relaxations. When a dog's body "sets" a higher temperature point than normal (i.e., has a fever), its body will think that the current body temperature is lower than this new "target temperature." So, it activates the chills mechanism, trying to raise the body temperature to that "wrongly set" high temperature. For example, when a dog is infected with a virus, the immune system is activated, and the body releases some substances. These substances can affect the area in the brain that controls body temperature, causing the body temperature set - point to shift upward. The dog's body then starts to work hard to raise the temperature, and shivering is one of the manifestations.

From an emotional perspective, when we see a dog shivering, our hearts will surely ache. Imagine you come home from work, and the dog that usually jumps around to greet you is now huddled in a corner, its body trembling slightly, with a look of discomfort in its eyes. You can feel its helplessness. It's like seeing your own child sick, and you wish you could bear the pain for it. This shivering is not only a physical reaction but also seems to be telling us about its discomfort.

There are many reasons why a dog may have a fever. Infection is one of the most common factors. Viral infections, such as the canine distemper virus, which is extremely harmful to a dog's health. After being infected, a dog may not only have a fever and shiver but may also have respiratory symptoms, eye inflammation, etc. Bacterial infections are also not to be underestimated. For example, if a dog's skin is injured and not cleaned and treated in a timely manner, bacteria may invade the wound, causing an infection, which in turn can lead to fever and shivering. There are also parasitic infections, like heartworms. They parasitize in the heart and lung blood vessels of dogs, causing a series of health problems, and fever and shivering may also follow.

In addition to infections, inflammation can also make a dog have a fever and shiver. A dog may have arthritis, with inflammation in the joint area. The body's inflammatory response will cause the body temperature to rise, accompanied by shivering. Or a dog may have pancreatitis. The inflammation of the pancreas will affect the normal function of the body, leading to fever, and the body will involuntarily tremble. Some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, where the dog's immune system wrongly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation, can also present symptoms of fever and shivering.

When we find that a dog has a fever and is shivering, we must not take it lightly. First of all, we should measure the dog's body temperature as accurately as possible. We can use a pet - specific thermometer and gently insert the thermometer into the dog's rectum. Be careful to be gentle to avoid hurting the dog. If the dog's body temperature is indeed higher than the normal range, we should closely observe whether it has other symptoms, such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness, loss of appetite, etc. These symptoms can help veterinarians more accurately judge the dog's condition.

While waiting to take the dog to the veterinarian, we can take some measures to relieve the dog's discomfort. Keep the dog's environment warm and comfortable. We can cover it with a soft blanket so that it can rest well. At the same time, ensure that the dog has sufficient water intake. Because fever can cause the dog's body to lose water. If water is not replenished in a timely manner, it may aggravate the condition. We can use a small spoon to feed water to the dog bit by bit. If the dog really doesn't want to drink, don't force it, so as not to cause its aversion.

Taking the dog to see a veterinarian is of great importance. The veterinarian will determine the cause of the dog's fever and shivering through detailed inquiries, physical examinations, and necessary laboratory tests, such as blood routine and biochemical tests. Only by finding the cause can targeted treatment be carried out. If it is caused by an infection, the veterinarian may prescribe corresponding antibiotics or antiviral drugs according to the type of infection. If it is caused by inflammation, anti - inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce the inflammatory response.

Dogs are important partners in our lives. They give us unconditional love and companionship. When they are sick, have a fever, and shiver, we should give them enough care and attention. Through our careful observation and timely handling, combined with the professional treatment of veterinarians, we believe that the dog will surely overcome the disease, regain its former vitality, and continue to accompany us through wonderful times. Every experience of a dog being sick makes us cherish the days when they are healthy and happy even more, and also makes the emotional bond between us and the dog stronger.