do puppies have fever when teething

You’re curled up with your 4-month-old Beagle, Charlie, when his little body feels unusually warm. As he frantically gnaws on your sofa corner, that old worry pops up: "Could this fever be from teething?" Let’s clear the air once and for all. While teething might cause a barely-there temperature nudge—think 99.5°F to 100.5°F (37.5°C–38°C) due to gum inflammation—a true fever (over 101.5°F/38.6°C) is almost never just teething. Puppies don’t get "teething fevers" like human infants; high temps mean something else is brewing.

The science is straightforward: Teething discomfort comes from adult teeth pushing through tender gums, causing swelling and rivers of drool on your Boston apartment’s hardwood floors. This creates mild local irritation, not body-wide infection. If Charlie’s nose is dry and hot while he ignores his favorite tug toy or turns down chicken, it’s likely parvovirus, an infection, or stress—not those emerging molars.

Grab that digital rectal thermometer—skip unreliable ear scanners—and check properly. If he’s over 102°F (38.9°C), call your vet immediately. For mild warmth paired with pink, swollen gums (spot those tiny tooth bumps!), try a chilled rubber teething ring or a damp washcloth twisted and frozen for 15 minutes. Never offer ice cubes or hard bones—they crack puppy teeth. Praise calm chewing with a soft "good boy!" and swap that gnawed shoe for a vet-approved toy. Yanking objects away risks teaching resource guarding; trade up with a tasty treat instead.

Here’s where smart ownership kicks in. Even during teething chaos, keep Charlie’s vaccines current—states like Texas fine owners for lapsed rabies tags. When he drools on shared sidewalks during walks, wipe it with a pet-safe disinfectant wipe. Saliva carries germs, and in cities like Seattle, public health rules extend beyond poop scooping. If he’s shredding your rental’s baseboards, use a puppy pen with washable mats—landlords rarely forgive "chew-ter damage" deposits.

Spotting trouble early saves lives. Rush to the vet if Charlie’s gums bleed dark red (not light pink), he refuses water for hours, or his temp spikes over 103°F (39.4°C). And never—ever—give human painkillers. That baby Advil could shut down his kidneys before bedtime.

Teething lasts weeks, but fevers demand instant attention. Track lost teeth (you’ll find them behind the couch!), stock up on freezer-safe toys, and remember: Warm cuddles soothe sore gums, but true fever means "vet now." Keeping Charlie safe also keeps your community smiling when those needle teeth finally fall out.