How to know if a dog has a fever?

Dogs are our closest companions, and their health conditions constantly tug at our hearts. When dogs are unwell, they can't communicate their discomfort like humans do. Instead, it requires us to observe them carefully and detect any abnormalities in a timely manner. Having a fever is one of the common health issues in dogs. Understanding how to determine whether a dog has a fever is crucial for providing them with timely assistance and treatment.

Observing a dog's behavior is an important clue for judging whether it has a fever. A healthy dog is usually lively and active, showing curiosity about the surrounding things. If a dog suddenly becomes listless, loses interest in its favorite toys and games, always lies lazily in a corner, and even responds indifferently to its owner's calls, this could be a dangerous signal from its body. The dog that used to be full of energy has now lost its former vitality. Seeing it in such a lackluster state, the owner is filled with worry.

Changes in appetite are also a key indicator. Under normal circumstances, dogs are always enthusiastic about food and will eagerly run over when it's mealtime. However, if a dog has a fever, it may experience a loss of appetite. It might just sniff the food it usually loves and then turn away. Some dogs may even completely refuse to eat, which makes the owner extremely anxious, fearing that the dog's body will become weaker and weaker.

A dog's sleep pattern will also change. If a dog has a fever, it may sleep more than usual, and its sleep quality will be poor, making it prone to waking up easily. The originally stable sleep becomes intermittent, and the dog may even make slight moaning sounds in its sleep. This makes the owner feel heartbroken and wish they could bear the pain for the dog.

Changes in breathing and heart rate should not be overlooked either. When a dog has a fever, its metabolism will speed up, and its breathing and heart rate will increase accordingly. Under normal conditions, a dog's breathing is steady and rhythmic, and its heart rate remains within a certain range. But if you notice that the dog is breathing rapidly, its panting becomes heavier, or you can clearly feel that its heart rate is much faster than usual, then you should be vigilant about whether the dog has a fever. Gently place your hand on the dog's chest and feel the abnormally rapid heartbeat, and the owner's heart will also tighten with concern.

Taking the dog's temperature is the most accurate way to determine if it has a fever. Just like humans, dogs also have a normal body temperature range. Generally, a dog's normal body temperature is between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. We can use a pet-specific thermometer or a human thermometer that has been disinfected to measure the dog's temperature. When taking the temperature, first shake the mercury column of the thermometer down to below 35°C, then apply some lubricant like Vaseline to the tip of the thermometer. Gently insert the thermometer about 3 to 5 centimeters into the dog's anus and keep it in place for 3 to 5 minutes before taking out the reading. During this process, try to soothe the dog's emotions and keep it still to avoid affecting the measurement result. When you see that the temperature shown on the thermometer exceeds the normal range, the owner's mood will instantly turn heavy, knowing that the dog may be suffering from an illness.

In addition to observing behavior and measuring the temperature, the dog's physical appearance can also provide some clues. The ears of a dog with a fever may be hotter than usual, and its paw pads will become dry and hot. The ears that were usually soft and warm now feel burning to the touch. Gently touching the dog's paw pads, you'll find that they are no longer the usual warm and moist feeling, which makes the owner more certain that there is something wrong with the dog's body.

The eyes and nose will also show abnormal symptoms. If a dog has a fever, its eyes may become red and swollen, with an increase in eye discharge, and they will look dull. The nose is no longer moist and cool but becomes dry, and it may even crack. Looking at the dog's originally bright and clear eyes that have become red and swollen, and its moist nose that has turned dry, the owner will feel extremely distressed and be eager to take it to the veterinarian.

When you suspect that your dog has a fever, don't panic. Take it to the pet hospital for a comprehensive examination in a timely manner. The veterinarian will accurately determine the cause of the dog's fever through professional equipment and rich experience and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. While waiting to see the doctor, you can let the dog drink more water to replenish its body fluids and relieve its discomfort.

Dogs are important members of our lives, giving us endless companionship and love. When they are sick, we should take good care of them and show them our love. By understanding how to determine if a dog has a fever, we can detect their health problems at the earliest time, safeguard their health, and ensure that they can always accompany us happily and spend many wonderful moments together.