How to tell if a dog has a fever at home?

In the hearts of every dog ​​owner, the furry little guy has long become an indispensable member of the family. They use their wet eyes and wagging tails to heal the fatigue and troubles in life. However, when dogs are sick, they can only bear the pain silently without speaking, which requires the owner to keenly capture the distress signals sent by the body. Accurately judging whether a dog has a fever at home is the first line of defense to protect their health. Behind this responsibility lies the deepest love for fur children. ​

Under normal circumstances, the body temperature of dogs is slightly higher than that of humans. The body temperature of adult dogs is between 37.5℃ - 38.5℃, and the body temperature of puppies is between 38℃ - 39℃. To accurately grasp the body temperature of dogs, just like doctors understand the basal body temperature of patients, you need to establish a "body temperature file" for your own dog. When the dog is healthy, measure the body temperature once a week at a fixed time, record the data of different periods, and gradually become familiar with its body temperature pattern. These seemingly trivial records can become an important basis for judging abnormalities at critical moments. ​

Observing the dog's daily behavior is the key to discovering signs of fever. The dog that used to be full of energy and loved to chase toys suddenly became listless, lying in the corner motionless, and even lost interest in his favorite snacks. It was originally warm and hospitable, but it was slow to respond to the owner's call, and even unwilling to get up and interact. These subtle changes in behavior, like dark clouds before a storm, indicate that there may be something wrong with the body. When the dog is found to curl up frequently and unwilling to move, the owner will inevitably worry and want to find out the reason. ​

The dog's diet and drinking water can also reflect the health status. When the fever occurs, the body's metabolic disorder will affect appetite, resulting in a significant decrease in food intake. Some dogs will even ignore their favorite food, reluctantly eat a few bites and turn away. At the same time, fever will accelerate the loss of water in the dog's body. They will lick the water bowl frequently and drink much more water than usual. Seeing the dog drinking water in big gulps but still looking listless, the owner is both distressed and anxious, and wishes he could bear the discomfort for it. ​

Breathing and pulse are also important clues to determine fever. Under normal circumstances, the dog's breathing is steady and regular. Once a fever occurs, the breathing rate will increase, and the panting sound will become heavy, just like panting after strenuous exercise. The owner can sit quietly beside the dog, observe the frequency of its chest rise and fall, and feel the changes in breath. At the same time, the dog's pulse will also increase with the increase in body temperature. By gently touching the femoral artery on the inner thigh, you can feel the rhythm of the beating. When the owner notices abnormal breathing and pulse, his heart will also be tightened, and he is eager to hope that the dog is just a false alarm. ​

Observing the dog's body temperature is also not to be ignored. Gently touch the dog's ears, paw pads and abdomen with the back of your hand. Under normal circumstances, these parts are warm and comfortable. If you feel obviously hot, or even a little hot, you should be alert. Especially the paw pads. Healthy dogs have soft paw pads and moderate temperature, but they will become dry and hot when they have a fever, just like stepping on a hot ground. When stroking the dog's ears, you can clearly feel the heat coming from your fingertips. This change makes the owner realize the seriousness of the situation. ​

The changes in the eyes and mouth also hide mysteries. A healthy dog's eyes are bright and clear, and the area around the eyes is clean and free of secretions. When a dog has a fever, its eyes will become cloudy, the whites of its eyes will turn red, and there will be a lot of eye mucus in the corners of its eyes, and it may even blink frequently due to discomfort. At the same time, the oral mucosa will lose its former pinkness, become flushed and dry, and the color of the gums will be darker than usual. When the owner sees that the dog's eyes have lost their luster and the pink mouth has become dry, the owner's worries are beyond words, and he just wants to take it to the doctor immediately. ​

It should be noted that some situations may cause the dog's body temperature to rise temporarily, such as after strenuous exercise and high ambient temperature, which are normal physiological reactions. However, if a dog has the above-mentioned abnormal symptoms, even if the body temperature is only slightly higher than the normal range, it should not be taken lightly. At this time, it is best to use a pet-specific thermometer for rectal temperature measurement, which is the most accurate measurement method. Although the operation process may be difficult, for the health of the dog, the owner needs to complete it patiently.​

When you suspect your dog has a fever, don't blindly feed it human antipyretics, as many drugs can be fatal to dogs. You should contact a veterinarian immediately, describe the dog's symptoms and temperature in detail, and follow professional advice. While waiting for medical treatment, you can gently wipe the dog's paw pads, belly, and ears with a wet towel to help it cool down physically, but avoid using ice water or alcohol to avoid irritating the dog's skin. ​

Judging whether a dog has a fever is a skill that every dog ​​owner must master. Behind this ability is meticulous care for the dog and the patience to spend time observing and learning. When we understand the signals sent by the dog's body and provide help in time, we can become a solid support when it needs it most.