What should I do if my dog has a fever

When you find that the energetic dog at home, who always revolves around you and plays around your feet, is now listlessly lying in the corner, with its nose no longer moist. As soon as you take a temperature, the number that exceeds the normal range makes your heart instantly tighten. Dogs have a fever, which is a situation that every dog lover is unwilling to face but may encounter at any time. That kind of worry and heartache surges in their hearts like a tide. So, what should we do if a dog has a fever?

Firstly, when a dog is found to have a fever, do not panic, maintaining composure is key. Panic not only fails to solve the problem, but may also make the dog feel uneasy and exacerbate its tense emotions. The first thing we need to do is to confirm the dog's temperature again. Use a pet specific thermometer and measure it correctly to ensure the accuracy of temperature data. The normal body temperature range for dogs is between 37.5 ℃ and 38.5 ℃. Once it exceeds this range, it means that the dog has a fever.

Next, carefully observe the dog's other symptoms. In addition to fever, whether the dog has respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and runny nose may indicate that the dog has a cold or respiratory infection; If a dog experiences vomiting or diarrhea, there is a higher likelihood of gastrointestinal problems, such as gastroenteritis and ingestion of foreign objects; If a dog is extremely lethargic, twitching, or even shows neurological symptoms, it is necessary to be highly alert to serious infectious diseases such as canine distemper. These symptoms are crucial for determining the cause of a dog's fever, like clues to solving a puzzle, helping us and veterinarians find the root of the problem.

After initial observation, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians are the guardians of a dog's health, possessing professional knowledge and extensive experience to accurately assess its condition. When describing the symptoms of a dog, it is important to provide as much detail as possible, including the duration of the fever, changes in body temperature, and whether there are any other abnormal behaviors. For example, you can tell the veterinarian that "the dog has been running a fever since yesterday, with a body temperature of around 39 ℃, and has also shown symptoms of coughing and mild diarrhea today." This way, the veterinarian can have a more comprehensive understanding of the dog's condition and provide more accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

During the wait for the veterinarian, we can take some simple physical cooling measures. Gently wipe the dog's foot pads, belly, and ears with a damp towel. These areas have rich blood vessels and can dissipate some heat through the evaporation of water. It is also possible to provide dogs with sufficient drinking water. Fever can cause water loss in the dog's body, and replenishing water can help maintain normal metabolism, promote urination, and help dissipate heat. But be careful not to force your dog to drink water to avoid coughing.

After the veterinary examination, a treatment plan will be developed based on the cause of the dog's fever. If the fever is caused by a common cold, some pet specific cold medicine may be prescribed, and it is recommended that we take good care of the dog, such as keeping the living environment warm and dry, to avoid catching a cold again. If fever is caused by bacterial infection, veterinarians usually use antibiotics for treatment, but the type and dosage of antibiotics must strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions, and cannot be increased or decreased arbitrarily to avoid affecting the treatment effect or developing drug resistance.

For infectious diseases such as canine distemper and parvovirus, the treatment process may be more complex and lengthy. In addition to targeted treatment, antiviral therapy and supportive therapy are also needed to help dogs improve their immunity and fight against the virus. During this process, the owner's companionship and patience are crucial. Dogs may experience emotional distress due to illness, and we need to provide them with more care and encouragement.

Careful care during dog treatment is key to promoting recovery. Provide nutritious and easily digestible food, such as chicken Congee, nutritional cream, etc., to ensure that dogs eat enough energy and nutrition. Pay close attention to the dog's temperature, mental state, and diet, and provide timely feedback to the veterinarian. If the dog's body temperature persists or other abnormal symptoms appear, it should be taken to the hospital for follow-up immediately.

Although a dog's fever is heartbreaking, as long as we master the correct coping methods, accompany and take care of it with a scientific attitude and full of love, the dog will definitely overcome the disease and regain its vitality. Watching the dog wagging its tail happily again, surrounding us, the joy and peace of mind cannot be described in words. Let's protect the health of our dogs together and spend every wonderful time with them.