- Red or glassy-looking eyes.
- Warm ears and/or nose.
- Shivering.
- Panting.
- Runny nose.
- Decreased energy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Coughing.
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How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature
While it may not be the most enjoyable thing you and your dog will ever do together, accurately assessing his temperature can only be accomplished with a rectal or ear thermometer. Nowadays there are digital thermometers made just for pets. You should have one of these in the first-aid kit you keep for your dog. It can register your his temperature in about 60 seconds, cutting down on his (and your) discomfort.
For a rectal thermometer, first lubricate it with petroleum jelly or baby oil. Gently insert it about an inch into your dog’s anus and then remove it as soon as you get a reading.
Ear thermometers are less invasive, yet still a reliable way to take your dog’s temperature. It measures the infrared heat waves that are emitted from the area around the eardrum. The thermometer is placed deep into the horizontal ear canal to obtain an accurate reading. Ear thermometers are usually somewhat more expensive, but your dog will appreciate your willingness to shell out a few more bucks. Read all instructions carefully. Do not use a glass thermometer.
What Is a Dog’s Normal Temperature?
Unlike people, who have a normal temperature range of 97.6–99.6F degrees, your dog’s normal temperature is higher: the range is between 99.5 and 102.5F degrees. You can take your dog’s temperature on a pet thermometer. So now that we know what is normal, let’s look at the signs that tell us if our dog is out of range and running a fever.
Normal Temperature VS Fever in Dogs
The normal body temperature of a dog is between 101 and 102. 5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much hotter than the normal body temperature of humans (97 degrees Fahrenheit). 6 to 99. 6 F).
Your dog has a fever if its temperature exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Your dog has a very high temperature and is at risk of serious, possibly fatal complications if its temperature reaches 106 F.
Since dogs’ body temperatures can rise under stress or excitement, it can be challenging to spot a fever in them. A dog’s body temperature can change both during the day and at night. It’s crucial that you understand your dog’s healthy body temperature, which you can do by taking multiple readings of your dog’s temperature throughout the day and night.
Many people think that if you touch your dog’s nose, and it’s wet and cold, then your dog’s temperature is normal, and if it’s hot and dry, then your dog probably has a fever. But this does not necessarily mean that your dog has a fever.
The most accurate way to check your dog’s temperature is with a digital rectal thermometer, which you can find in some pet stores. It is advised that you keep a unique thermometer for your dog and keep it in the same location as your dog’s supplies.
Start by applying oil or a water-soluble lubricant to the thermometer’s tip. Then, carefully insert the thermometer about an inch into your dog’s rectum by lifting its tail up and to the side. If at all possible, enlist the assistance of a second person to assist you by holding under your dog’s hind legs to prevent them from sitting. Once the temperature has been registered, carefully remove the thermometer.
There are countless conditions that could raise the temperature of your dog. Some of the most common include:
In some cases, it can be difficult to identify the cause of your dog’s fever. This is called a fever of unknown origin, or FUO. In situations like this, an underlying immune disorder, cancer, or issues with their bone marrow may be to blame for the fever.
FAQ
Can you tell if a dog has a fever by touch?
It’s a widespread misconception that you can determine whether a dog has a fever by touching it and determining whether it’s warm and dry. Dogs do run warmer than humans. But taking your pet’s body temperature is the best way to determine if they have a fever.
Why does my puppy feel hot?
A puppy’s body temperature should range from 94 to 97 degrees when it is born. By four weeks, this temperature will have gradually risen to about 100 degrees. This may cause your puppy to feel warm to the touch frequently, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you should be alarmed.
How do puppies act when they have a fever?
A dog with a fever typically exhibits symptoms like panting, lethargy or acting exhausted, and shivering, and will have a temperature of 103 degrees F or higher. His ears may feel hot and be red. If the fever is caused by an illness, you might also experience other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or coughing.
How do I check my puppy’s temperature?
To take your dog’s temperature, lubricate the thermometer with petroleum gel or baby oil before taking the reading. Next, gently insert the thermometer into your dog’s anus, about one inch deep, and watch for results. The majority of thermometers used for this purpose will register in less than 60 seconds.