Fever
Fever is an elevated body temperature that occurs as a response to infection or inflammation (hypothermia).
Normal body temperatures range from 101 – 102.5°F or 38 - 39°C in dogs. The temperature is most accurately taken with a rectal digital thermometer. These usually give results in less than one minute.
Lubricate the thermometer with a water based lubricant (such as K-Y-Jelly, baby oil or soap) and then insert the end of the thermometer 1 – 2 c (about ½ - 1 inch). Ear thermometers designed for humans do not work well on dogs.
What To Do
What Not To Do
When a dog is lethargic, depressed, shivering a lot, or you see any other reasons to suspect they are not well (not eating, or is vomiting, coughing, has greenish nasal discharge or diarrhoea) – suspect a fever.
The only way to confirm this is to take their temperature using a medical thermometer, so get your dog used to you taking its temperature so you have a reliable record of your dogs normal temperature range.
Fever is an elevated body temperature that occurs as a response to infection or inflammation (hypothermia).
Normal body temperatures range from 101 – 102.5°F or 38 - 39°C in dogs. The temperature is most accurately taken with a rectal digital thermometer. These usually give results in less than one minute.
Lubricate the thermometer with a water based lubricant (such as K-Y-Jelly, baby oil or soap) and then insert the end of the thermometer 1 – 2 c (about ½ - 1 inch). Ear thermometers designed for humans do not work well on dogs.
What To Do
- Take and record rectal temperature if you believe your dog seems ill or feels warm.
- If the temperature is above 39.5°C (103°F) call your vet. A temperature of 106°F (or over 40°C) can be life threatening so seek veterinary attention immediately.
- If your dog’s temperature is above 105°F (40°C), moisten the dogs coat with cool (not cold) water and pay particular attention to ears and feet which are areas of heat exchange. Direct a fan on moistened areas.
- Encourage, but do not force, your dog to drink small, frequent quantities of water, unless they have vomited in the last 4 -6 hours.
What Not To Do
- Do Not over treat – be careful not to over treat. Discontinue cooling once the rectal temperature reaches 103°F or the dog may become too cold (hypothermia).
- Do Not give aspirin or other drugs as many of these are poisonous to dogs.
When a dog is lethargic, depressed, shivering a lot, or you see any other reasons to suspect they are not well (not eating, or is vomiting, coughing, has greenish nasal discharge or diarrhoea) – suspect a fever.
The only way to confirm this is to take their temperature using a medical thermometer, so get your dog used to you taking its temperature so you have a reliable record of your dogs normal temperature range.
