Dogs like their human friends get fever too. Canine fever is a symptom of an underlying health concern. In an effort to fight invasive noxious bacterial or viral agents, the body will generate heat that is beyond the set point of body temperature. Canine normal temperature that is from 100F to 102F is higher than the 98F which is the normal body temperature of humans. Recognizing the fever of the dog would be a rather difficult task for a pet owner as apart from the higher temperature of dogs, these animals have no way of communicating to the owners what they really feel.
How can you tell if the dog has fever? Bright eyes and lively alert expression are telltale signs of a healthy dog. We know how energetic dogs are but a sick pet would be lethargic. Sluggishness is one of the symptoms of fever and a dog that curls in a corner and sleeps all day is unwell. Disinterest in eating and drinking is another symptom that the dog has fever. A change in behavior is one of the signs that the dog is unwell.
Dogs are affectionate pets and the indifference to the family's attention is a glaring sign that something is wrong with the pet. Dogs with fever will have warmer nose, ears and fur. To accurately read temperature of the pet a rectal temperature must be used. A digital thermometer inserted on the dog's anus will give quick results.
There are many reasons why a dog would have a fever. Dog fever troubles can happen if the pet is left outdoors when the weather is very hot. Fever though is commonly caused by infection. Dogs are food motivated but they will turn away from food if they are sick. The biggest concern of non-eating is dehydration thus the pet must be enticed to eat. With a needleless syringe, force the dog to ingest water.
Fever that results from infection is usually gone after a day or two even without any treatment. But if the dog shows no infected cuts, canine fever is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and organ diseases. Fever that just happened - with no obvious reason would be the hardest to treat. These cases certainly need a vet's expertise. The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination as well as diagnostic tests and once a definitive diagnosis is obtained a course of treatment can be formulated.
How can you tell if the dog has fever? Bright eyes and lively alert expression are telltale signs of a healthy dog. We know how energetic dogs are but a sick pet would be lethargic. Sluggishness is one of the symptoms of fever and a dog that curls in a corner and sleeps all day is unwell. Disinterest in eating and drinking is another symptom that the dog has fever. A change in behavior is one of the signs that the dog is unwell.
Dogs are affectionate pets and the indifference to the family's attention is a glaring sign that something is wrong with the pet. Dogs with fever will have warmer nose, ears and fur. To accurately read temperature of the pet a rectal temperature must be used. A digital thermometer inserted on the dog's anus will give quick results.
There are many reasons why a dog would have a fever. Dog fever troubles can happen if the pet is left outdoors when the weather is very hot. Fever though is commonly caused by infection. Dogs are food motivated but they will turn away from food if they are sick. The biggest concern of non-eating is dehydration thus the pet must be enticed to eat. With a needleless syringe, force the dog to ingest water.
Fever that results from infection is usually gone after a day or two even without any treatment. But if the dog shows no infected cuts, canine fever is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and organ diseases. Fever that just happened - with no obvious reason would be the hardest to treat. These cases certainly need a vet's expertise. The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination as well as diagnostic tests and once a definitive diagnosis is obtained a course of treatment can be formulated.
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