How to Tell If You Dog Has a Fever: At-Home Treatment

As a pet owner, you tend to notice when something isn't right. If your normally happy, energetic dog is acting lethargic, shivering, or refusing to eat, it's a sign that you need to investigate. And if your dog is acting off overall, it may be an indication that your dog has a fever.

Here, we'll show you how to tell if a dog has a fever and what temperature is normal versus problematic. We'll also review common dog fever symptoms, how to check a dog's temperature safely, and how to manage at-home treatment while you wait to see the vet.

What Is a Normal Dog Temperature?

In order to know if your dog has a fever, it's important to understand what a dog temperature normal range is. Spoiler alert – it's higher than it is for humans.

PetMD says the normal range for a dog’s body temperature is between 100 F and 102.5 F. So, if you take your dog's temperature and get a 101 reading, there's no need to assume something's wrong the way you would if your child registered the same number.

Anything above 102.5, however, is generally considered a fever in a dog. And Pet MD says anything above 104.5 is considered an emergency requiring immediate attention from a vet. If your regular office is closed, you may want to take your dog to an urgent care clinic or animal hospital.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Fever

Usually, the first sign that your dog has a fever is a change in their demeanor or behavior. They may just seem a little off, or they may seem very off, depending on what's going on.

Here are some common dog fever symptoms to be aware of:

• Warm ears or nose
• A dry nose
• A drop in energy levels
• Shivering or trembling
• A loss of appetite or refusal to drink
• Coughing or nasal discharge
• Rapid breathing or panting beyond what's normal for your dog
• Glassy or red eyes

Keep in mind that these signs don't automatically point to a fever. A dry nose, for example, could be caused by warm temperatures or allergies. But if you notice any of these symptoms along with altered behavior or demeanor, it's a good idea to check if your dog has a fever.

How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature at Home

If your dog is acting off, your best bet may be to take them to the vet, especially if you suspect a fever. But what if it's an evening or weekend, or you can't get in right away?

If you have a digital thermometer that can be used on dogs, you can do a temperature check at home. Here's how to go about it.

• Step One: Apply lubricant to the tip of the thermometer so it goes in easily.
• Step Two: Gently insert the thermometer into your dog's rectum about one-inch deep.
• Step Three: Wait for a reading.
• Step Four: Clean the thermometer thoroughly.

It's generally a good idea to have someone assist with an at-home temperature check. You may also want to abort that mission if your dog resists and wait for a vet to check their temperature.

You should also know that an ear thermometer may be a reasonable alternative to a rectal one, but only if used properly. Ear thermometers measure infrared heat waves emitted from dogs' eardrums.

What Causes Fever in Dogs?

There are different reasons why a dog might run a fever. Some common reasons include:

• Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• Tick-borne diseases
• Inflammation
• Reactions to vaccines
• Heatstroke
• Cancer
• Dental abscesses
• Toxic ingestion

Keep in mind that there's a difference between a fever in dogs and overheating. A fever is a dog's way of responding to inflammation or infection. Overheating stems from external factors, like too much time out in the heat. Overheating can become an emergency.

Don't assume that your dog has a fever or is dangerously overheated if they start panting after coming back from a walk. Panting is how dogs regulate their body temperature. Pay attention to signs of severe overheating like vomiting or your dog being disoriented.

At-Home Care for Mild Fever

If your dog has a mild fever somewhere in the 103 to 103.5 F range and seems stable, you may be able to treat a mild fever at home if you can't get to the vet right away. To help your dog through a fever:

• Apply cool water to their fur, particularly around the feet and ears.
• Use a fan to cool your dog off, or keep them in a cool environment, like an air-conditioned room.
• Offer them small amounts of water regularly.
• Feed them small, bland meals.
• Limit their physical activity until their fever goes down.

Never attempt to treat a fever in a dog with human medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The only medication you should give a dog is medication a vet prescribes or confirms it is safe.

When to Call the Veterinarian Immediately

A fever in a dog isn't always an emergency, but it can be. It's important to know what red flags to look out for. These include:

• A temperature above 104.5
• Extreme lethargy
• Blood in your dog's stool or vomit
• A refusal to eat or drink
• An inability to stand
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of severe pain, such as your dog crying out or shaking

High fevers can lead to organ damage if left untreated, so don't delay care if you suspect one, or if a reading confirms one.

Can You Prevent Fevers in Dogs?

No, but there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your dog falling ill. These include:

• Scheduling regular veterinary check-ups
• Keeping up with routine vaccinations
• Checking your dog for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded areas
• Monitoring your dog's environment
• Storing toxic materials and foods in an area where your dog can't access them
• Practicing good oral hygiene to prevent infections in the mouth

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Fevers

Here are some questions you may have about fevers in dogs.

Can I tell if my dog has a fever by touching their nose?

No. A dog's nose can be dry or warm for other reasons. Doing an actual temperature check is the only way to verify that a dog has a fever.

Is a fever of 103 F always dangerous?

A fever of 103 is considered mild in dogs. If your vet's office isn't open and your dog seems stable, you can attempt to treat your dog at home and wait until morning or the following day.

Can teething cause fever in puppies?

Teething can sometimes cause a mild fever in puppies, but it shouldn't cause a high fever.

How long can a dog safely have a fever?

It's important to call your vet if your dog's fever lasts more than 24 hours.

The Bottom Line on Dog Fevers

Dog fevers can be scary. But it's important to know what constitutes an emergency and when you can wait a bit to see the vet.

The only way to know for sure that your dog has a fever is to check their temperature. If you suspect a fever but can't confirm it, your best bet is to call your vet as soon as possible. Even if they can't see you right away, they can generally offer guidance on what next steps to take.