How To Discover If Your Dog Has A Fever

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Is Fido still in his bed, lying uninterested in his toys, uninterested in the meaty bone stashed under his blanket? Even breakfast is going untouched and what is more worrying his drinking bowl is still full. Wave the leash at him and he stares at you with his rummy and dull eyes. Is Fido bored with life? Is he depressed? He may very well be making a statement about his home-life, but it much more likely that these listless behavioural symptoms are a sign of fever.

If you touch Fido around the ears or the nose he may feel hot. Just as with humans a fever will raise the overall temperature to combat infections from bacteria, viruses and ingested toxins, the same is true of dogs. In humans touching the skin will ascertain if the temperature is raised. However, a dog’s temperature is normally 3 degrees above that of a human: somewhere between 37.8°C (100°F) and 39.3°C (102.7°F). So Fido will naturally feel warm; but to a human touch how warm is warm? Fido is not in a position to speak.

Aside from the general listless malaise Fido may be showing other, more serious signs of illness: he may be scratching; he may have diarrhoea, or vomiting; he may find it difficult to move because of pain. If it is uncertain from touch just how hot Fido actually is, then the only sure method is by using a thermometer.

The usual method of taking a dog’s temperature with a thermometer is via the rectum. Obviously this will not be the most enjoyable experience for poor old Fido, particularly if he’s not feeling at his best. Insertion can be made easier by coating the thermometer with petroleum jelly.

A temperature slightly above 102°F might indicate only a mild fever, and as with humans, this is not necessarily a bad thing: a mild illness often helps to boost the immune system. Therefore generally Fido should be kept comfortable, insuring that he doesn’t dehydrate. The temperature should be monitored at regular intervals to see if it alters. It should also be noted that faeces may be the causing a false reading, so it’s best to check after Fido has relieved himself. If the temperature begins to rise, or is taken at 105°F or above then this indicative of a serious illness and requires immediate consultation with a vet.