How To Tell if a Dog Has a Fever

Dogs can get overheated easily. After a walk, they may start panting to cool down, and on a warm day, your pup might feel like they’re a furry little furnace.

While changes in body temperature are normal, your dog can get too hot when they’re sick. A dog has a fever when their body temperature rises above 103° Fahrenheit. Fevers are a symptom of many common canine diseases, and the fever itself can cause other side effects.

So, how can you tell if your dog has a fever? And what should you do about it?

Your dog has a fever if…

Dogs have a normal body temperature of 101°F to 102.5°F. This is higher than us humans, which is around 98.6°F (and even lower for many people). 

In general, when your dog’s temperature rises above 103°F, they have a fever. If their temperature gets to 106°F or more, then the situation becomes an emergency. 

You may notice your dog is hot to the touch when they have a fever. They may also react by shaking, crying, or sleeping more than normal. Dogs get fevers for a range of reasons, including infection, poisoning, disease, or even allergies.

A fever isn’t always a bad thing. It’s the body’s way of fighting an infection as it stimulates an immune response. However, fevers can be dangerous if they’re too high or last longer than 24 hours.

How to take your dog’s temperature

The best way to check your dog’s temperature is with a digital pet thermometer. There are two suitable types to choose from:

Rectal thermometers: If your dog is calm, you can get an accurate reading from their rectum. For small dogs, it should be inserted slowly, about an inch deep. For bigger dogs, this will be around 2 inches. A digital thermometer will beep when it has an accurate reading.

Ear (aural) thermometers: These are inserted inside the horizontal ear canal at a 90°angle. Once again, you will hear a beep when the results are ready. Aural thermometers are not suitable for pups with an ear infection. 

Note: While oral thermometers are safe for humans, they aren’t recommended for dogs. There is a risk of injury if they bite down and the glass or plastic breaks.

Before you check your dog’s temperature with a thermometer, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions. You will learn how to insert the device correctly and whether it needs to be calibrated.

To make the process easier, consider using disposable sleeves that fit over the thermometer. This hygienic tool also makes cleanup simple. For your dog’s comfort, you can also purchase lubricating jelly if you’re using a rectal thermometer.

Wondering how to tell if a dog has a fever without a thermometer? It’s likely your pet will have other signs of an illness or injury and their skin will be hot to touch.

Remember, if you aren’t comfortable checking your dog’s temperature, don’t try to force it! A vet can do it for you.

What are common dog fever symptoms?

Some of the most common signs of a fever in dogs include:

• Warm body and ears
• Shivering
• Lethargy or decreased energy levels
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing or vomiting
• Glassy-looking eyes
• Red eyes
• Dry nose and mouth
• Excessive panting

A fever is often a warning sign that your dog is unwell. If there are any accompanying symptoms, be sure to tell your vet. This information can help them make the right diagnosis.

How do you treat a dog’s fever?

Knowing what to do when your dog has a fever can help your pup recover quickly. 

The first person to talk to should be your vet. Depending on how long the fever has lasted and the cause, your dog may need X-rays, blood tests, and medicines such as antibiotics. You should never give your dog human medication because it can be toxic.

In some cases, dog fever treatment at home may be recommended. For example, your dog’s temperature might rise as a normal response to vaccination, and in this case, you can care for them at home.

Cool water can keep your dog comfortable and help to reduce the fever. You can use a wet cloth to apply the water to their ears, paws, and back and repeat this as necessary. 

It’s also important that your pup stays hydrated, so offer them sips of drinking water. Some dogs may not want water when they’re sick, so you’ll need to encourage them to drink up. (Pro tip: a little unsalted chicken broth can make water more appealing.)

Will my dog’s fever go away on its own?

A fever is part of the body’s natural immune response, and so your dog may recover on their own, especially if it’s a low-grade fever. If their body can’t fight the infection and the fever doesn’t go away, you’ll need to call your vet. The answer really depends on the cause of the fever, their age, and general health.

What if the fever doesn’t go away? If your dog’s temperature rises to 106°, or if they have an above-average temperature that lasts more than 24 hours, seek urgent veterinary care. This is also the case if they have an injury, illness, or you suspect your dog has eaten poisonous materials. 

Senior pets, puppies, and dogs with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or cancer are more vulnerable. For these pups, contact your vet as soon as possible if you suspect a fever.

Pet insurance can help you prepare for unexpected accidents or illnesses by taking the bite out of costly vet bills. Learn more about how Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans can help protect your favorite dog.

Dogs & fevers: FAQs

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