How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Fever
Key takeaways:
Fever in dogs is hard to detect, and the best way to find out is by checking the animal’s temperature.
Dogs can have a fever for any number of underlying causes, and treatment involves addressing the root cause.
Pet parents can help keep their dog cool with at-home remedies, but you should visit the veterinarian if their fever lasts more than 24 hours or their temperature rises above 103°F.
Table of contents
It’s a common myth that you can tell if your dog has a fever by touching their nose and seeing if it’s warm and dry. Dogs do run warmer than humans. But the best way to identify if your pet is running a fever is by taking their body temperature.
If your dog’s temperature is 103°F or higher, that’s a clear indicator that your dog has a fever.
Below, we’ll show you how to take your dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer, other signs of fever in dogs, and tips for treating your pet at home.
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How to check your dog’s body temperature to see if they have a fever
Your dog is running a fever if their temperature is 103°F or higher. To check their temperature, it’s best to use a rectal digital electronic thermometer.
“A rectal temperature reading with a thermometer is the most accurate way to assess a dog’s overall body temperature,” says veterinarian Emily Wilson, DVM.
These thermometers can give results in less than a minute. You can find them at a pet store or online.
To take your dog’s temperature, follow these steps:
Apply petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer to lubricate it.
Slowly insert the thermometer into the dog’s rectum, about 1 or 2 inches. Feel free to give your dog treats to divert their attention.
Do not force the thermometer if it doesn’t slide.
Keep the thermometer in for up to 2 minutes or until it beeps, then record the temperature.
Keep in mind that many dogs don’t like having their temperature taken. Do it with caution at home, or take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup.
Normal vs. labored breathing: Some dogs get winded easily. So is your dog’s panting normal? Maybe, or it could be heatstroke, Cushing’s, or laryngeal paralysis.
Pup pain: Your pet can’t tell you when they feel discomfort, but they can show you with these 12 telltale signs of pain in dogs.
Red skin patches: If your dog keeps licking, biting, or scratching the same spot, they may have a hot spot.
Wilson says it’s also important not to take your dog’s temperature right after they have been active, playing, or lying in the sun. These activities “will likely elevate their body temperature,” and that can often be normal, she said.
It’s best to wait until your dog has cooled down to take their temperature, after 10 minutes. But if your dog is otherwise acting normal and is not showing any of the above symptoms, there’s no reason to take their temperature.
What are fever symptoms in dogs?
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can look for other signs that your dog may have a fever. Fever symptoms in dogs range from subtle to more easily noticeable. Wilson shares the following symptoms of fever that pet parents need to look out for:
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Decreased energy
Your pup may not get excited about going for walks or playing with you. They may sleep more than usual.
Decreased appetite
Your furry friend may eat less than normal, not want to eat at all, and reject treats.
Panting
Panting is a common way for dogs to cool off and regulate their body temperature. But if your dog is panting more than normal, it could mean their temperature is running high.
Shivering
Many dogs tremble when they’re anxious, excited, or cold. But shivering is also a sign of fever in dogs.
Vomiting
Dogs throw up for many reasons, including infection, heatstroke, and a high body temperature.
Diarrhea
Many dogs get diarrhea, and it’s usually not cause for alarm. But if your pet’s diarrhea doesn’t get better after a day or two, they may be running a fever and need to see a vet.
Coughing
If your pup is making hacking sounds, they may have an upper respiratory infection or kennel cough, which can cause a fever.
What causes a fever in dogs?
Your veterinarian will perform an exam and run tests to help determine the cause of your dog’s fever. A fever can be caused by a wide variety of underlying conditions, including:
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection
Urinary tract infection
Eating a toxic substance
Infected scratch or cut
Cancer
An autoimmune disease
Fever doesn’t always mean an infection. If your dog recently received a vaccination, this can sometimes also cause a low-grade fever.
How do you treat a dog’s fever at home?
It’s essential to get to the bottom of what’s causing the fever and treat the illness. But pet parents can perform first aid at home. Follow these steps to make your pup more comfortable:
Wet your pet’s coat with cool (but not cold) water, paying attention to their ears and feet.
Put a damp cloth on their paws.
Direct a fan on the dampened spots to further cool your dog.
Encourage your dog to drink small, frequent amounts of water (unless they are also vomiting).
Stop the cooling once their temperature reaches 103°F.
You should not give your dog over-the-counter human fever reducers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications can be toxic to dogs.
When should you see a vet about a dog’s fever?
A dog’s normal temperature ranges from 101°F to 102.5°F. Call your veterinarian if the temperature is above 103°F or if the fever lasts more than 24 hours, Wilson said. A temperature of 106°F can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention.
Frequently asked questions
Talk to your vet about prescription medications that can lower your dog’s temperature if the fever persists. You should not give your dog aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Warm ears can mean your dog’s temperature is running high. Their ears should normally feel room temperature or slightly warmer than room temperature. But warm ears alone are usually not enough to tell if your dog has a fever.
Shivering is one sign of fever in dogs. It’s their way of trying to regulate their body temperature when they’re not feeling well.
The duration of a dog’s fever depends on the underlying cause and can vary greatly. But if the fever lasts more than 24 hours, Wilson recommends taking your pet to the clinic right away.
Often, a dog’s fever will go away on its own. If your pet’s fever continues or keeps coming back, take your dog to your veterinarian.
The bottom line
Fever in dogs means there’s an underlying condition that may need medical attention. A temperature of 103°F or higher means your pup is running a fever. To check your dog’s temperature, you’ll need a digital rectal thermometer. It can give you a reading in up to a minute. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for signs of fever. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
At-home remedies like using a wet cloth to cool the dog down can make your pet more comfortable. But if their fever lasts more than 24 hours, seek veterinary help immediately.
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References
Allen, A. J. (2018). Fever of unknown origin in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Vaccination.
Flood, J. (2009). The diagnostic approach to fever of unknown origin in dogs. Compendium.
Gaschen, F. P., et al. (2008). The febrile patient. British Small Animal Veterinary Congress.
Gfeller, R., et al. (2018). Fever: First aid. Veterinary Partner.
Gfeller, R., et al. (2020). Physical exam checklist for pets: First aid. Veterinary Partner.
Lunn, K. F. (2022). Fever of unknown origin in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
