What if my dog seems to have a fever?
We have all found ourselves helpless in the face of a feverish animal, not knowing how to relieve him.
How do I recognize the signs of fever?
How to help him quickly?
This is what we will see together.
Contents
- 1 How to assess a dog’s fever without a thermometer
- 2 What is fever in dogs?
- 3 What are the signs of a feverish dog?
- 4 What are the symptoms of fever in dogs?
- 5 What causes fever in dogs?
- 6 How to prevent fever in dogs?
- 7 What is the temperature of a sick dog?
- 8 Dog fever natural treatment
- 9 How to deal with dog fever?
How to assess a dog’s fever without a thermometer
You don’t have a thermometer and can’t assess your dog’s temperature, here are all the telltale symptoms of a dog’s fever:
– touch paws and ears with the back of your hand to assess the temperature
– examine his nose: if you notice a discharge or greenish secretions, your dog seems to be suffering from a respiratory infection and certainly has a fever
– examine the groin and armpits with the back of your hand: if you notice that these areas are hot and swollen, your dog has a fever
– examine his gums: if they are not wet and pinkish, your dog has an infection
Behavioral changes can also alert you to a dog’s fever like:
– lethargy
– poor appetite
– weariness
– a refusal of the usual outputs
– continuous sleep
– constant gasping
– a desire for isolation
– nausea and/or vomiting
– diarrhea
What is fever in dogs?
The dog’s body temperature ranges between 37.5°C (99.5°F) and 38.5C (101°F).
His thermoregulatory system adapts his body temperature according to his state of health and activities.
In the event of an anomaly, this control zone increases the temperature in an attempt to counter the damaging effects caused by a viral or bacterial attack.
Fever is a weapon to destroy intruders who cannot survive in a too hot environment.
What are the signs of a feverish dog?
Fever can be easily detected using a rectal thermometer.
But it’s much more complicated to pinpoint its real cause.
Different tests are needed to determine the origin of an infection.
What are the symptoms of fever in dogs?
Some dogs remain very active even when they are feverish.
This strange attitude shows that the dog’s immune system is able to fight back whatever the cause of the infection.
But in other dogs, even a moderate rise in temperature makes them lethargic, depressed, and indifferent to any diet.
He may also shiver, have a runny nose, cough, or vomit.
The color of his gums then indicates whether your dog has a severe fever.
Normally they are pinkish. If you notice red gums, the fever is present.
Cloudy eyes are also an indication that the dog is in pain.
What causes fever in dogs?
Some fevers are idiopathic which means that the origin or the cause is not identified.
Most fevers are of bacterial or viral origin, especially since the dog is very exposed to airborne viruses.
The fever can also be caused by inflammation caused by tick bites or flea bites.
Parasites such as tapeworms or heartworm can damage the heart and cause the temperature to rise.
The main function of the immune system is to spot and destroy the invaders that cause infections.
But a significant rise in temperature can also be caused by its dysregulation and trigger an autoimmune disease.
How to prevent fever in dogs?
Being airborne, it is impossible to prevent viral infections.
And, in general, any infection prevention is difficult.
You can nevertheless ensure that the dog’s environment is always healthy and avoid contact with one of his sick congeners.
Don’t forget to disinfect his bowl and all his accessories and toys, and regularly clean his basket as well as all the places he likes.
Balanced nutrition also reduces the likelihood of any disease.
What is the temperature of a sick dog?
A dog suffering from a fever below 40°C (104°F) is not in danger because it gives way naturally without treatment in general.
If your dog is eating normally, the fever can be controlled by sponging his pads and the insides of his ears with a cool alcohol solution diluted in water in equal parts.
Do not give him aspirin or any other human medicine that may be harmful to him.
If the temperature is above 41°C (106°F), the fever becomes dangerous and only the veterinarian can help him.
In the meantime, try to hydrate him by making him drink slowly and in small sips but without forcing him.
A compress of diluted alcohol placed in a damp, cold cloth can be placed on the dog’s head to protect his brain from the deleterious effects of a too-high fever.
If your dog has difficulty urinating or has blood in his urine, if he has a sore or abscess, an urgent visit to your veterinarian is needed.
Dog fever natural treatment
Although it is not indicated to give treatment to try to lower the fever, it is a good idea to boost the immune system when it is in high demand.
So, introducing the first symptoms some vitamins and herbs to help fight the infection is more interesting.
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Echinacea
Echinacea is the plant of immunity.
But it’s not just immune-stimulating.
It also has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
It can treat respiratory and urinary tract infections as well as skin ulcers and wounds when applied topically.
Prefer an Echinacea purpurea extract (#ad) considered the most effective.
The recommended dosage is one drop per lb, 1 to 3 times a day for a period of 7 to 10 days maximum.
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Vitamin C
Like humans, vitamin C is essential for the immune system due to its antioxidant effects.
It also helps with wound healing and collagen production.
The recommended dosage is 5-10mg per lb 2-3 times a day.
Choose a liposomal vitamin C (#ad) for better absorption while avoiding digestive disorders.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight respiratory infections effectively while supporting the immune system.
The recommended dosage is 5-10mg per pound once a day.
Go for vitamin E capsules (#ad) and add one to two drops to your dog’s diet.
How to deal with dog fever?
Most of the time, it is not necessary to treat a dog’s fever, especially when he remains alert and active when he eats and drinks normally.
Dogs resist fever with more dignity than humans lol
Of course, if the dog is downcast, refuses to drink and feed, he shows signs of very high fever and the visit to your vet becomes urgent.
You can still help him overcome this infectious episode by adding a few supplements to his diet that will help him recover faster.
So the key to managing your dog’s fever is in care, support, and prevention.
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