Dogs Can Get Fevers Too

Just like humans, dogs can get fevers. A fever in dogs is usually a sign that something is wrong, but it’s not always immediately clear what the illness is or how it should be treated.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has a Fever?

There’s a common myth that a warm nose means a dog has a fever. But in reality, a warm nose does not necessarily indicate a fever, since nose temperature can fluctuate for many reasons.

The most accurate way to tell if your dog has a fever is by taking its temperature with a thermometer—rectally.

A dog’s normal body temperature typically ranges from 99.5°F to 102.2°F (37.5°C to 39°C). However, this can vary from dog to dog.

That’s why it’s a good idea to measure your dog’s temperature at different times during the day when your dog is healthy. This gives you a personal baseline to refer to later.

Make sure to take your dog’s temperature when it is calm and relaxed. Physical activity, play, or a walk can cause the temperature to rise temporarily, even in healthy dogs.

Knowing your dog’s usual temperature helps you determine whether a real fever is present.

Signs that your dog might have a fever include shivering, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, or even weight loss—all of which can signal an elevated body temperature.

How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature

Understandably, most dogs won’t love having their temperature taken. So it’s important to keep your dog calm and relaxed.

Applying a small amount of Vaseline to the thermometer can make the process a bit more comfortable.

Lift your dog’s tail gently, speak to them in a soothing voice, and carefully insert the thermometer about ¾ of an inch (around 2 cm) into the rectum.

Wait for the reading before gently removing the thermometer.

What Causes Fever in Dogs?

If your dog’s temperature is higher than usual, you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

If your dog has recently been active, allow them to rest and retake the temperature later.

A fever often means your dog is sick, but only a vet can determine the exact illness.

To identify the cause of the fever, the vet may need to run urine or blood tests. This is crucial in finding the right treatment.

How to Reduce a Dog’s Fever

It might be tempting to help your dog by giving them fever-reducing medication. However, never give your dog medications intended for humans, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).

These drugs are toxic to dogs and can cause serious harm.

Instead, avoid self-treatment and contact your veterinarian right away. They’ll guide you on the safest and most effective way to treat your dog’s fever.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.