Symptoms of Dog Fever: How to Identify, Title: Identify
How to Determine if Your Dog Has a Fever?
1. Observe Your Dog's Mood and Appetite. A dog that is typically energetic and eager to play may exhibit signs of a fever through a lack of enthusiasm and decreased appetite. If you notice your furry friend seems listless or uninterested in their usual activities, it could be an indication of discomfort, possibly due to a fever.
2. Check the Temperature of Your Dog's Ears. After observing a change in mood, gently touch your dog's ears. If they feel unusually warm or hot to the touch, this might suggest a fever.
3. Inspect Your Dog's Nose. Generally, when a dog has a fever, their nose will feel warm and may appear particularly dry. Placing your hand over it will reveal the heat emanating from the nostrils.
4. Feel the Armpits and Measure the Temperature. Dogs with a fever often have armpits that feel exceptionally warm, which is different from their normal body temperature. Combine these observations, and you should be able to determine if your dog has a fever. It's then advisable to quickly use a thermometer to take their temperature.
When you discover that your dog has a fever, regardless of the cause, the first step should be to provide artificial physical cooling to lower their temperature. This helps stabilize your pet's condition. If the temperature remains high despite these efforts, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately, especially if your dog is experiencing a severe fever, which can be lifethreatening.
Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on dog fevers, you can read our article "What to Do If Your Dog Has a Fever and Shakes." Click here to learn more.
