How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Fever

Are you worried that your dog could have a fever? If so, you might want to find out more about how you can tell. There are several signs you should be on the lookout for when trying to determine whether or not your dog has a fever, and we will discuss the main ones below.

Remember, however, that you should always take your dog to the vet if you have any questions or concerns about her health or wellness.

6 Signs of Fever in Dogs

Dogs have the potential to run fevers the same way humans do, but it can be difficult to tell if your pet is suffering from this. Some of the signs of a dog fever are common with other conditions too, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior to see what symptoms they’re experiencing.

Below are some common signs of fever in dogs:

Lethargy

Lethargy can be a sign that something is wrong with your dog, whether that may be a fever or something else entirely. A dog who is lethargic is usually a sick or hurting dog, so it’s important to go to the vet if you notice this symptom.

Pay attention to your dog’s activity level compared to her usual level of activity. This can help you tell whether or not she is feeling lethargic.

Dry Nose

It’s true that a healthy dog’s nose should be cool and wet to the touch, but this isn’t always the case. For example, even if your dog is completely healthy, she will still have a warm and slightly dry nose if she’s just woken up from a nap.

With that said, however, a dog with a dry nose that lasts a long time may have a fever. If your dog’s nose is almost always dry, or if it has been dry all day without any changes, this can be a sign that her body temperature is high and that she needs to see a vet.

Red Eyes

Red eyes may go along with fever in dogs, especially when the fever has been going on for a little while already. If your dog’s eyes look red or bloodshot, this can be an indicator that her body temperature is higher than it should be.

Red eyes may also signify that something is wrong with your dog’s eyes themselves, however. This symptom can be associated with pinkeye as well as a variety of infections and injuries to the eye. If only one eye is red, this likely does not mean your dog has a fever.

Warm Ears or Nose

Your dog’s ears are cooler than the rest of her body most of the time. When she has a fever, her ears may seem warmer to the touch than they usually do. Warm ears are a slightly more reliable indicator of fever than a dry nose, but they can still sometimes be caused by other factors—such as laying on one side for too long while sleeping.

A warm nose can also be attributed to fever in dogs, but like dryness of the nose, this isn’t always an accurate method of telling when your dog has a fever.

Lack of Appetite

Dogs who have a fever are not likely to feel like eating very much. Just like humans running a fever, a feverish dog may feel sick and uncomfortable, and will therefore be unwilling to eat. A lack of appetite or a decrease in appetite may signify a fever.

However, a lack of appetite or changes in your dog’s appetite levels can also indicate a wide variety of other problems. Because of this, it’s important to look for other symptoms that can help you and your vet narrow down what might be causing your dog’s appetite to change.

Shivering or Trembling

Finally, if your dog has a fever, she may feel cold just like humans sometimes do when running a fever. This can cause your dog to shiver or tremble, especially if her fever is high. If you notice your dog shivering along with any other symptoms of fever, don’t wait to take her to the vet. If your regular vet is closed, take your dog to see the emergency vet.

Shivering and trembling can also be a sign of epilepsy and may indicate mild seizure activity in dogs. Additionally, some dogs shiver out of excitement or fear. Pay attention to other signs your dog may be exhibiting so you can figure out when fever could be the cause of her shaking.

Call The Village Vets for Your Dog’s Fever

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about the symptoms of fever in dogs, you can figure out whether or not your dog might have a fever. If you suspect that she does, or if you’re just unsure, it’s important to take her to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to tell you if anything is going on with your dog and help you figure out the right treatment for her as well.

At The Village Vets, our emergency team is available 24/7 to provide the best treatment for your pet. As soon as you notice your dog’s fever, don’t hesitate to call us at (404) 371-9774. Your dog’s health is as important to us as it is to you, and we’re proud to be able to care for your pet when they need us most.