What must be done to help a dog with fever
Similar to their human friends, dogs too get fever. Fever or the rise of internal body temperature is an indication that something is wrong with the health of the dog. In an effort to fight invasive noxious bacterial or viral agents, the body will generate heat that is beyond the set point of body temperature. The set point of normal body temperature for humans is 98F while a dog's normal body temperature is between 100F to 102F. This higher body temperature makes diagnosing canine fever rather difficult more so because dogs cannot verbalize what they feel and older dogs commonly would not show any symptoms.
What signs should you look for to be able to tell if the dog has a fever? A dog that is not unwell would be full of life and would have an alert expression. We know how energetic dogs are but a sick pet would be lethargic. A sick dog tends to lie down in corners all day and would ignore the family's invite to play. Disinterest in eating and drinking is another symptom that the dog has fever. A change in behavior is one of the signs that the dog is unwell.
Dogs are affectionate pets and the indifference to the family's attention is a glaring sign that something is wrong with the pet. The dog's nose, the ears and the fur will be warmer to the touch. To accurately read temperature of the pet a rectal temperature must be used. A digital thermometer inserted on the dog's anus will give quick results.
There are many reasons why a dog would have a fever. Body temperature will rise of the dog is left outdoors in hot weather. The most common cause of fever is infection. In spite of having good appetites a dog with fever will refuse to eat. If the dog refuses to eat, the pet must at least be coached to drink to prevent dehydration. Use a syringe with the needle removed to get the pet to drink.
Fever that results from infection is usually gone after a day or two even without any treatment. Dog owners must be concerned if the fever lasts for days as in most cases the fever is attributed not to minor cuts and wounds but to a more serious medical concern. Fevers of unknown origin are the hardest to treat as the elevated body temperature would just happen with no apparent reason. A vet's expertise will now be needed. A thorough physical exam and a battery of diagnostic test will be necessary as without a definitive diagnosis, the appropriate treatment cannot be administered.
What signs should you look for to be able to tell if the dog has a fever? A dog that is not unwell would be full of life and would have an alert expression. We know how energetic dogs are but a sick pet would be lethargic. A sick dog tends to lie down in corners all day and would ignore the family's invite to play. Disinterest in eating and drinking is another symptom that the dog has fever. A change in behavior is one of the signs that the dog is unwell.
Dogs are affectionate pets and the indifference to the family's attention is a glaring sign that something is wrong with the pet. The dog's nose, the ears and the fur will be warmer to the touch. To accurately read temperature of the pet a rectal temperature must be used. A digital thermometer inserted on the dog's anus will give quick results.
There are many reasons why a dog would have a fever. Body temperature will rise of the dog is left outdoors in hot weather. The most common cause of fever is infection. In spite of having good appetites a dog with fever will refuse to eat. If the dog refuses to eat, the pet must at least be coached to drink to prevent dehydration. Use a syringe with the needle removed to get the pet to drink.
Fever that results from infection is usually gone after a day or two even without any treatment. Dog owners must be concerned if the fever lasts for days as in most cases the fever is attributed not to minor cuts and wounds but to a more serious medical concern. Fevers of unknown origin are the hardest to treat as the elevated body temperature would just happen with no apparent reason. A vet's expertise will now be needed. A thorough physical exam and a battery of diagnostic test will be necessary as without a definitive diagnosis, the appropriate treatment cannot be administered.
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