Fever in Dogs

Happie is too lethargic to get up and wag his tail; Muffin’s eyes are not glittering and she is not feeling good off late. The changing season shows its adverse effects not only on humans but also on our pets.

Although the change in the season brings with itself new beginnings and new hopes but when our pets fall ill it proves to be a spoiler. It is common to see skin infections like dry and flaky skin, gastro problems, fever and coughing in dogs as the season changes.

Today we talk about seasonal fever in dog! Read on to know more.

You know pet parenting is a full time job. One needs to be careful about each and every aspect, be it health, grooming, behavior and what not.

Regular health check-ups are essential for your pooch's overall health

Myth Alert – A large number of people believe that if the nose is dry then the dog has fever. But to tell you the truth this particular sign is no concrete proof and can be categorized as a myth.

It is usually difficult to detect fever in dogs because their normal body temperature is higher than the normal body temperature of humans. In dogs the normal body temperature lies between 101 and 102.5 degree Fahrenheit which is way higher than the human range of 97.6 to 99.6 degree Fahrenheit. A dog is said to have fever when its body temperature is higher than 103 degree Fahrenheit.

As mentioned earlier it becomes difficult to judge whether your pet has fever or not. The only way by which you can be sure is to take the rectal temperature by a digital thermometer (Make sure you never use a human thermometer for taking the body temperature of your pet.)

Signs and Symptoms

• Lethargy
• Shivering
• Coughing
• Dullness
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea

Although in most cases of fever there is nothing to worry about, but sometimes fever can be a sign of a much serious illness. Thus, it is advised that you take your pet to the vet for a thorough check up. After all, we want our furry babies to be healthy and super naughty.

When we humans have fever we don’t feel like eating or drinking anything and there is a general dullness that surrounds us, the same is the case with our pets. They aren’t excited even at the sight of their favorite treats. Their intake of fluids also reduces which makes them more prone to dehydration. Make sure you give them enough drinking water even if the dog has fever. Sometimes the dogs would not drink enough water and in that case the best solution is to give them ice cubes. They love to suck and play with ice cubes and it would also provide them the required water intake. You can also soak a cloth in cold water and put it on their belly to cool them off as it is difficult to give them a bath when they have fever.

Causes

• Infection – Bacterial; Viral
• Change of season (variation in temperature)

During change of season we all need to be extra cautious with ourselves and our pets as well. One day it is cold and breezy while the next day it becomes bright and sunny. During seasonal changes, the cases of fever, sore throat and even coughing and sneezing shoot up drastically.

Another cause of fever in dogs is haemoprotozan infection. Canine babesiosis is a tick borne haeoprotozan disease that is common in dogs. The infection is mostly prevalent during the summer months and one of the main symptoms is erratic fever. Canine babesiosis if not treated on time can be life threatening for your pet. The infection can be transmitted between dogs by brown ticks. So watch out for those deadly ticks during the coming months. And since this disease is not breed specific, all breeds are at equal risk of getting infected.

The way to diagnose fever in your pet is to take them to the vet. The vet would look at the symptoms and take the rectal temperature; if it is out of the normal range then it is a matter to worry.

Treatment

Once the vet is sure about the body temperature, he/she would prescribe medicines/ antibiotics. Make sure your pet finishes the full course of the medicines for effective results.

Rest is another important part of the treatment. For some days no fetching, and tug of war and certainly no running around in the park for your beloved baby. In some cases the vet may recommend dietary changes. Giving a diet which is high in calories and nutrition is recommended. 

If the dog is not happy eating solids then shift them to a healthy liquid diet of soups(salt free of course). 

Also make sure they are well hydrated because the fever itself causes dehydration and the medicines also generate heat inside the body which needs to be cooled.

The vet knows best what to give to your pet because he/she is aware of the pet’s medical history. Thus, the vet knows which drug to prescribe and which would cause an allergy. So never give them any medicine at home and always check with the vet before giving your pooch any human medication as some might not be suitable for animals.

Fever is nothing too serious and in most cases your pet would be running and jumping around after taking a couple of doses of the medicine. Let them play around but not to the extent that they strain themselves. A healthy diet sprinkled with tad bit of affection and love can work wonders.

As the season is changing make sure you and your beloved pooch snuggle up and cuddle up! And like always happy pet parenting...