Symptoms of Canine Fever

Dog fever often is undetected by pet owners. While the normal temperature for humans is 97.6 to 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs have a much higher normal body temperature between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to WebMD. While a fever has many symptoms, the only way to confirm the presence of elevated body temperature in your dog is to take its temperature with a rectal thermometer.

  1. Loss of Appetite or Lack of Drinking

    • As a pet owner, you know your dog's eating and drinking habits. If your dog stops eating or drinking, let it be an alert that it may have a fever. If your dog enjoys treats and it has no interest when you offer it one, take its temperature to determine if a fever is the cause.

    Lethargy

    • Dogs with fever are often lethargic. They appear listless and generally exhausted. If you try to rouse them, they will often regard you with a groggy gaze and take no action toward getting up or participating in an activity.

    Disappearance

    • Your dog may hide in an out-of-the-way place such as a closet, under the bed or behind a chair. If this is not normal behavior for your canine, take its temperature to make sure it is not experiencing the effects of illness or infection.

    Vomiting

    • While dogs vomit in response to eating something that didn't agree with them, it also could be a sign of an illness with accompanying fever. Take your dog's rectal temperature if it vomits. If it has a fever, see a veterinarian immediately for diagnosis. If it doesn't have a fever, poisoning may be a cause of the vomiting and see a veterinarian.

    Shivering

    • Shivering or chills may occur when a canine's internal temperature high as a response to defending itself against bacteria or other foreign matter. The elevation of its temperature will cause the animal to feel cold and shiver. If you notice your dog shivering or shaking, take its temperature to confirm the presence of fever.

    Behavorial Differences

    • Just like people, dogs experience behavioral differences when they have a fever. Your dog may become irritable and snap at you or it may not want any affection from you. If your dog begins acting out of the ordinary, consider fever as a possible cause.

    Discharge

    • Discharge from the nose or from wounds may indicate your canine has a fever. Either could be an indication of an infection that will need antibiotic treatment. If your canine has fever accompanying discharge, see your veterinarian immediately.