How to Know If Your Dog Has a Fever Without a Thermometer: Signs to Look Out For

If you think your dog might be sick but you don't have a thermometer, there are a few things you can look for that may indicate that your dog has a fever. These include a warm and dry nose, red or hazy eyes, shivering, warm ears, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

While these symptoms can be indicative of other issues, a fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. In this article, we'll go over some of the most accurate ways to check for a fever and what to do if you think your dog has a fever. This way, you'll be able to recognize the symptoms and make sure that your dog gets the care they need.

How to Tell If a Dog Has a Fever

One of the most common signs of fever in dogs is a warm, dry nose, but WikiHow notes that this is not a reliable symptom on its own. Instead, you should look for a combination of physical and behavioral signs to determine if your dog has a fever.

Physical signs of fever in dogs include warm ears and paws, red or glassy eyes, pale or sticky gums, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and groin, according to Pet Insurance Review. You can check for these symptoms by feeling your dog's ears, paws, and lymph nodes for warmth and looking at their eyes and gums for any discoloration or discharge.

Behavioral signs of fever in dogs include lethargy, shivering, loss of appetite, coughing, vomiting, and heavy panting, according to WikiHow and PawSafe. These symptoms can indicate that your dog is trying to fight off an infection or other condition that's causing a fever.

It's important to look for a combination of these symptoms because fever in dogs can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, according to MSD Veterinary Manual as cited by PawSafe. Knowing what to look for can help you determine if your dog needs to see a vet.

What Is a Dog's Normal Body Temperature?

According to Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs, the normal body temperature range for dogs is between 101°F and 102.5°F, which is higher than the normal range for humans. In dogs, a temperature of 103°F or higher is considered a fever, and a temperature of 106°F or higher is a high fever that requires immediate medical attention, per VCA Animal Hospitals.

It's important to note that your dog's normal temperature may be slightly higher or lower than the average range, according to PetMD, so it's a good idea to take your dog's temperature at different times of day to get a sense of their baseline and be better able to recognize when something is wrong.

The most accurate way to take a dog's temperature is rectally. Other methods, such as using an ear or forehead thermometer, are less accurate, per both VCA Animal Hospitals and PetMD. With the right tools and care, you can take your dog's temperature at home to catch potential fevers before they become serious.

Causes of Fever in Dogs

There are many potential causes of fever in dogs, including infections, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that fevers are often the result of the body's response to an infection or illness, as the presence of a fever-producing substance causes the brain's temperature-regulating region to reset at an elevated level.

Some of the most common infections that can lead to a fever include urinary tract infections, ear infections, tooth infections, and infected wounds, according to Johns Creek Vets and Kingsdale Animal Hospital. In addition, a fever can be caused by exposure to toxins or a reaction to a medication or vaccine, says PetMD.

Although a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, it's important to see a vet to determine the cause of the fever, especially if it's high or doesn't go away. Kingsdale Animal Hospital notes that fevers can be caused by a variety of issues, including infections, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers.

When to See a Vet for a Dog's Fever

Dogs with fevers of 106°F or higher need to be seen by a vet immediately, as these high fevers can be life-threatening, according to Huntersville Veterinary Surgeon. Meanwhile, Montecito Vets and Smokey Point Vets note that dogs with fevers over 103°F that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as shivering, vomiting, or lethargy, should be seen by a vet.

If a dog has a fever between 103°F and 106°F, Huntersville Veterinary Surgeon, Montecito Vets, and Veterinary Internal Medicine all say that pet parents can try to cool their dog down at home by wetting their dog's ears and paws or using a fan while they wait to see a vet. However, Veterinary Internal Medicine cautions against giving dogs human medications without consulting a vet first, as many of these drugs can be toxic to dogs.

That said, it's important to keep a close eye on the dog and take them to the vet if their fever doesn't break or if their symptoms get worse, according to Huntersville Veterinary Surgeon, Montecito Vets, and Mamaroneck Veterinarians.

Home Remedies and Self-Treatment for Dog Fevers

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, you can help lower your dog's fever at home by applying cool water to their ears, paws, and groin. Johns Creek Vets also suggest using a fan to help cool your dog down.

Make sure your dog stays hydrated and comfortable while they have a fever. PetMD recommends giving them small amounts of water or ice chips to help them stay hydrated. They also note that light exercise or activity can help, but PetMD advises against heavy exercise, which can put more stress on your dog's body.

However, Veterinary Internal Medicine notes that you should never give dogs human medications or fever reducers without first consulting a veterinarian, as these can be harmful. It's important to get medical attention right away, especially for high or long-lasting fevers.

Summing Up: Understanding Signs of Dog Fever Without Tools

Although a warm, dry nose is a common sign of fever in dogs, WikiHow notes that it's not a reliable symptom by itself. Instead, you should look for a combination of physical and behavioral changes to determine if your dog has a fever.

Physical signs that your dog may have a fever include warm ears and paws, red or watery eyes, pale or tacky gums, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin and armpit areas, according to Pet Insurance Review. You can check for these signs by gently feeling these areas for warmth and swelling.

In terms of behavioral changes, look for signs of lethargy, shivering, loss of appetite, coughing, vomiting, and heavy panting, as noted by WikiHow and PawSafe. These symptoms can indicate that your dog's body is trying to fight off an infection or other issue that's causing a fever.

It's important to look for a combination of these symptoms because fever can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, including infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, according to MSD Veterinary Manual as cited by PawSafe. By learning the common signs of fever, you can better determine when your dog needs to see a vet.