As a dog owner, you must be aware of your furry friend’s health. While a thermometer is useful for monitoring your dog’s temperature, there are times when you may need to rely on other clues to detect a fever. Understanding the signs of a fever can be quite useful if you don’t have a thermometer or are seeking for other ways to monitor your dog’s health.
In this blog post, we’ll look at seven indications that can help you know if your dog has a fever, even without a thermometer.
7 Signs of How To know if Your Dog Has a Fever
Observe Changes in Behavior:
One of the earliest signs that your dog might have a fever is a change in behaviour. Watch for signs of abnormal lethargy, hesitance to engage in activity, or a loss of interest in eating. If your typically lively dog displays sudden disinterest or subdued behavior, it might signal an underlying problem such as a fever.
Check for Warmth:
While not as accurate as a thermometer, assessing your dog’s ears, nose, and paw pads can offer important insights into their body temperature. Detecting unusual warmth or heat in these regions may suggest a fever. Nonetheless, it’s essential to consider that certain dogs naturally have higher body temperatures, hence, always compare it against your pet’s usual baseline.
Look for Changes in Respiratory Rate:
A dog’s respiratory rate may elevate when experiencing a fever, as their organism exerts additional effort to regulate body temperature. Monitor your dog’s breathing while they’re resting. If you notice rapid or shallow breaths, it might be a sign of elevated body temperature.
Pay Attention to Excessive Panting:
While panting is a typical method for dogs to regulate their body temperature, excessive panting not associated with physical exertion may indicate a fever. If your dog is panting excessively, particularly in cool or comfortable surroundings, it’s important to assess whether they might have a heightened body temperature.
Check for Red or Warm Skin:
Inspect your dog’s skin for any signs of redness or warmth, particularly around the ears, belly, or armpits. Inflammation and increased blood flow associated with fever can cause these areas to feel warmer to the touch or appear redder than usual.
Monitor for Shivering or Trembling:
Just as humans may shiver when they have a fever, dogs can also experience trembling or shivering as their body tries to generate heat. If you notice your dog shaking or trembling without an apparent cause, it could be a sign of an elevated body temperature.
Trust Your Instincts and Seek Veterinary Care:
Ultimately, as a dog owner, you know your pet best. If you suspect that something might be amiss or notice your dog showing several of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to seek advice from your veterinarian without delay. While these indicators can hint at a possible fever, it’s only a veterinarian who can offer a conclusive diagnosis and suggest the right course of action.
Conclusion:
While having a thermometer is the most accurate way to assess your dog’s temperature, being able to recognize the signs of a fever in dogs without a thermometer can be invaluable in a pinch. By observing alterations in behavior, body temperature, respiratory rhythm, and additional signs, you can effectively oversee your dog’s well-being and promptly respond when necessary. It’s crucial to seek advice from your veterinarian for expert guidance and assistance whenever uncertainty arises.
Read Also:
How To Measure Dog’s Temperature at Home
Cherry Eye in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
