How To Treat A Fever In A Dog
Introduction
If you have a canine member of your family, then you know that they can get sick just like humans. In fact, dogs can get all of the same diseases as people do and often suffer from the same symptoms, including fever. It is important to keep track of any symptoms that your dog might be experiencing because many illnesses in dogs are treatable if they are caught early. If you suspect that your dog has a fever, it is important to take steps immediately to help your pet feel better, including getting him or her to drink cool water, applying cold compresses and contacting your veterinarian.
Track your dog’s temperature using a rectal thermometer.
You can use a glass thermometer, but this may be difficult to read. You can also use a digital ear thermometer or rectal thermometer. Use the same type of thermometer you used before when you tested your dog’s temperature orally.
Be sure to also take into account a dog’s breathing rate, heart rate, and gum color.
The most accurate way to measure a dog’s temperature is to use a rectal thermometer. A digital thermometer can also be used, but it’s important that you don’t insert too deeply or press on the dog’s stomach wall when doing so. Be sure not to heat up the tip of the thermometer before inserting it into your pet; fevers are indicated by higher temperatures, not lower ones.
If you do not have access to either of these methods, there are other ways by which you can take an estimate:
- Measure how fast your dog breathes by counting how many times he exhales in one minute. If his breathing rate is faster than normal (over 30 breaths per minute), then he may be suffering from fever. The same goes for heart rate—if it’s above 60 beats per minute, then he might have some sort of illness or infection that requires treatment with antibiotics or antifungals as soon as possible!
Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your dog’s foot pads to help bring down a fever.
Another way to bring down a fever in your dog is to apply a warm, wet washcloth to the footpads. The heat from the washcloth will help with circulation and also reduce inflammation. It’s important not to use this technique on the face however, as it can cause further irritation that could lead to more serious problems. This method should only be used in conjunction with other treatments; don’t expect it alone to bring down your pet’s temperature.
Use a syringe to get fluids into your dog if he refuses to drink water on his own.
If your dog is refusing to drink water on his own, you can use a syringe to give him fluids. This can be helpful if you’re trying to rehydrate an ill or dehydrated dog.
Get a 16-ounce (475 mL) cup and fill it halfway with cool water. Add one teaspoon (5 mL) of sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely in the water. Use this mixture to give your dog via syringe as needed—but don’t exceed two servings per day.
If your pet has been given too much water at once, he may vomit or have diarrhea or both within 24 hours of being administered with over-hydrating fluid therapy—so keep an eye out for these symptoms if this happens!
Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen should never be given to dogs.
Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen should never be given to dogs. Aspirin and aspirin-like compounds can cause stomach ulcers in dogs. Acetaminophen only causes liver damage in cats because cats lack the enzymes required to break down this drug before it reaches their livers–dogs do not have this problem. In addition to being toxic for your dog’s liver, ibuprofen is also highly toxic for their kidneys.
If your dog is sick or injured, seek medical attention right away! If you’re not sure whether they need help or not, here are some signs that may indicate they do:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy (dragging themselves around)
If you suspect that your dog has a fever, it is important to take steps immediately to help your pet feel better, including getting him or her to drink cool water, applying cold compresses, contacting your veterinarian and making sure they do not have access to medicine that could make them worse.
Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.
Conclusion
A fever in a dog is not a small concern, and should be treated as quickly as possible. With proper care, an elevated temperature can usually be brought down and your pet will start feeling better soon. If you have any questions about this topic or would like more information on how to treat a fever in dogs, please contact our office today.