When the dog’s resistance is reduced, it is easy to catch a fever, especially when the temperature changes greatly. Because the body temperature of dogs is higher than that of humans, it is difficult for you to detect changes in their body temperature. So when you find that they are different from usual, you must pay attention to observation.
You may need to have some knowledge to find out if the dog has a fever. Mastering the basic knowledge allows you to find problems in time and deal with them as soon as possible, and you can also take corresponding preventive measures in peacetime. Let’s understand how to judge a dog’s fever, how to deal with it, and how to prevent it.
How to determine if a dog has a fever?
- Check the dog’s gums
- Pay attention to the nose
- Observe the dog’s daily behavior
- Observe whether the appetite has decreased
- Measuring body temperature
1.Check the dog’s gums
Dogs’ gums are generally slippery and pink. If you find that their gums have turned dark red, they may have a fever. Observing their gums can also reveal a lot of information about physical health.
2.Pay attention to the nose
Dogs often lick their noses to keep their sense of smell sensitive. If you find that their noses are dry and slightly hot for a long time, you should pay attention to whether they have a fever. If there is a clear nose in the nostrils or cough, the dog may have a fever.
3.Observe the dog’s daily behavior
Observe whether the dog’s behavior is different from usual, such as shortness of breath, constant gasping, or lack of energy to become lethargic, these symptoms may be physical discomfort.
4.Observe whether the appetite has decreased
When you are feeding, you suddenly find that the dog just ate a little and left. You should pay special attention to whether the dog has a fever.
5.Measure body temperature
Measuring body temperature is the most accurate way to judge, and you also need to remember they’re normal body temperature. The normal body temperature of puppies is 38.2~39℃, and that of adult dogs is between 37.5~39℃. If it exceeds 39.5 when measured, it means that it is already in fever. Note that the dog’s body temperature should be measured in the anus, and the body temperature of other parts has no reference value.
What should we do when the dog has a fever?
- Wipe in cold water
- Add water
- Massage to promote blood circulation
- Moisturize with steam
- Light diet
- See a doctor in time
1.Wipe in cold water
If the dog has a slight fever, we can wipe the dog’s stomach, underarms, and soles with water with a towel to lower the temperature, or use an ice pack to apply ice, but don’t apply it for too long.
2.Add water
Be sure to add more water to the dogs to speed up their metabolism and avoid other problems caused by dehydration. If the dog refuses to drink water on its own, you can prepare chicken soup or broth for feeding.
3.Massage to invigorate blood circulation
You can massage the sides of the dog’s nose to help them maintain unobstructed breathing.
4.Moisturize with steam
Boil a pot of boiling water or put a humidifier next to the dog and let the steam of the hot water help them recover.
5.Light diet
Dogs who have a fever and eat some light and nutritious food can help them recover. Stirring some nutritional supplements into the food can also improve their immunity.
6.See a doctor in time
When you measure your dog’s body temperature and find that the situation is serious, you must take your dog to see a doctor as soon as possible.
How to prevent dog fever
- Keep warm
- Adjust the way of bathing
- Raw and cold food
- Supplement nutrition
- Pay attention to clean
1.Keep warm
Most dogs have colds and fevers due to lower temperatures, which will lead to a decrease in immunity. When autumn and winter come, you should take measures to keep them warm in time.
2.Adjust the way of bathing
If you want to bathe the dog, it is best to use hot water, which can effectively prevent illness
3.Raw and cold food
Dogs who eat raw and cold food can easily cause digestive system problems, and they will naturally have frequent colds and fevers.
4.Supplement nutrition
Pay attention to your dog’s nutritional intake at ordinary times. Feeding more food in cold seasons can improve their immunity.
5.Pay attention to clean
In addition to bathing, the feeding utensils should also be cleaned frequently to avoid bacterial infection.
If dogs have a fever like humans, it will make them uncomfortable. But you should avoid giving dogs cold medicines for human use. Many of the ingredients in these medicines may make dogs allergic or uncomfortable. If you want to give medicine to your dog, it is best to consult a veterinarian first, or prepare some special medicine for dogs at home in advance.