Similar to their human friends, dogs too get fever. Canine fever is a symptom of an underlying health concern. Fever occurs when the normal temperature is increased by the body in response to a bacterial or viral infection. Canine normal temperature that is from 100F to 102F is higher than the 98F which is the normal body temperature of humans. This higher body temperature makes diagnosing canine fever rather difficult more so because dogs cannot verbalize what they feel and older dogs commonly would not show any symptoms.
How would you know if the dog has a fever? A dog that is not unwell would be full of life and would have an alert expression. Dogs are naturally energetic but a fevered one would be less active. Instead of playing, the dog would prefer to lie down all day. Another telltale sign of fever is the dog's refusal to eat and drink. Change in behavior will be noticed in dogs with fever.
The affectionate pet may sulk in a corner and turn away from the attention of the human family. Warmer nose, ears and fur will cue you that the pet has a fever. With a rectal thermometer, the temperature of the dog can be correctly determined. A digital thermometer will be easier to use.
There are many reasons for canine fever. Dog fever troubles can happen if the pet is left outdoors when the weather is very hot. The most common cause of fever is infection. Dogs have huge appetites but these animals would turn away from food when they are sick. The biggest concern of non-eating is dehydration thus the pet must be enticed to eat. Use a syringe with the needle removed to get the pet to drink.
Pet owners "ignore" the fever of the dog as it is usually gone after a few days. But if the dog shows no infected cuts, canine fever is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and organ diseases. Fevers of unknown origin are the hardest to treat as the elevated body temperature would just happen with no apparent reason. Cases such as these must have the expert attention of a vet. Before a course of treatment can be administered to the sick dog, physical examination and a series of diagnostic test must be conducted.
How would you know if the dog has a fever? A dog that is not unwell would be full of life and would have an alert expression. Dogs are naturally energetic but a fevered one would be less active. Instead of playing, the dog would prefer to lie down all day. Another telltale sign of fever is the dog's refusal to eat and drink. Change in behavior will be noticed in dogs with fever.
The affectionate pet may sulk in a corner and turn away from the attention of the human family. Warmer nose, ears and fur will cue you that the pet has a fever. With a rectal thermometer, the temperature of the dog can be correctly determined. A digital thermometer will be easier to use.
There are many reasons for canine fever. Dog fever troubles can happen if the pet is left outdoors when the weather is very hot. The most common cause of fever is infection. Dogs have huge appetites but these animals would turn away from food when they are sick. The biggest concern of non-eating is dehydration thus the pet must be enticed to eat. Use a syringe with the needle removed to get the pet to drink.
Pet owners "ignore" the fever of the dog as it is usually gone after a few days. But if the dog shows no infected cuts, canine fever is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and organ diseases. Fevers of unknown origin are the hardest to treat as the elevated body temperature would just happen with no apparent reason. Cases such as these must have the expert attention of a vet. Before a course of treatment can be administered to the sick dog, physical examination and a series of diagnostic test must be conducted.
