Table of Contents
- What Is a Fever in Dogs?
- How to Cure Dog Fever at Home (First Aid Tips)
- FAQs related to Dog Fever
- Fever in Dogs: Before You Go…
Did you know a dog’s normal body temperature is higher than a human’s?
It's normal for them to have a temperature between 101°F (38 °C) and 102.5°F (39.2 °C)!
Anything higher than that is considered a fever in dogs—a sign that usually means something serious is happening in their body.
So, what happens next? How are you going to cure dog fever?
Unfortunately, many dog owners (especially new pet parents) miss the signs of dog fever until it's advanced.
In this article, we'll talk about how to cure fever in dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and the steps to manage your pup's temperature at home!
What Is a Fever in Dogs?
Fever is defined as a temporary rise in temperature as part of a body's overall response to infection, inflammation, or illness.
Basically, it's your dog's body's way of protecting itself by “killing” the infection-causing pathogen through heat!
If the pathogen can't be eliminated, the fever will at least stop it from growing and spreading further.
While it's normal for dogs to have a temperature between 101°F and 102.5°F, anything above 103°F (39°C) is considered a fever in dogs.
106°F (41.11°C) or beyond is a cause for concern, and veterinary intervention is necessary as it can be life-threatening.
Causes of Dog Fever
There are many possible causes of fever in dogs, some of which can even be unknown (known as FUO—Fever of Unknown Origin).
But for the most part, the most common culprits of your dog's spike in temperature are:
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections often come with other signs, like coughing, vomiting, or lethargy. It's important to monitor your dog for any unusual symptoms besides fever and report them to your dog's veterinarian.
- Inflammatory conditions: When the body experiences inflammation, whether from infection or another internal problem like pancreatitis or autoimmune disorders, it can result in a fever. These conditions are typically diagnosed through blood tests and may require long-term management.
- Reactions to vaccines or medications: It's normal for both humans and dogs to have a mild fever after receiving vaccinations. In this case, the fever should last between 24 and 48 hours, with mild fatigue or soreness at the injection site. Notify your vet if your dog experiences anything more than these.
- Ingestion of toxic substances: In some cases, if dogs eat something they shouldn't, their body may develop a fever to respond to the toxin. This is crucial, though, because the effects of some toxins, like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, etc., can manifest within the first few hours. These are fatal to dogs, so immediate vet care is critical!
- Tick-borne diseases: Ticks can carry dangerous illnesses that may trigger fever in dogs, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Signs and Symptoms of Fever in Dogs
Dogs can’t tell you when they’re not feeling well, but their body language and behavior can give you some clues.
You may notice physical and behavioral symptoms if your dog has a fever.
Some are subtle, while others are more obvious.
Physical Signs
These are the visible and tangible signs that something is physically off with your dog’s body:
- Warm ears and nose
- Shivering or trembling
- Red eyes or a glassy look
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or low energy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or nasal discharge
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral changes can sometimes show up before the physical symptoms become obvious.
Watch for these red flags in how your dog acts:
- Hiding or avoiding contact
- Panting more than usual
- Lethargy or sudden mood changes
How to Check for Fever in Dogs at Home
We have discussed this in detail in a separate article. But for the most part, here's a quick rundown of what you must do.
Take note that this step requires a rectal digital thermometer. This is the best, most accurate way to determine if your dog has a fever.
- Use lubrication, like petroleum jelly, on the thermometer tip.
- Gently insert it about 1 inch into the rectum. Do not force the thermometer if it doesn't slide easily.
- Wait for the beep and record the temperature.
- Do this every 2 to 4 hours to track the progression of your dog's temperature.
Giving your dog treats and talking to them in a gentle voice can help keep them calm and relaxed during this process.
Watch our step-by-step guide below:
If you don't have a thermometer yet, you can check your dog's ear, nose, and groin area for any unusual warmth or temperature.
However, other factors, like environmental conditions and the general temperature outdoors, may affect this, so this should be taken with a grain of salt.
Check out the article linked below to learn more.
RELATED: How to Take a Dog's Temperature Without a Thermometer
How to Cure Dog Fever at Home
(First Aid Tips)
First and foremost, if your dog's temperature is above 103°F or below 99°F, that's the best time to call your veterinarian.
But if the fever is mild (103–104°F) and your dog is otherwise stable, you can do the following safe and simple remedies at home:
Encourage hydration.
It's important to keep your dog well-hydrated during a bout of fever. Water helps regulate the dog's body temperature and supports organ function.
However, do not offer ice-cold water. Just cool, clean water will be enough.
If your dog refuses, as some sick dogs will do for sure, try to offer ice cubes or a low-sodium chicken broth instead.
If your vet allows it, you can also give your dog a pet-safe electrolyte solution, like Pedialyte.
Use a cool, damp cloth.
Just like you would use a cool compress for yourself or someone else, dogs with fever can benefit from a cool, damp cloth to help draw heat away from their body.
Soak a clean towel or cloth in cool (not ice!) water, then gently apply it to your dog's paws, ears, armpits, and the groin area.
These spots are rich in blood vessels and can cool your dog down faster.
Make sure to re-wet the cloth every 5–10 minutes to keep it cool and effective.
Rest in a cool room.
Your sick dog will need a quiet, stress-free environment to rest and recover.
Move them to a cool room with proper ventilation, preferably with a fan or air conditioning.
Make sure to avoid outdoor heat, sunny spots, or stuffy rooms.
If possible, lay your dog down on a cool mat or tile floor for them to rest on.
RELATED: Different Types of Dog Cooling Products: Mats, Beds, Vests, Bandanas, Collars
Avoid overexertion.
Just like humans, dogs need extra rest when they’re sick.
Skip walks, playtime, or training sessions until their fever subsides.
Let your dog sleep as much as it needs. Rest helps the immune system fight off the underlying cause of the fever.
Offer a Bland, Easy-to-Digest Meal.
If your dog is still eating but has a reduced appetite, consider feeding something light and gentle on the stomach.
Try boiled chicken and white rice or plain scrambled eggs.
Avoid fatty, spicy, or processed foods.
Don't force-feed—if your dog refuses to eat, hydration is more important in the short term.
RELATED: Recipe: Dog Food Meal for a Sick Dog with Eggs
Monitor your dog every 2–4 hours.
Even if your dog appears stable, you should be watching for any changes. Create a simple log with:
- Their temperature every 2–4 hours (using a rectal thermometer).
- Notes on eating, drinking, bathroom habits, and energy levels.
- Any new or worsening symptoms like vomiting, breathing issues, or seizures.
This log will be incredibly helpful if you need to contact your vet.
What NOT to Do If Your Dog Has a Fever
As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to make our dogs feel better.
However, sometimes, regardless of how well-intended the intentions are, it's possible that we can only make things worse for them.
Take note of these things if your dog has a fever:
Don’t Give Human Medications
Medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and aspirin are for human bodies, not dogs.
These drugs can cause severe liver and kidney damage, internal bleeding, ulcers, or even death, especially if the dosage is wrong.
Dogs metabolize medications differently; just one ibuprofen tablet can be toxic to a small or medium-sized dog.
Even “low-dose” or “baby” versions of these drugs are unsafe without a vet’s prescription.
RELATED: 27 Unsafe Human Medications for Dogs
Don’t Use Cold Baths or Ice Packs
Trying to cool down your dog as quickly as possible will only do worse than good; it can shock their system.
Ice packs or cold baths can constrict blood vessels, trapping heat inside the body instead of releasing it.
This can lead to hypothermia or sudden drops in blood pressure, especially in smaller or older dogs.
Give your sick dog only cool or lukewarm water as a compress or drink.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Call the Vet
Fever over 104°F or lasting longer than 24–48 hours can be signs of serious infections, internal inflammation, or organ problems.
Waiting too long to get veterinary care could mean your dog develops complications like seizures, dehydration, or irreversible damage to the kidneys or liver.
This is important, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with preexisting conditions.
Don’t Force Your Dog to Eat or Drink
If your dog feels ill, they may naturally fast for a short time.
Forcing food or large amounts of water can lead to choking, vomiting, or aspiration pneumonia.
Focus instead on offering small amounts of water frequently or adding ice chips and bland, easily digestible food if they’re willing.
Keeping them hydrated is more important! Their appetite for food will come back once their fever subsides.
Veterinary Treatment for Dog Fever
In case your dog's fever persists for more than 48 hours, the symptoms worsen, or their temp exceeds 104°F, the vet may:
- Order for blood tests, including imaging exams and urinalysis.
- Prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, or fever reducers.
- IV fluids to support hydration and recovery.
Hospitalization is possible if there's a risk of heatstroke or sepsis, or if further complications occur due to the fever.
Preventing Fever in Dogs
Fever is natural. In fact, some experts say fever is good because it protects our bodies from bacteria and other disease-causing pathogens.
What needs to be prevented is for these pathogens to enter our dogs' bodies, and we can do it by:
- Vaccination and routine checkups to avoid common infections.
- Tick and flea prevention to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases.
- Avoiding exposure to toxins and spoiled food.
- Maintaining proper hygiene, as well as cleaning food bowls, bedding, and ears regularly.
- Monitoring after vaccination. Mild fevers can follow shots, but severe ones need vet attention.
1. Can dogs get a fever from stress or anxiety?
Yes, temporary increases in body temperature, called stress hyperthermia, can occur, especially during vet visits or travel.
But they're not the same as a true fever caused by infection.
2. How long does a dog's fever last?
A mild fever may last 24–48 hours, especially if a vaccine causes it.
If it persists beyond that or rises above 104°F, veterinary care is needed.
3. What’s the difference between fever and heatstroke in dogs?
Fever usually happens due to illness or infection, while heatstroke results from overheating in hot environments.
Both are dangerous, but heatstroke can cause rapid collapse and organ failure if untreated.
Fever in Dogs: Before You Go…
Knowing how to cure fever in dogs is an extremely important tool that every pet owner should have, and it can come in handy if and when it happens.
But knowing when to treat it at home and when to seek professional help is also important, and could make all the difference for your pup.
Have you ever treated your dog for a fever? Share your experience or questions in the comments!
You can also check out a few of our related and recommended articles linked below:
