Suddenly our four-legged friends seem weak and tired, unfortunately this happens again and again. A possible cause can be fever.
How to Recognize fever quickly can read on this page.
The possible causes of fever in dogs are manifold. It can be a harmless stomach upset, a viral infection, but also a serious disease.
How do I know if the dog has a fever??
It is important to observe the dog and to pay attention to symptoms. Your darling hardly wants to eat and even the prospect of a long walk does not please him.
When this happens, dog owners are at first uncertain. What does the dog have and how can I help it?? Going to the vet is of course a good option, but you don’t want to drag the animal to the practice right away.
An alarm signal that you should react quickly can be fever.
Recognize fever in a dog
fever is not easy to recognize at first sight. Is the dog listless, tired and listless these are the first signs that something is wrong.
If there is also a loss of appetite or apathy, it can be a serious disease.
Normal temperature in dogs
Often in such a case the body temperature rises. only at higher temperatures the animal feels warm.
A recognition sign are hot ears. Even those areas that have little hair feel warmer than usual with fever and the nose is dry and warm.
Under certain circumstances the dog may bristle the fur and it comes to chills. In this case, the temperature is already significantly increased. In addition, a high pulse and the respiratory rate increases significantly.
The normal body temperature of dogs is not more than 39 degrees and is measured in degrees Celsius (°C):
- normal temperature between 37 °C and 39 °C
- Increased temperature between 39 °C and 40 °C
- From 40 degrees: Temperatures above 40 °C are considered a fever
Measuring a fever in a dog
In a dog household a fever thermometer may not be missing under any circumstances. Digital thermometers that quickly display the temperature are ideal.
In dogs the temperature is measured rectally. Most dogs understandably do not like this procedure at all. That is why it is helpful if you ask a second person for assistance.
Hold the dog well and calm him down. To make measuring easier, a little Vaseline on the tip of the fever thermometer helps. Insert the thermometer very carefully into the anus.
If the dog now moves quickly and impetuously because it is uncomfortable, it can injure itself. Therefore, a fixation by a second person and a muzzle is ideal.
If the temperature is elevated, you should visit the vet. If you do not trust yourself to take the temperature with a thermometer, the veterinarian will be happy to help you. He has the appropriate practice in it.
When do dogs have fever?
Fever can indicate that your dog is sick. At the same time fever itself no illness, but only a symptom. If the temperature rises Above 42 degrees, it can become very dangerous to life-threatening.
The normal body temperature of the dog is between 37 °C and 39 °C. The temperature is considered a fever only when it rises above 40 ° C. Among them are elevated temperature.
An increased temperature can occur quickly if the dog is overheated in summer or has been lying under a warm blanket for a long time. Romping and extensive playing can also ensure that the temperature is higher for a short time is.
If you can explain the increased temperature with it, you do not have to worry. Most often, as a dog owner, you do not even notice that the body temperature has risen.
The dog pants for a while. And shortly afterwards everything is back to normal.
Reducing fever in dogs
Fever in dogs can have many causes. It is a Signs of an underlying disease. Rarely, fever can occur without any apparent cause.
Most often, fever occurs in connection with viral or bacterial infections, as well as with inflammations or immune diseases. The immune system tries to kill the pathogens through the increased body temperature.
In the case of fever, however, it can also be rheumatism, fungal infections, infections, side effects of medication or other diseases.
Your veterinarian will first determine the cause of the symptoms and initiate treatment accordingly.
You can support your dog by taking it easy in the near future. His sleeping place must be in a quiet place. Avoid drafts at all costs.
Give the animal fresh water regularly to provide plenty of fluids. Some animals like to drink herbal tea such as chamomile or cheese poplar tea. These teas support a recovery.