If you’re wondering what to do if your dog has a fever, you’re not alone. When your dog feels warm, acts sluggish, or just doesn’t seem like themselves, it’s natural to be concerned. A fever could be the reason—and knowing what to do next matters. Unlike humans, dogs can’t tell us how they feel, so it’s up to us to spot the signs, check their temperature correctly, and respond with care. This guide cuts through the guesswork and shows you how to help—clearly and confidently.
Understanding Dog Fevers
A dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C). When their temperature rises above 103°F, it’s considered a fever. If it hits 106°F or higher, it becomes a medical emergency—organ damage and seizures can occur without immediate care.
It’s also important to know the difference between a fever and heat-related hyperthermia (like heatstroke).
- Fevers are usually triggered by internal issues like infections or inflammation.
- Heatstroke is caused by external factors—hot weather, poor ventilation, and overexertion.
The treatment approach for each is very different, so recognizing the cause matters.
Why Dogs Get Fevers
Fever is the body’s natural response to something going wrong internally. Most commonly, it’s triggered by infections—these can be bacterial (like a skin abscess), viral (such as parvovirus), fungal, or even tick-borne illnesses like Babesia or Lyme disease. Parasitic infections, though less common, can also be a cause.
Beyond infections, inflammatory conditions or immune-mediated diseases can lead to elevated temperatures. Sometimes a mild fever may occur after vaccination as the immune system reacts.
Dogs can also develop fevers due to toxic exposures—certain plants, medications, or substances like antifreeze can trigger systemic inflammation or organ stress that raises body temperature.
In more complex cases, a dog might have what’s known as a fever of unknown origin (FUO). These are persistent fevers where common causes have been ruled out. Often, they’re eventually traced back to deeper issues such as cancer, bone marrow disorders, or autoimmune diseases. This is where advanced diagnostics from your vet become essential.
Dog Fever Symptoms
Fever in dogs often shows up as a mix of behavior changes and physical signs. Since dogs can’t tell us they’re feeling unwell, noticing even subtle shifts is key.
Common signs include:
- Lethargy or low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Shivering or panting not related to exercise
- Warm ears or paws
- Glassy or red eyes
- Coughing, nasal discharge, or occasional vomiting
More subtle indicators, like a slight change in eye clarity, dry nose, or unusual body posture, may also suggest a fever.
It’s worth noting that feeling your dog’s nose or ears isn’t a reliable way to check for fever. While these areas may feel warm, they can be affected by external temperature or excitement. The only dependable way to confirm a fever is by using a thermometer.
How to Safely Take Your Dog’s Temperature
Checking your dog’s temperature accurately is the only way to confirm a fever. While it might feel intimidating at first, with the right approach and tools, it’s safe and doable at home.
What You’ll Need:
- Digital rectal thermometer (specifically for pets)
- Water-based lubricant (like petroleum jelly or KY jelly)
- Towel or non-slip mat
- Tasty treats as a reward
- A helper (especially for large or nervous dogs)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the space. Choose a calm area where your dog feels safe. Lay down a towel for grip.
- Have someone gently hold your dog. For small breeds, hold them in your lap or on a table. For larger breeds, have your helper stand at their side, gently keeping them still.
- Lubricate the thermometer tip. This reduces discomfort and allows easier insertion.
- Gently raise your dog’s tail and carefully insert the thermometer about an inch into the rectum, less for toy breeds or puppies.
- Wait until it beeps—usually takes around 10–30 seconds.
- Remove, read, and clean. Clean the thermometer thoroughly after use, and reward your dog with a treat and positive reinforcement.
For visual learners, this vet-approved tutorial provides a helpful guide on proper technique.
Track a Baseline
It’s smart to take your dog’s temperature when they’re healthy and relaxed. Record this as a baseline, so you’ll know what’s normal for them. Some dogs naturally run slightly warmer or cooler than average.
Quick Triage Flowchart
| Condition |
Symptoms |
What to Do |
| Temp below 103°F & stable behavior |
Eating, drinking, active |
Monitor at home, offer water, keep comfy |
| Temp 103°F – 105°F or mild symptoms |
Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, not eating |
Call your vet for advice or visit |
| Temp 106°F or severe symptoms |
Collapse, seizures, pale gums, shock |
Emergency vet care immediately |
At-Home Comfort & Support Measures
If your dog has a mild fever and your vet has advised at-home care, there are safe, gentle ways to keep them comfortable and help them recover.
Keep Them Hydrated
Fever can cause dehydration, so it’s vital to encourage fluid intake:
- Offer fresh, cool water at all times.
- Try adding a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to tempt picky drinkers.
- Feed wet food instead of dry kibble—it provides extra moisture.
Safe Cooling Techniques
If your dog feels hot but isn’t in emergency-range fever:
- Place cool, damp towels on their paws, belly, and inner thighs.
- Use a fan to gently circulate air—avoid direct blasts.
- Keep your dog in a shaded, ventilated area, especially in hot, humid weather.
Avoid icy water or ice packs, which can shock the system and cause blood vessels to constrict, making internal cooling harder.
Nutrition & Digestive Care
If your dog is eating, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain boiled chicken and white rice. If they’re not hungry, don’t force food—but monitor how long the appetite loss lasts.
If your dog vomits, has diarrhea, or refuses food or water for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.
What Not to Do
- Avoid giving your dog any over-the-counter human medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as these drugs can be extremely harmful—even deadly—for pets.
- Don’t give icy baths or hose them down.
- Don’t force-feed water—offer frequently but let them drink voluntarily.
Gentle care, observation, and hydration go a long way during a mild fever, but always stay alert to worsening symptoms. If in doubt, reach out to your vet.
When to Call the Vet — and What to Expect
You should call your vet if your dog shows any of the following signs along with a fever:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity)
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Severe lethargy or collapse
- Fever over 105°F, or not improving after 24 hours of at-home care
At the clinic, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests like a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panel, urinalysis, imaging (X-rays or ultrasound), or tick-borne disease screening, depending on symptoms and exposure risk.
Treatment is based on the cause. For bacterial infections, antibiotics may be used. For fungal or viral issues, your dog might receive antifungals, fluids, or anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, hospitalization and IV fluids are needed to stabilize the dog.
If the cause isn’t obvious, your vet may classify it as a fever of unknown origin (FUO). These cases often involve longer-term investigation, more in-depth testing, and close monitoring to uncover hidden conditions like immune disorders, cancer, or deep-seated infections.
Special Populations & Seasonal Considerations
Some dogs are more vulnerable to fever-related complications, and knowing the risks can help you act faster and more effectively.
Puppies and senior dogs have weaker immune systems and fewer physical reserves, which means even a mild fever can escalate quickly. Watch them closely and don’t delay a vet visit if symptoms appear.
Certain breeds are at higher risk, too. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs struggle to regulate heat, making them more prone to heatstroke, which can be mistaken for fever. Thick-coated dogs (like Huskies) and overweight dogs also retain more heat and may show fever-like signs during hot weather.
Season matters. In summer, overheating is a top concern—especially during walks, car rides, or humid conditions. In winter, infections like respiratory illnesses are more common.
Adjust your care and awareness based on your dog’s age, breed, and the season. Prevention starts with knowing their individual risk.
Closing & Veterinarian Assurance
Fevers can be unsettling, but now you know what to do if your dog has a fever—and that knowledge puts you in control. With the right tools, quick decisions, and clear signs to watch for, you’re better prepared to support your dog calmly and confidently.
Always remember: if something feels off, call your vet. It’s better to ask than to guess.
Stay observant, keep your dog hydrated and comfortable, and work with your vet as a team. Your attention makes all the difference in their recovery.
