Have you ever wondered why a dog’s body temperature is higher than that of humans, and at what point a dog actually has a fever? This post provides the answers.
When dogs pant, it is often an indication that they are sweating. If the furry friend also feels extremely warm, concerns can quickly arise for the owner.
Does the dog have a fever? What is the normal body temperature for dogs? And why does the dog pant so heavily?
Firstly, not every instance of panting is a cause for concern. For example, if the dog pants noticeably after a walk or play, it is not a coincidence but a sensible reaction of the dog’s body to excessive heat.
However, if the thermometer readings shoot up, and additional symptoms of illness occur, a visit to the vet is unavoidable.
But how can dog owners recognize if their dog has a fever? Is 102°F already dangerous for the four-legged friend? iHugDogs has compiled the most important information.
What Is the Normal Body Temperature in Dogs?
In terms of body temperature, one cannot simply transfer knowledge about the human body to dogs.
Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans. When the thermometer shows a value above 98,6°F, it is considered an elevated temperature in humans. However, the normal body temperature for dogs varies between 101°F and 102.5°F.
Throughout the day, the dog’s body temperature can also change. The value is usually lowest in the morning.
Depending on how much the dog moves and the temperature in the room or outside, its natural body temperature can also rise.
Puppies Have a Higher Body Temperature
The thermometer reads 102°F degrees, and you think your puppy has a fever? In most cases, this is a misconception.
Puppies have an even higher body temperature than adult dogs. A value around 103,1°F is completely normal for growing puppies and not a cause for concern.
Why Panting Is So Important
Since the sweat glands on the paws are used more for scent marking than for sweating, dogs release very little sweat here. The dog’s ears also have only a small number of sweat glands.
The most important source of heat regulation for a dog’s body is panting. During panting, dogs breathe very rapidly and shallowly through the nose and exhale through the mouth. This happens up to 300 times per minute. However, panting can also be understood as a warning signal.
The air that wafts over the tongue during panting provides additional cooling when evaporating. This directly lowers the dog’s body temperature twofold.
Fever in Adult Dogs
A higher body temperature is not unusual in puppies. But what about adult dogs, and when should one react?
At what point does a dog have a fever?
102°F is a completely normal body temperature for dogs. However, if this temperature is exceeded, dog owners should keep an eye on their four-legged friend. To rule out that the dog has a fever, multiple measurements should be taken throughout the day.
- up to 102°F: normal
- 102°F to 104°F: elevated temperature (after exercise, excitement, okay for puppies)
- from 104°F: fever
- from 105,8°F : high fever (life-threatening, organ failure is imminent)
- from 107,6°F: very high fever (acute life-threatening condition)
At the latest, when the body temperature reaches 107,6°F, one should immediately take the dog to a veterinarian or a veterinary clinic—preferably even at 104°F of fever.
Symptoms of Fever
In addition to an elevated temperature, there are other signs that a dog may have a fever:
- Shivering/trembling
- Weakness, fatigue
- Elevated pulse
- Very hot ears
- Panting
- Refusal of water and food
- Diarrhea
Caution!
In the presence of symptoms of illness and suspicion of fever, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
How to Measure Fever in a Dog
Measuring fever in a dog requires some practice and patience. Ideally, the measurement should be done by two people. One can hold the thermometer while the other person pets and speaks soothingly to the dog.
Here is the step-by-step guide for proper fever measurement in a dog:
- Step 1: Moisten the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline.
- Step 2: Lift the dog’s tail.
- Step 3: Slowly and gently insert the thermometer about two centimeters deep.
- Step 4: Hold the thermometer firmly and speak soothingly to the dog.
- Step 5: Wait for the duration of the measurement—varies depending on the thermometer—and then pull out the thermometer.
Distracting the dog with a treat may initially sound like a good idea but could lead to unexpected movements in case of doubt.
After measuring the fever, it is worth rewarding the dog with a treat. This makes measuring fever easy in the future.
Tip
Before measurement, the dog should not engage in sports or be exposed to stress. This could distort the result. Room temperature or a walk in the sun also leads to inaccurate measurement data.
Conclusion: A Warm Dog Doesn’t Necessarily Have a Fever
If the dog feels warm to the touch, it is not necessarily a sign of a fever. However, if there is suspicion of a too-high body temperature in the dog, fever should always be measured to rule out illness.
If a too-high temperature is measured or if one does not want or cannot perform the measurement oneself, a veterinarian should be consulted in case of doubt.
