Fever in dogs means that there is an increase in body temperature. The normal body temperature in dogs is between 37.5 °C to 39 °C (99.5 °F to 102.2 °F). (For comparison: in humans between 36 °C to 37 °C) (96.8 °F to 98.6 °F). However, not every rise in temperature is the same as a fever; vigorous physical activity can also lead to a slight rise in body temperature.
Fever in dogs can be consistently high or fluctuating. Sometimes phases in which the dog has a fever alternate with fever-free periods. If the body temperature rises above 41 °C (105.8 °F), a fever can be life-threatening in dogs. But this rarely happens.
Fever in dogs is rarely the sole symptom. Oftentimes, a dog with a fever also has chills, and the hair stands on end. In addition, his general well-being is impaired, he is tired and limp. The pulse is increased, and the dog breathes faster. Fever in dogs can also lead to loss of appetite and decreased bowel function. This manifests itself in the so-called feverish excrement, which is very firm and dry. Fever in dogs also causes the animal to lose a lot of fluid. Depending on the cause, a fever can trigger additional symptoms in dogs.
A fever in dogs that lasts only one day is called an ephemeral fever. Acute fever in dogs, on the other hand, lasts 8 to 14 days. The veterinarian speaks of subacute fever if the increase in temperature lasts for two to three weeks. Chronic fever in dogs is present for more than three weeks.
WHAT CAUSES A FEVER IN DOGS?
Fever in dogs can have a variety of causes, including:
Infections with bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, e.g.
- Lyme Disease
- Leptospirosis
- Babesiosis
- Leishmaniasis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Distemper
- Rabies
- Kennel Cough
- Parvovirus
Infectious Inflammation of the liver, e.g.
- Hepatitis Contagiosa Canis
Immune-Related Diseases, e.g.
- Polyarthritis , Rheumatism
Inflammatory Diseases, e.g.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Inflammation of the Teats Disease (Mastitis)
- Inflammation of the Prostate (Prostatitis)
- Inflammation of the Meninges (meningitis)
- Abscesses
Side Effects of Antibiotics e.g.
- Gastrointestinal Upset
- Microbiome Imbalance
- Neurological Effects
Occasionally, dogs have a fever for no apparent cause.
HOW IS FEVER TREATED IN DOGS?
Fever in dogs does not always need to be treated. Short-term, light fever that does not severely restrict the dog, often goes away on its own. If dogs have a high fever, and the fever does not go down or if the dog feels very bad because of the fever, a veterinarian should clarify the causes and, if necessary, initiate appropriate measures.
Fever in dogs is treated with appropriate therapy for the underlying disease. For example, the vet may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections or anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammatory diseases. If the underlying illness is over, the fever in dogs also goes down.
Fever is a natural and meaningful response from the immune system. It supports the body’s defense mechanisms, for example, to fight pathogens. Therefore, not every fever requires treatment. On the other hand, if a dog with a fever is very weakened by the disease-causing it, it makes sense to give it antipyretic drugs. Various fever-lowering agents (so-called antipyretics) are available from the vet, for example, carprofen, firocoxib, or metamizole. It is important to ensure that the dog is adequately hydrated.