Dog Fever
Quick Facts About Dog Fever
While it might sound strange, dog fever exists in canines in the same manner in which humans can get a fever as well. Dogs can have medical problems and a fever is usually an indication that something is wrong. A fever can also be a way of the body fighting off an infection. Therefore, it is important to take dog fever seriously. So how can you tell if your dog has a fever?
A dog’s body temperature is usually between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 102 degrees. A rectal thermometer is the best way to take your dog’s temperature, although he might feel warm to the touch if you touch him behind his ears or his nose.
Some causes of dog fever include cancer, infections, immune system disease, and inflammation. Sometimes, the cause is idiopathic, or simply not known.
One way that you can tell if dog fever exists is by looking at your canine’s eyes. Are they less cheerful? Do they appear dull and lifeless? This is usually a sign that something is wrong. You should also look at the attitude that your dog is exhibiting. If your canine is typically happy and cheerful and likes to play, and suddenly becomes listless and weak with no interest in his usual activities, then he might not be feeling well. Other signs to look for include vomiting, diarrhea, and drainage from his eyes.
Other signs that you might want to watch for are swellings or lumps, draining wounds, behavioral changes, and hiding.
Sometimes, making sure that your dog gets plenty of rest, fluids, and a blander diet for a few days is enough to help him perk up. However, if this doesn’t help then you might need to take him to the vet. If you do need to do this, then taking a list of his symptoms along with you, in addition to any vaccinations records, is desirable.
Treatment for dog fever depends on the severity of the fever as well as the medical condition that the dog is suffering from. Sometimes, fevers that are mild might not be treated at all since they can assist in getting rid of viruses and bad bacteria that are making the dog sick in the first place.
Antibiotics can be prescribed in some cases. This is usually often done before diagnostic tests are carried out. For very high temperatures, antibiotics such as Ketoprofen are used to help bring the fevers down. Other antibiotics that might be used are Cephalexin, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Doxycilin. Additional diagnostic testing is usually done if the fever continues with antibiotic treatment.
There are also some things that you can do for your dog at home to make sure that your canine is more comfortable. For mild fevers, you can ensure that your dog continues to drink and eat. You might want to try bland foods for a little bit. Making sure that your dog is drinking enough water is also very important, especially if there is vomiting or diarrhea present. Dehydration is a very serious concern, even for pets. Continue taking your dog’s temperature every few hours. If it gets over 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit then you should consult your vet.
Sometimes, animals get sick despite our best intentions. However, making sure that your pet has a clean area to eat and sleep in, and keeping your dog away from any diseased animals can be helpful in preventing illness. It is also important that your dog eat a balanced diet complete with all of the necessary vitamins and minerals so that he is able to strengthen his immune system and fight off illnesses and infections as they come.