Dog Fever Signs You Can Spot Without a Thermometer

Monsoon is more than just muddy paws. Infections spread more quickly when the weather is damp, and fever is an early symptom of illness.

Don't panic if your dog is warm, tired, and off food. Here's what to look for and what to do.

Yes, dogs have fever just like people do. The normal temperature of a dog's body is slightly higher than ours and is from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over that range is considered a fever.

Fever isn't a disease on its own. It's a signal. It means your dog is fighting an infection, inflammation, or a reaction to something it shouldn't have eaten.

You don't always need a thermometer to notice something is off. Dogs show their discomfort in small ways.

Be alert for these indications:

One of the first indications is a dry, warm nose.

Your dog doesn't get excited at walk time or at the door.

Favourite treats are also ignored.

This happens even when the weather isn't cold.

The whites of the eyes look slightly pink or irritated.

Breathing looks quicker or heavier than normal, even at rest.

Touch your dog's stomach and paw pads. Unusual warmth is a clue.

Some dogs go quiet and withdraw. Others stick close to you and won't leave your side.

This is where pet parents often go wrong. Never give your dog human fever medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen. They are poisonous to dogs, even in small doses, and may cause liver or kidney damage within hours.

Fever medicine for dogs should always come from a vet. If your vet determines your dog has a tick-borne, viral, or bacterial infection, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. This could be an antibiotic, an anti-parasitic, or a fever reducer made specifically for dogs. There's no single dose that fits every dog. It depends on your dog's health, age, and weight.

Dogs get dehydrated very easily. Have fresh water easily available.

A shaded place with good airflow works well. Don't cool directly using air conditioners or strong fans.

Gently wipe your dog's paws and ears with a cool, damp cloth. This allows the body to cool down naturally.

Take a break from walking today. Rest helps the body fight whatever it's dealing with.

When appetite is weak, boiled rice with a little boiled chicken or curd is easy on the stomach.

 Check on your dog several times a day. If the fever climbs, or new symptoms show up, call your vet right away.

Home care is a way to complement, not replace, vet care. If your dog has been feverish for more than one day, or has any of the above symptoms, do not delay in going to a clinic.

Yes. It is common to have a mild fever within 24 to 48 hours after receiving a vaccination, and it will resolve on its own.

Common causes are tick-borne infections, urinary tract infections, wounds, and viral diseases. The monsoon season also increases the risk, as ticks and bacteria spread more readily in wet weather.

Our dogs can't tell us where it hurts. They show us through their eyes, their silence, their refusal to eat. This monsoon, pay attention from the start. Do what you can to make them feel better quickly.