How to Take your Dog's Temperature and Treat Fevers in Dogs

Playing an important role in diagnosing diseases and assessing conditions, a dog's temperature reading is always part of a thorough physical exam. You do not need to take your dog to your veterinarian to just get a temperature reading, rather with the right tools and some collaboration from your dog, you can easily assess your dog's internal temperature from the comfort of your home.

To get started equip yourself with the following tools:

• 1) A digital or mercury thermometer
• 2) Petroleum jelly or K-Y jelly
• 3) A friend. to help assist
• 4) Your dog's favorite treats

You want to choose an area of your home that is quiet and with little distractions. If you have a small dog placing him on a table may help. Have your friend hold the dog still, and carefully lubricate the thermometer with either the petroleum jelly or K.Y. the jelly.

Depending on the type of thermometer you are using the method for getting a temperature reading may be slightly different.

• The Mercury Thermometer method

If you are using a mercury thermometer remember to flick it so the mercury goes below 94 degrees. Lift the dog's tail and gently insert the thermometer only for about one to three inches. Hold in place for about 3 minutes. Praise and treat your dog for being collaborative.

• The Digital Thermometer Method

If instead you are using a digital thermometer, insert it in the same way as the mercury thermometer (no need to flick it) and wait until it beeps. Don't forget to offer a treat once you have taken the reading.

The temperature reading becomes easier and easier with practice. Owners that particularly dislike taking their dog's temperature rectally, may rejoice in learning that lately some new ear thermometers specifically made for pets are on the market. These thermometers can be costly but they may be worth it especially with dogs that are not particularly collaborative.

How to Diagnose a Fever in Your Dog

Of course, a temperature reading is useless if dog owners do not know what to look for. Normal rectal temperatures in dogs range between 100*F-102.5*. Anything above or below this range requires veterinarian attention.

Function of Fevers

Just as is in humans, fevers in dogs develop for a particular reason: to fight an infection. When a fever arises it occurs as an act of defense, because the body has generally recognized some sort of foreign body such as bacteria and viruses. The elevated temperature of a fever therefore, causes these viruses and bacteria to likely perish because they do not do well in hot environments.

Myths about Indications of Fever in Dogs

First an foremost, it is important for dog owners to realize that using the dog's nose as an indicator of health is not a good way to diagnose a fever. A dog's nose is basically susceptible to its surrounding quite in the same manner as our lips are. In other words, a dog's nose has a tendency to dry out in dry environments and become wet instead when the surrounding areas have high humidity levels. Therefore, there can be very sick dogs with wet noses and there can be very healthy dogs with extremely dry noses.

Touching a dog's ears may also be an unreliable method to diagnose a fever This is mainly because a dog's temperature is normally several degrees higher than a human's, causing them to feel hot, however, in some instances, hot ears in dogs may indicate the presence of an ear infection.

Therefore, the ultimate method to accurately diagnose a fever remains taking the dog's rectal temperature.

Symptoms of Fever in Dogs

Dogs affected by fever, often tend to develop the following symptoms:

-Loss of Appetite

-Tendency to Sleep more

-Hiding

-Lethargy

Dogs may develop as well many other diverse symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the fever.

Causes of Fever

The causes of fever in dogs may be quite extensive, often requiring several diagnostic tests in order for the veterinarian to find a culprit. The most common causes are as follows:

-Viral Infections

-Fungal Infections

-Mild Vaccine Reactions

-Pyometra in intact Female dogs

-Seizure

-Heat Stroke

-Tick Born Diseases

Cancer

-Urinary tract infection

Treatment of Fever in Dogs

• For mild fevers:

Owners can help dogs with mild fevers at home by providing plenty of fluids. Ice chips are a good resource for dog that have lpst appetite or are nauseous. Cold compresses applied to the stomach area, armpit area, and paw pads may be effective in lowering the body's internal temperature. A cool bath of 5-10 minute may give relief, but the dog must be dried carefully afterward.

• For High Fevers:

When the dog's temperature reading is over 104 degrees and the dog is exhibiting other symptoms as well, it is highly recommended to have a veterinarian assess the situation and run diagnostic tests.

As seen, taking a dog's temperature is not really a difficult task. However, it can never be emphasized enough the importance of having a veterinarian assess the situation. Dogs do not normally have fevers, therefore, when this happens, something is not working properly and may need attention.

References

Dog Home Remedy for Fever

*Disclaimer: the above article is not to be used as a diagnostic tool nor as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog has a fever, report to your veterinarian for proper assessment and treatment.