Dog fever symptoms: how do I know, and what helps at home?
The short answer
Check your dog's temperature with a thermometer; a warm, dry nose proves nothing.
Normal: up to 102.5°F (39.2°C). From 103°F (39.4°C), a vet finds the cause.
Dog ko bukhar ho to kaise pata kare?
Naak nahi, thermometer se check karein; 103°F (39.4°C) ya zyada ho to vet ko dikhayein.
Signs of fever in a dog
- Dog is quiet, hides or skips walks
- Dog refuses food, shivers or seems tired
- A warm, dry nose alone does not mean fever
- Mild fever after vaccine: a day or two is normal
How to check a dog's fever
- Use a digital thermometer in the dog's anus
- Oil the thermometer tip; slide in about 1 inch
- Normal dog temperature: 100 to 102.5°F (37.8 to 39.2°C)
- Excited or just back from a walk? Recheck once calm
Help a dog with fever at home
- Let the dog rest; skip walks and play
- Offer small sips of water often; never force the dog
- Look for ticks; tell the vet about any recent ticks
Never give a dog with fever
- Human fever tablets: paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, never on your own
- Anything else from your medicine box
- Leftover antibiotics, or a dose copied from another dog
When help can’t wait
See a vet today if
- Dog's temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or more
- Dog has fever and refuses food or seems tired
- Dog had ticks in recent weeks, and now fever
- Dog's fever not gone two days after a vaccine
Go to a clinic now
Dog above 104.5°F (40.3°C), or with fever and no food or water, pale gums, collapse, breathing trouble or severe pain.
Not sure? Ask a vet.
Questions here are for non-urgent pet care.Prefer a video consultation?
This page is for general guidance and does not replace an examination by a vet.