A dog's elevated temperature is often the first symptom that signals the guardian that something is wrong with the dog. The appearance of fever is always a disturbing symptom that should be treated as a threat to the health of the dog.
Unfortunately, the pet cannot verbally tell us that something is wrong with it. Most often, however, changes in his behavior will signal us that he is not feeling well or is ill. When we observe that our pet loses its appetite, becomes lethargic, sleepy, apathetic, has increased thirst or shivers, measuring its body temperature becomes most reasonable. With a very high fever, there is sometimes diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, excessive, usually purulent discharge from the nose and eyes, excessive drooling, unusual behavior, fatigue, fainting and even loss of consciousness. Many diseases start with a fever, so knowing the dog's current temperature will allow us to make the right decisions, e.g. whether an immediate visit to the veterinarian is necessary.
Normal body temperature for an adult dog is 37,5 ° C to 39 ° C. Dogs of miniature and small breeds are usually 38,5-39 ° C, while the temperature in large and older breeds is usually 38-38,5 ° C. It is important to know the exact physiological temperature of your pet in order to assess the temperature increase during illness. Keep in mind that in some situations, a healthy dog's body temperature may exceed 39 ° C, e.g. after physical activity, after feeding, during stress or hot weather. Low-grade fever is a rise in temperature by one degree in relation to the norm in a particular dog. We treat an increase in temperature by 2-3 ° C above the norm as a fever, and over 41,5 ° C as a high fever. When body temperature is approaching 43 ° C, it causes irreversible changes in the pet's body.
The signal in the form of elevated temperature should not be underestimated, so you need to contact the veterinarian and inform him about all symptoms. If you want to help your pet before visiting the veterinary clinic, you can apply cool compresses (especially around the ears and paws), use a fan and give small amounts of fresh, cool water. Do not self-dose any medications without consulting your vet!
Remember that judging a dog's health based on his nose is not a good solution. We often hear that a dog is only healthy when its nose is wet and cold. Unfortunately, this is not the case, very often, despite the fever, the nose is still wet. On the other hand, it is sometimes warm, dry or rough, and the animal's body temperature is normal. Therefore, the surest way to identify a dog's fever is, of course, by measuring it with a thermometer. A special veterinary thermometer that can be purchased at a pet store or vet works great. These types of professional, non-contact thermometers cost in the range of PLN 150-500 and allow measurement in the ear, gums or abdomen within 2 seconds.
Of course, an ordinary human thermometer, which you can buy at any pharmacy, is also suitable for measuring the temperature of your pet. However, let's try not to use a mercury thermometer, which in the event of our carelessness and the ingress of a poisonous substance into the animal's body, may be dangerous for him. The most convenient to use will be an electronic thermometer, which is very accurate and allows you to get the final measurement faster.
To measure body temperature correctly, your dog needs to be calm and rested. We should not do this immediately after a walk when the dog is heat-up, out of breath and tired. The temperature is measured primarily rectally, we do not place the thermometer in the groin, ear or mouth of the animal. Using a traditional thermometer, we shake the indicator bar to a level of at least 37 ° C. Then apply lubricant, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, olive oil or body oil to the tip. We gently insert it into the anus to a length of 1 to 2,5 cm (depending on the size of the dog). When measuring the temperature, we constantly monitor the position of the pet and the thermometer, holding the dog in a stationary position, standing or lying down. Under no circumstances should he run with the thermometer or sit down during the measurement. After three minutes, remove the thermometer with one firm movement and read the value obtained.
In the event of an elevated temperature, you should bring your dog to the veterinary office. Only then can we be sure that the pet will be thoroughly examined and properly looked after. For symptomatic treatment, your veterinarian may give your dog antipyretic drugs (suitable for animals), most often in the form of injections, which work much faster than tablets. When caring for a feverish dog, we follow the doctor's instructions and try to provide the pet with peace and proper conditions for rest.
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