What Can I Give My Dog For A Fever? Discover the Best Remedies

As pet owners, we always want our furry buddies to be healthy and happy. However, just like us humans, dogs can also experience fever caused by various factors such as infections, immune system disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

If you notice that your dog has a sudden increase in body temperature and is showing signs of discomfort such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and shivering, it’s important to take action right away. But what are the best remedies for canine fever?

In this article, we’ll go over some proven home remedies that you can give your dog to help bring down their fever and make them feel better. From natural herbal teas to over-the-counter medication options, we’ve got you covered with safe and effective solutions that will help nurse your pup back to health.

“Remember, while some fevers may not require medical attention, if your dog’s condition doesn’t improve after a day or two, or they’re experiencing other concerning symptoms, seek advice from a qualified vet.”

So, let’s dive into the top remedies for treating your pooch’s fever and get them on track towards feeling better!

Understanding Fever in Dogs

Fever in dogs is a common occurrence. It is the body’s way of fighting an infection or inflammation. In most cases, fevers are not serious and can be managed at home. But how can you tell when your dog has a fever and what can you give them to make them feel better?

What is a fever in dogs?

A fever is an increase in body temperature above the normal range. For dogs, the normal temperature ranges between 101°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C). A slight increase in temperature may indicate that your dog is sick, but it doesn’t always mean they have a fever.

A true fever occurs when the body temperature rises above the normal range due to an underlying health condition such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer. When this happens, your dog’s immune system kicks into gear, raising their body temperature to help fight off the illness.

Causes of fever in dogs

The causes of a fever in dogs vary. Some common ones include:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Inflammation from allergies, injuries, or autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Toxicity from medications, ingestion of poisonous substances, or heat stroke
• Dental disease

If you suspect that your dog has a fever, it’s important to identify the cause so that appropriate treatment can be administered.

Symptoms of fever in dogs

There are several signs that indicate that your dog may have a fever. These include:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Shivering or trembling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Red eyes
• Rapid breathing or increased heart rate
• Warm ears and paws

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the fever.

“Fever is one non-specific response to infection,” says Dr. Susan Jeffrey, a veterinarian in Lexington, Kentucky.

What can I give my dog for a fever?

Before giving your dog any medication, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian first. Some medications that are safe for humans may be toxic to dogs. Additionally, there are other treatments that veterinarians may recommend such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or intravenous fluids depending on the underlying condition causing the fever.

If your dog has a mild fever, there are some things you can do at home to help make them feel more comfortable. You can try:

• Giving them plenty of water to drink to prevent dehydration.
• Making sure they get adequate rest and sleep.
• Using a cool compress to reduce their body temperature. Be careful not to use cold water which may cause shivering and raise their body temperature further.
• Feeding them easily digestible foods to avoid putting excess strain on their digestive system.

Fevers in dogs are common and usually not serious. However, if your dog appears to be in distress or has a high fever, you should seek veterinary care immediately. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication and follow their recommendations for treatment.

Home Remedies to Reduce Your Dog’s Fever

Hydration is key

When your furry friend has a fever, keeping them hydrated is crucial. Much like humans, dogs lose fluids and electrolytes through sweating and panting while they have a high temperature. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that your dog drinks an ample amount of water throughout the day.

In addition to plain drinking water, you can also provide wet food or broth to help hydrate your dog further during their sickness. Alternatively, you could try ice cubes made from chicken or beef broth for a more satisfying treat.

“Dehydration will only worsen symptoms,” warns Mark Rondeau, DVM, at Counseling & Relief Veterinary Hospital.

Cooling techniques for your dog

Dogs regulate body temperature differently than humans do. They don’t sweat profusely; instead, they pant to cool off. But when they’re struggling with a fever, panting may not be enough to lower their internal temperature.

A few ways to keep your dog comfortable include:

• Giving frequent baths or using a damp towel on their skin
• Keeping them in an air-conditioned room or fan-forced area
• Avoiding outdoor activities during hot weather or peak hours of sunlight

You can also fill a bathtub with lukewarm (not cold!) water and let your dog soak in there for around 10 minutes to help bring down their overall temperature gradually. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure that they don’t get too cold from the bathwater and become shivery or uncomfortable afterwards.

“Be careful not to allow extreme cooling measures as this will result in shivering and circulating cold blood to your sick dog’s core organs,” warns Judy Morgan, DVM.

Additionally, you can try placing bowls of ice cubes around the house where your dog likes to rest. This way, they can lie next to them and soak up the coolness without getting chilly from prolonged exposure in a bathtub.

If these home remedies fail to bring down your dog’s fever after 24 hours or if their condition worsens, seek veterinary attention immediately.

“Don’t hesitate to see a vet if you feel worried about your pet’s health – early intervention saves lives” advises Lisa Lippman, DVM, from Metro Pets NYC.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Fever in Dogs

Dogs can experience fever due to various reasons, from infections and allergies to underlying medical conditions. As pet owners, it’s important to know what we can give our dogs to help relieve their symptoms and make them feel better.

Common over-the-counter medications for fever in dogs:

• Aspirin: Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and pain, including fever. However, aspirin can also cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding in some dogs. It’s crucial not to use aspirin if your dog has a history of liver or kidney problems or takes other NSAIDs or steroids.
• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, can be used to treat mild fever in dogs. However, acetaminophen is toxic to dogs at higher doses and can cause liver damage, kidney failure, anemia, and even death. Never give your dog acetaminophen without veterinary guidance.
• Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is another NSAID that can offer relief from fever and pain but also presents serious risks to canine health. Even small amounts of ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, renal failure, seizures, and coma in dogs. Do not use ibuprofen on your dog regardless of the circumstances.
• Naproxen: Naproxen is a potent NSAID that carries similar hazards as aspirin and ibuprofen. Keep naproxen out of reach of dogs, as ingestion can lead to severe toxicity and even fatality.
• Benadryl: Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help reduce fever, as well as itching and swelling caused by allergic reactions or insect bites in dogs. It’s generally safe to use Benadryl on dogs but only under veterinary supervision. The recommended dosage for dogs is usually 1 mg per pound of body weight every 8-12 hours.

Potential side effects of using over-the-counter medications for fever in dogs:

Using the wrong medication or dose can pose severe risks to your dog’s health. Here are some potential side effects of using over-the-counter medications for fever in dogs:

• Gastrointestinal distress: Over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can irritate your dog’s digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or blockage.
• Organ damage: Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can harm your dog’s liver, kidneys, and other organs if not used correctly or in high quantities. These drugs can cause kidney failure, liver toxicity, anemia, seizures, coma, and death.
• Breathing difficulties: Some over-the-counter drugs can impair your dog’s respiratory function and cause panting, wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing. In serious cases, the drug can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by swelling, hives, shock, and difficulty breathing.
• Overdose: Giving your dog too much medication can lead to overdose, which can be fatal without prompt veterinary care. Signs of overdose may include lethargy, weakness, tremors, seizures, coma, and shock.

It’s important to note that not all dogs are the same, and what works for one dog may not work or be safe for another. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog, especially if they have underlying medical conditions, take other drugs, or exhibit severe symptoms.

“Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are common painkillers which many human beings use. All of these medications can make dogs seriously ill; clinical signs may not develop for up to 72 hours after ingestion.” -Julia Albright, DVM

Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief from fever in dogs but come with significant risks if used improperly. As responsible and loving pet owners, we should prioritize our dog’s health and wellbeing by seeking professional advice before administering any drug and closely monitoring their reactions and behavior. When in doubt, go to the vet.

When to Visit the Vet for Your Dog’s Fever

A fever is a common indication that your dog may be ill. Although you might be tempted to treat your pet with over-the-counter medication, it is essential to seek veterinary care first.

Dogs experience many illnesses and exhibit different symptoms in response to these conditions. It can be challenging to determine when to take your furry friend to the veterinarian or provide home care. However, there are some red flags you should look out for prior to deciding on treatment options.

Signs that your dog’s fever requires veterinary attention

Many of the visible symptoms exhibited by dogs experiencing a high temperature tend to fade within a few days. However, others imply that your canine companion needs an extra boost of medical care from a specialized professional. These signs include:

• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Inappetence or unwillingness to eat
• Coughing or sneezing regularly
• Nasal discharge or discharge from the eyes
• Bloody stool or urine
• Dehydration indicated by sunken eyes, dry mouth, or lethargy

If your dog exhibits any of the above sign after treating them at home for 48 hours with no progress, then they require immediate medical treatment.

What to expect during a veterinary visit for your dog’s fever

Your dog’s body temperature should typically vary between 99°F and 102.5 °F, and anything higher indicates a fever. However, this isn’t always conclusive, and a vet will conduct several tests to determine the actual underlying cause of your dog’s high temperature. These include:

• A complete blood count (CBC) which checks for abnormalities in the white and red blood cell counts
• Urinalysis to check for kidney function
• X-rays or ultrasounds to look out for any organ inflammation or abnormality
• Fecal examinations to detect worms or other parasites.

If your pet requires medical intervention, your veterinarian might prescribe some medication tailored to their health needs. It is highly recommended to avoid administering over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol or Aspirin without consulting with your veterinarian first since these medications can lead to poisoning in dogs if overdosed.

“Aspirin is one drug that should never be given by people because it often leads to deadly side effects for dogs,” says Jessica Gore, a Veterinarian at Big Creek Pet Hospital.

When experiencing a fever, always keep in mind that self-medication could do more damage than good. Your furry friend requires proper diagnosis and treatment customized to address its unique symptoms and overall condition. By seeking prompt expert veterinary attention, you increase your chances of restoring your doggy’s long-term health and happiness.

Preventing Fever in Dogs

Dogs can suffer from fever, just like humans. And while a mild fever might not be too concerning, recurring or high fevers can be an indication of underlying health issues.

So, what can you give your dog for a fever? The answer is that it depends on the cause and severity of the fever. However, prevention is always the best course of action. Here are some tips to prevent fever in dogs:

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen for your dog

A nutritious, balanced diet helps ensure your pet’s immune system is strong enough to fight off infections and illnesses. When combined with regular exercise, the proper diet can help keep your furry friend at a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heat stroke, which can increase body temperature.

If your dog enjoys being active but prohibitively hot weather makes it difficult, consider early morning walks or evenings when the temperatures have dropped. Regardless of how much activity they get from outdoors, providing interactive toys, puzzles, and games can also be beneficial in keeping them occupied, reducing stress, and maintaining physical and mental agility.

Keeping your dog’s environment clean and free of potential infections

Just like with humans, germs and pathogens can spread infections among animals. To protect against the illnesses that accompany these germs, make sure your pet has access to fresh drinking water, sanitary bathroom facilities to avoid bacteria buildup, and wash their food and water bowls regularly. Pet beds and resting areas according to specific guidelines such as weekly changes to the bed linen, vacuuming up hair regularly and wiping down surfaces with disinfectant occasionally. We realise this seems labor intensive, however taking care of your pets will help keep them happy and healthy and avoiding any risk exposure due to unwarranted environmental issues.

Regular check-ups and vaccinations for your dog

Even the most vigilant pet owners might miss an underlying health issue. Fortunately, veterinarians are trained in identifying early signs of illnesses, including fevers. Regular vet visits and vaccinations help you ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and strong. Knowledgeable vets will also provide advice on preventive care measures such as regular cleaning of ears to prevent infections which could cause a fever or recurring hot spots which cause discomfort.

• The list of core vaccines recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association:
• Rabies,
• Distemper,
• Hepatitis,
• Leptospirosis,
• Parvovirus, and
• Parainfluenza.

Avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures

Just like with humans, dogs can suffer from heat stroke if exposed to high temps for too long.

“Dogs with short snouts, flat faces, dense hair coats, and puppies and geriatric patients may all have reduced tolerance for environmental temperatures,” warns Dr. Sean Brady, DVM at Green Trails Animal Clinic.

To avoid this risk make sure never to leave them unattended in hot cars even when the window is open, unless under correct animal carrier ventilation mechanisms. On mild days keep windows slightly opened remotely and install shades in the car, so they get fresh air whilst enjoying appropriate temperature levels. Always carry lots of water while out walking, especially in summertime. Some animals which enjoy water activities might fare better than being over-exposed outside. Lastly, warn against providing clothing but rather opting for shade options during intense sun exposure hrs.

Frequently Asked Questions