How do you know your dog has a fever? Do you know how to measure your dog’s temperature?

Jul 26,2025
4Min

Normal body temperature of dogs

Adult dogs: 37.5℃-38.5℃, small dogs and puppies: 38.5℃-39℃. The basal body temperature of furry children is inherently higher than that of humans. Therefore, when the owner touches the exposed skin (in the ears, belly), the temperature will feel higher than that of humans. This is normal. Only when the dog's body temperature exceeds 39.5 degrees, does it mean that the dog has a fever.

If a dog has a fever, the rectal temperature should be measured to determine it

First, hold the dog’s tail apart with one hand to prevent it from swinging around, then wet the thermometer and slowly push it into the anus for 3-5 Minutes are enough. Note that the temperature of the anus is measured. If the temperature of the inner thigh is measured, it is generally inaccurate. If it exceeds 39.5 degrees, it can be considered that the dog has a high fever.
Note, if the dog is really uncooperative or the parent does not know how to control the pet, do not force it; otherwise, the dog's struggle and resistance may cause the thermometer to break inside the pet's body, which may injure the dog.
In addition to an increase in body temperature, there are often complications, such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, lack of energy, trembling, and increased heart rate.

How to care for dogs with fever

1. Medication to reduce fever

If the dog is just suffering from a simple cold, Xiaobuihu granules can generally be taken orally. It is best not to use the ones used by humans. Cold medicines are used to reduce fever. Human cold medicines contain compound ingredients, and some dogs may be allergic to the medicines in them. And use warm water to wipe the dog's abdomen, ears, foot pads and other places continuously.
If the temperature is high, paracetamol 10mg/kg can be used orally. Metamizole 0.5-1g, taken orally.

2. Replenish water

It is best to put drinking water everywhere in the house, and place it in places where dogs often move around, so that they can drink water at any time. If your dog refuses to drink, you can feed them a small amount of water using an eye drop bottle or a small straw.
In addition, when cats and dogs have a fever, minerals will be consumed, and we need to replenish electrolytes for them. You can feed some glucose water, nutritional paste, chicken, beef soup and other food supplements.

3. Physical cooling

After discovering that the dog has a high fever, try to lower the dog's body temperature to avoid high temperature damage to the organs. This is the same as when it occurs in humans. We can use alcohol to wipe the dog’s belly, paws, and armpits to help the dog lower its body temperature. Or wrap ice cubes in a towel and apply them to important areas of your pet to help cool them, such as the belly, paw pads, and armpits.
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