Is your dog feeling warmer to the touch and showing signs like tiredness, reduced appetite, or shivering? If so, it’s possible your dog may have a fever, which is one of the most common symptoms seen by our dog veterinarians at Sploot Veterinary Care.
Knowing your dog’s normal temperature range, recognizing other concerning symptoms, and understanding when veterinary care is needed can help you respond appropriately. This Sploot Vets guide dives into how to tell if a dog has a fever, common causes, treatment options, and when to call a veterinarian.
I. How To Tell If A Dog Has A Fever
You generally cannot determine whether your dog has a fever by just touching their nose, ears, or skin. The most reliable way to know whether their temperature is elevated is to use a thermometer, an important part of every dog’s first aid kit.
a. Dog Normal Temperature
A dog’s normal temperature is higher than a human’s. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the average normal body temperature for dogs is approximately 99.5 to 102.5 °F or 37.5 to 39.2°C.
b. Dog Fever Temperature: Rectal vs. Axillary
A true dog fever typically involves an elevated internal temperature, higher than 102.5°F (39.2°C), as noted in a vet-approved Sploot guide on Canine Influenza. Internal temperatures are generally measured using a rectal thermometer.
Since not all dogs are comfortable with a rectal thermometer, pet parents can choose to get a temperature reading from the dog’s armpit instead. However, according to various studies, a dog’s armpit or axillary temperature is cooler than their internal or rectal temperature by 0.7 to 0.9 °F or 0.4 to 0.5°C (Open Veterinary Journal).
Note: When using a thermometer on a dog’s armpit, add 0.9°F or 0.5°C to get an estimate closer to your dog’s internal temperature.
c. How to Use a Thermometer Safely on Dogs
Before using a rectal thermometer on dogs, here are some important hygiene notes to remember:
- Make sure the thermometer is sanitized. Always clean thermometers after every use. Wash the tip of the thermometer twice using antibacterial soap and water, as mentioned by the guide: How To Disinfect a Thermometer (health.com). Additionally, we recommend drying the tip and cleaning it using rubbing alcohol before storing.
- Dogs can share one thermometer as long as the thermometer is properly sanitized after every use.
- You can use a thermometer for humans on a dog; however, once the thermometer has been used for dogs, ensure that it is solely used for your furry companion.
Once you have a clean thermometer ready, you can follow these steps to take your dog’s temperature:
- Make sure that your dog is calm.
- Before using a rectal thermometer, lubricate the tip with a water-based lubricant.
- Next, gently insert the thermometer tip ~1 inch into the rectum.
- Most digital rectal thermometers beep after 8 to 10 seconds, once the temperature reading is done (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
- If your dog is resistant to having their rectal temperature taken, do NOT force them. After cleaning the thermometer’s tip, you can try taking your dog’s temperature through their armpit instead (i.e., the area where the dog’s forelegs meet their torso).
→ If you’re not comfortable taking your dog’s temperature, this can be done at a vet clinic instead. At Sploot, our experienced veterinarians are here to help. Book a vet visit today at one of our vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, or Salt Lake City! You can also call our team for urgent concerns.
d. Dog Fever vs Other Causes of Elevated Body Temperature
A high temperature does not always mean a true dog fever. There are certain cases wherein a dog’s temperature could be elevated due to recent activity or heat exposure. Here are other causes of elevated body temperature in dogs:
- Anxiety or stress – Anxiety or stress can cause a temporary increase in a dog’s body temperature due to the stress hormone, cortisol.
- Recent strenuous exercise – a dog’s body temperature can temporarily increase after exercise or intense physical exertion.
- Hot weather – Exposure to high temperatures can raise a dog’s body temperature due to overheating rather than a true dog fever.
Note: A high body temperature accompanied by heavy panting, weakness, confusion, or collapse can indicate heatstroke in dogs and requires urgent or emergency veterinary care.
e. Other Common Symptoms to Watch Out for
Fever is a normal response of the body to inflammation or infection. It is a symptom and not the disease. Therefore, dog fever can be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying health issue. If you see any of the following additional symptoms, we encourage scheduling an urgent vet visit:
- Lethargy – Your dog may sleep more, move slowly, or lose interest in normal activities.
- Reduced appetite – Some dogs with fever eat less or refuse food altogether.
- Shivering or trembling – Changes in temperature regulation may cause chills or shaking in dogs.
- Vomiting or diarrhea in dogs – Gastrointestinal symptoms may accompany certain infections and illnesses.
- Coughing or sneezing – Respiratory infections like canine influenza or pneumonia may cause fever alongside respiratory symptoms.
- Lameness - some infections or other immune-mediated processes can cause a fever as well as musculoskeletal signs
7 Common Causes of Fever in Dogs
A dog’s fever is part of the body’s response to an underlying health issue. Some of the common potential causes of dog fever include:
1. Canine vaccine reactions
While vet-recommended vaccines for dogs are beneficial and helpful in preventing transmissible diseases, some dogs may experience side effects. One of the possible, mild side effects of canine vaccines is fever (AVMA.org), along with tiredness, decreased appetite, and tenderness or swelling at the injection site. According to AVMA, these side effects will typically be gone in 24 hours.
Note: While most vaccine side effects, if any, are mild, some dogs may experience more serious ones. Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice bumps or hives, facial swelling, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, and difficulty breathing. (AVMA.org)
2. Urinary tract or kidney infections
Bacterial infections affecting the urinary tract can cause fever, especially in more advanced cases. Some infections can ascend further beyond the urinary tract and involve the kidneys, which can cause fever in dogs. Pet parents need to watch out for difficulty urinating, frequent and low-volume urine, and cloudy or bloody urine.
3. Respiratory infections in dogs
Pneumonia in dogs, canine influenza, and other viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses can cause fever in dogs along with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, or lethargy. Since viruses are a very common cause of fevers in dogs, evaluation by a veterinarian can ensure that secondary infections are not present that may complicate recovery and treatment.
4. Wound infections in dogs
While fresh wounds and cuts may not cause dog fever, infected wounds and bites can. When wounds become infected or turn into a pus-filled abscess, this can trigger fever in dogs as the body tries to prevent the infection from spreading.
5. Systemic infections in dogs
Systemic infections, which affect more than one system of the body, are more likely to cause fever in dogs than localized infections. However, fever is typically just one of various other symptoms these infections cause. A few examples of common, systemic infections in dogs include the following:
- Leptospirosis in dogs – A bacterial infection from contaminated surfaces and water that can spread through the bloodstream and affect organs such as the kidneys and liver. Aside from fever in dogs, common signs include lethargy, vomiting, and increased thirst or urination.
- Canine distemper – A contagious viral disease that can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and commonly causes fever. Hallmark symptoms include nasal or eye discharge, coughing, and neurologic symptoms.
- Tick-borne infections – Diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause fever along with signs like lethargy, joint pain or lameness, and reduced appetite.
- Sepsis in dogs – A body-wide response to severe, uncontrolled infection; sepsis can lead to fever (during the initial stages), low body temperature (as the condition worsens), extreme weakness, rapid breathing, and collapse.
Note: If you suspect any of the above, reach out to a veterinarian immediately. Any issue that involves weakness, seizures, collapse, or difficulty breathing needs emergency veterinary attention.
6. Dental or oral infections in dogs
Advanced dental disease in dogs, tooth-root abscesses, or other oral infections can sometimes cause fever if inflammation or infection becomes significant. Since dental problems are not always observable to the naked eye, this highlights the importance of toothbrushing and regular dental cleaning for dogs.
7. Other causes of dog fever
Less commonly, fever can be linked to immune-mediated diseases, certain cancers, or inflammatory joint conditions such as septic arthritis in dogs (an infectious kind of arthritis, different from osteoarthritis).
Sometimes, a dog continues to have a fever despite initial testing without an obvious explanation. Veterinarians may refer to persistent or recurrent cases without an identified cause as fever of unknown origin. Further diagnostic testing may be needed to determine what is happening.
Will a Dog’s Fever Go Away on Its Own?
A mild dog fever may sometimes resolve on its own, especially if it is tied to a short-lived immune response (e.g., vaccine side effects). However, fevers that are linked to more persistent infections may not resolve as easily. Additionally, systemic illnesses can lead to life-threatening complications. This highlights the importance of pet parent awareness, careful monitoring, and prompt veterinary care when needed.
When to Bring Your Dog to the Vet for a Fever
Compared to other symptoms, fever in dogs can appear mild, making pet parents unsure whether or not they need to go to the vet. Here are some clues that a vet visit is due:
- Severe symptoms (trouble breathing, collapse, hypothermia) developing along with or after the fever → seek emergency veterinary care or a 24/7 vet ER.
- A body temperature above 105°F or (40.5°C) → see a veterinarian immediately (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- Persistent symptoms which can signal any kind of infection (respiratory, UTI, wound infections) → seek same-day urgent veterinary care.
- Persistent dog fever or a fever that keeps returning → seek same-day urgent veterinary care.
- Senior dogs and puppies with a fever → seek same-day urgent veterinary care
- A mild dog fever → monitor your dog in case they develop additional symptoms and contact your veterinarian.
→ At Sploot Veterinary Care, we provide all-in-one care, 365 days a year. We handle more than 95% of a dog’s lifetime veterinary needs. If your dog has a fever or other health issue, book an appointment at one of our vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City. You can also call our team within our vet clinic’s extended hours (8 AM to 8 PM) for urgent concerns.
Treatment For A Dog With A Fever
Treatment for dog fever depends on what is causing it. Because fever is a symptom rather than a standalone illness, simply lowering your dog’s temperature does not necessarily address the underlying problem.
A veterinarian may perform a physical examination and recommend tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays, or other veterinary diagnostics depending on your dog’s symptoms and medical history. Once all the needed lab tests are done, treatment for dog fever may include:
- Fluids – Dogs who are dehydrated or not drinking adequately may need fluid therapy.
- Medications for dog fever - these will depend on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, anti-inflammatory medications, or other condition-specific treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Supportive care – Nutrition support, anti-nausea medication, or other therapies may be recommended depending on your dog’s condition.
- Hospitalization – For systemic or more serious conditions (e.g., sepsis, canine distemper, leptospirosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis), hospitalization may be required.
Medical Director at Sploot, Dr. Chris Lenahen notes: “The reality is that, similar to humans, many times, fevers may have no discernible cause, and supportive care treatment can help your pet feel better. Diagnostics such as those listed above can help rule out more serious causes while the fever of unknown origin is investigated.”
Note: NEVER give your dog human OTC medications to lower their fever. Human medications can be toxic to dogs; ingestion can lead to stomach ulcers, liver damage, and more. Always consult a veterinarian to get vet-approved, dog-safe treatment.
Added Note: AVOID trying to cool a dog with a true fever unless instructed by your veterinarian. With true fever, the body has intentionally raised its internal temperature to fight an infection, so external cooling does not address the underlying issue.
Sploot Vets: Your Trusted, All-in-One Dog Veterinarian
When your pup isn’t feeling like themselves, Sploot Veterinary Care is here to help! As your all-in-one dog veterinarian, we provide top-tier veterinary care ranging from wellness and preventive services to same-day urgent care for unexpected illnesses.
Our Fear Free veterinary approach helps create a more comfortable experience for every furry companion and can be especially beneficial for puppies, senior dogs, and anxious pets.
With conveniently located vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City, our veterinary teams are here for you 365 days a year with extended hours (8 AM to 8 PM), making top-tier veterinary care easier to access when it matters most.
Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app! You can also call our team for urgent concerns.
