What are the symptoms of a dog's fever?

A dog with a fever will exhibit signs of lethargy, physical weakness, sluggish movements, a slightly trembling or even motionless tail. Observe if the dog's nose is very dry or accompanied by a runny nose. If so, it may be feverish. The most direct way to confirm is to measure the temperature, with a normal range of 37.5°C to 39.0°C. The temperature inside the anus may be 0.5°C higher than under the armpit or inside the thigh.

1. What is the normal temperature range for a dog?

A dog's normal temperature ranges from 37.7 to 39.2 degrees. To determine if a dog has a fever, measure its temperature. Generally, a dog's normal temperature is 34.7℃ to 39.2℃. A dog's temperature will fluctuate throughout the day, but the range will not exceed 1°C.

Insert a thermometer into the dog's anus. If the dog's temperature remains above 39 degrees for a long time, it indicates a fever. If the temperature reaches 40.5 degrees, it means the dog has a high fever.

**2. What are the manifestations of a dog's fever?

The dog will appear lethargic, uninterested in moving, and not as playful as usual. Its movements will be slow, and the tail will tremble slightly or even hang down.
The most obvious sign of a feverish dog is its nose, which will become dry. Be cautious when the dog's nose is dry while sleeping; it may not necessarily mean the dog has a fever.
Abnormal bowel movements, including diarrhea and constipation. The stool may be watery or hard as a rock. Healthy dogs usually defecate twice a day, with the color depending on their diet, usually black or brown, and soft yet firm.
Loss of appetite or rapid decline in appetite. If the dog swallows foreign objects or dirt, its stomach function will be abnormal, resulting in refusal to eat or vomiting.
Eye discharge, and even conjunctivitis. Additionally, pay attention to abnormal phenomena such as coughing, ear itching, randomly biting items, and rubbing its buttocks on the ground.
Increased body temperature. A dog's temperature can indicate its health status. Healthy dogs have a temperature of about 38.5°C, with slightly higher temperatures for young dogs. Generally, a dog's temperature is lower in the morning and higher from noon to evening, with a difference of about 0.5°C. Anything beyond this range is abnormal.

3. How to reduce a dog's fever?

After confirming that the dog indeed has a fever, do not randomly give the dog human fever-reducing medication. You can use ice packs or soak a towel in cold water, wring it out, and place it on the dog's abdomen to help reduce its temperature. Soaking a towel in a diluted alcohol solution can help lower the temperature faster. If the dog's temperature has not decreased, take it to a veterinary hospital.