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What to do if your dog has a fever at home
Your dog may experience a fever at home, and there are several physical methods you can use to help reduce their temperature. These include applying ice packs, placing your dog in a well-ventilated or shaded area, and wiping their paws, armpits, inner ears, and inner thighs with alcohol. During the process of physical cooling, it's essential to use a thermometer to monitor your dog's rectal temperature. If you notice that your dog's temperature returns to normal or is below normal, stop the cooling measures immediately to prevent your dog from feeling cold. If the dog's fever symptoms do not improve, it is recommended to take your dog to a pet hospital for professional diagnosis and treatment promptly to avoid delaying the disease progression.
- Ice packs
If you have ice cubes at home, you can wrap them in a towel and place them on your dog's belly and back to help reduce their temperature. However, remember not to leave them on for too long. The optimal placement time for ice cubes is about one minute, and you can repeat this process repeatedly to avoid frostbite.
- Ventilation and heat dissipation
If your home environment is stuffy, move your dog to a well-ventilated area and provide them with plenty of water. If conditions permit, you can also use fans or air conditioning to cool down the environment appropriately. Ensure not to suddenly expose your dog to a very cold environment, as this can exacerbate their fever due to temperature differences.
- Alcohol wipe
Since a dog's sweat glands are distributed on their paws, you can use alcohol to wipe their paws, ears, armpits, and other areas. The alcohol will help dissipate heat and bring down their temperature.
Note: Please consult a veterinarian before implementing any of these methods, as they are general suggestions and may not be suitable for all dogs. The wellbeing of your dog should always be your top priority.