Fever?

[Bastianboy]

What are the signs that your dog may have a fever? I don't think Bastian does, but just curious what to look for. Thanks!

[Judi W]

If you suspect a temp, then take his temperature. Rectal - 102.5

[BostonRott]

Dogs like people have various "norms." The "average" temp for a dog is 101-102. For most of my dogs, their normal temp is 100ish.

What is he doing that makes you think he has a fever?

[Miabella]

It's a good idea to take your dog's temperature when they are not sick as well, so you know what their normal temperature is. Like Gretchen said, it can vary a bit from dog to dog. Ilsa is usually 101.3 on my digital thermometer, and Hubie is around 102.

[Bastianboy]

He's had a drippy nose for a few days now and last night his nose was wet and very cold, and his head seemed hotter to me than normal. I just thought there might be some kind of sign to look for. I'm kind of a worry wart.

[BostonRott]

Go to the store, buy a digital thermometer, mark it "DOGS!" and put some vaseline on it, it will slide right in.

[Bastianboy]

Never thought I would ever do that, but beats $40 to take him to the vet everytime I think his nose is cold

[BostonRott]

yep, much easier! And Laurie's suggestion is excellent .... check his temp when you don't think he's sick, and he hasn't just been out running around. That way you'll know his baseline. Most vets aren't worried about 101.5, but for Froli, that was a raging fever, as her normal temp was 99.7. If I wasn't aware of that, she would have been allowed to get sicker before treatment was started and what good is that for the dog??

[2rotties2luv]

I don't think that a cold nose has anything to do with running a fever, but the two times Jazz ran a fever I noticed it because he came to put his head in my lap and his ear leather felt really hot. I do have a dog thermometer to take their temp though. The vet confirmed to me that hot ears can be a sign of a fever, although it can be as unreliable as trying to tell if a child has a fever by feeling their forehead. Taking the temp with a thermometer is the only way to tell for sure.