Like humans, pets can get sick and develop a fever if they’re too ill. It’s not always as noticeable as it is in humans, however, so you need to know what you’re looking at and how to tell if your pet has a fever.

Fever in Dogs

You’ll probably notice your dog is acting differently if it’s feeling off. If you see more than one of the following symptoms, you will need to check the dog’s temperature.

  • Glassy, red eyes

  • Shivering, particularly if it’s not cool

  • Warm ears

  • Coughing

  • Vomiting

  • Warm nose

  • Low energy

  • Loss of appetite

  • Panting

  • Running nose

You can either check your dog’s temperature at home with a rectal thermometer or take them to the vet to have their temperature checked.

If your dog’s fever is 39.5°C or higher, you can cool them down with a fan or cool water on their paws or ears (not inside the ears). This can help reduce the fever, but if it continues or rises, you should see a vet.

If the dog has a fever of over 41°C, they should be taken to a veterinary emergency clinic.

Fever in Cats

Cats are considered to have a fever if their temperature is over 39.7°C. If it hits 106°C, you need to take your cat to the vet immediately.

Your cat may be quite ill before they show any symptoms. You may notice the following symptoms if your cat has a fever:

  • Loss of appetite

  • Shivering

  • Dehydration, less interest in drinking

  • Lack of grooming

  • Diarrhoea

  • Vomiting

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Shivering

  • Lethargy

  • Lack of energy

Your cat could have any number of diseases or bacterial infections. It’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

When Your Pet is Ill

As soon as you notice your pet isn’t feeling well, you should contact your vet to see what the best course of action is. While you can check the animal’s temperature at home, not everyone is comfortable with this. You can always take your animal to the vet to have their temperature checked.

Do not ever give your pet medications without approval from the vet, as it can be dangerous. The dosing must be exact to avoid injury to your pet.

Is your cat or dog feeling ill? Contact Bay Vets to schedule an appointment now. It’s best to ensure your animals are in their best health and we can help them return to that as quickly as possible.