What to do if your dog has a fever?

Jump to Home Care and When to Call the Vet - If your dog has a fever, try to see that he drinks small amounts of water on a regular basis to stay hydrated, but don't force it. And never give your dog any human medicines intended to lower fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as they can be poisonous to dogs and cause severe injury or death. read more

If your dog has a temperature greater than 103 F, you should call your veterinarian. Fevers above 106 F are emergencies that must be treated promptly. If your dog has a temperature above 105 F, you can help bring his body temperature down by applying cool water to his fur, especially around the ears and feet. read more

One of the first things your vet will do is use a rectal thermometer­—which O’Bell calls the “gold standard”—to measure your dog’s body temperature. “That can be really tough to try at home,” she says with a laugh. read more

If your dog's temperature is anywhere above this average, as with humans, your dog has a fever. This can appear as a result of a serious disease of viral nature, such as parvovirus. In other cases, it may be due to a cold or it could be a symptom of hyperthermia. read more