Fever in Dogs

Fever in dogs is similar in nature to fever in humans. It is an abnormally high body temperature that comes about as a result of an imbalance of certain internal body systems. Oftentimes, fever is seen as a symptom of different types of issues that come about for dogs. These can include acute infections and other one time problems, but they can also include chronic diseases and other long term illnesses and issues.

Because fever is a relatively common problem for dogs, it is not always, by itself, a great indicator of any particular problem that your dog may be experiencing. Rather, it should be used as one of several different methods for determining your dog's health issue.

Cause of Fever in Dogs

It is believed that fever comes about in dogs as a result of the pet's body attempting to fight off infection. The dog's body reacts by recalibrating internal body systems and temperatures in an effort to curb the progression of an infection, an inflammation, or other related issues. Therefore, the fever is not a direct symptom of the problem itself, but is rather a result of your pet's body's attempt at dealing with the problem on its own.

There are also other causes of fever as well. These are all important to keep in mind when you're thinking of what the fever that your dog has may be indicative of. Some of the other causes of your pet's fever include reactions to drugs. You may need to check in with your veterinarian in order to determine exactly which medicines that your pet is on may be potentially causing his fever. Additionally, more serious conditions like cancer can result in a low grade fever that remains throughout your pet's day to day life.

Symptoms of Fever

When your dog has a fever, he will display certain other symptoms along with it. Unless you regularly take your pet's temperature, you may not otherwise be aware of the fever itself, unless you take note of these symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms of fever in dogs include:

  • lethargy and weakness
  • loss of appetite
  • tendency to hide or shy away from human attention
  • aggression
  • noticeable wounds
  • abscesses or cysts

Dealing with Fever

If you suspect that your pet may have a fever, the best thing that you can do to help remedy the situation is to take him to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Take note of any other symptoms that have appeared alongside those listed above, and be aware of any medications that your pet is on and how long the fever symptoms have been present. You'll need to be able to answer these questions in order to give the vet a good idea of how to diagnose the cause of the fever.

Once your vet recommends how to deal with the fever, be sure to follow his or her instructions as closely as possible.

 

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