How to Tell If Your Dog or Cat Has a Fever — And What to Do

The old myth that a dry nose means fever and a wet nose means health is wrong. The only reliable way to check your pet's temperature is with a thermometer. A rectal thermometer gives the most accurate reading.

- Dogs: 38.3°C to 39.2°C (101°F to 102.5°F) - Cats: 38.1°C to 39.2°C (100.5°F to 102.5°F) - Fever: Above 39.5°C (103°F) in both dogs and cats - Dangerous: Above 40.5°C (105°F) — organ damage risk - Critical: Above 41°C (106°F) — emergency, can be fatal

You need a digital rectal thermometer (available at any pharmacy for Rs 100-200). 1. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or coconut oil 2. Have someone gently hold your pet still 3. Lift the tail and insert the thermometer about 2-3 cm into the rectum 4. Wait for the beep (usually 30-60 seconds) 5. Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol after use 6. Label this thermometer for pet use only

- Warm ears (warmer than usual to touch) - Dry, warm nose - Red or glassy eyes - Lethargy — not interested in food, walks, or play - Shivering or panting - Warm belly - Decreased appetite - Seeking cool surfaces (lying on tiles instead of their bed)

The most common cause. Bacterial infections (from wounds, UTIs, pneumonia), viral infections (parvovirus, distemper), tick-borne diseases (ehrlichiosis, babesiosis), and fungal infections can all cause fever.

In India, this is a major cause of fever in dogs. If your dog has a fever and has been exposed to ticks, always mention this to your vet. Blood tests for tick-borne pathogens should be part of the workup.

A mild fever (up to 39.5°C) for 24-48 hours after vaccination is normal. The immune system is responding to the vaccine. If fever persists beyond 48 hours or goes above 40°C, call your vet.

Not technically a fever (which is an immune response) but causes dangerously high body temperature. Common in Indian summers, especially in brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs) and thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers). Signs: excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, collapse.

For mild fever (39.5°C to 40°C): - Ensure they have access to fresh, cool water - Place a cool (not cold) damp cloth on their ears and paw pads - Move them to a cool, shaded area - Do not give human fever medications — ibuprofen and paracetamol are toxic to dogs and cats - Monitor temperature every 2 hours - If the fever does not come down within 12-24 hours, see a vet

- Temperature above 40.5°C - Fever with vomiting and diarrhea (dehydration risk) - Fever with pale gums (tick-borne disease) - Fever in puppies or kittens under 4 months - Fever lasting more than 48 hours - Fever with difficulty breathing - Fever after a known tick bite

Fever often spikes and drops throughout the day. A single reading does not tell the full story. Log temperatures in Omelo every few hours — this pattern helps your vet determine the cause. A fever that spikes in the evening and drops in the morning suggests infection. A steady high fever suggests something more serious.