Causes of Fever in Dogs

Wondering what can cause a high temperature in dogs? Here are some of the causes of fever in dogs. Check out the blog below to know the causes and treatment options for fever pets.

1. Infections 

Various bacteria, viruses, fungus and parasites can enter the body and damage the tissues, leading to infection. To fight off these harmful organisms, the immune system activates and become one of the reasons for dog temperature rise. These pathogens can attack anywhere in the body, such as the lungs causing pneumonia. Depending on the site of attack, infection can be in the form of tooth abscess, bite, scratch or cut, infection of urinary tract, ear, kidney, brain, or even skin. Enhance the defense mechanism of your pet naturally with Supertonic Syrup.

2. Ingestion of Toxins 

Dog eating | Fur Ball Story

Toxicity can also be among the causes of fever in dogs. Be watchful of what you feed to your dog or what they might ingest from the surroundings. Substances like chocolate, onion or nuts that are human-friendly, but can be poisonous to your dog. It can show side effects like increased heating of the body, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or neurological reactions. To avoid such accidents, keep any such substances out of reach of your pet.

3. Heat Stroke 

Body releases heat through panting and dilating blood vessels to maintain normal dog temperature of 101.0 to 102.5°F. When exposed to extreme heat, the chances of heatstroke or overheating increase because these mechanisms fail to expel the extra heat. So, prolonged exposure to heat leads to an accumulation of heat within the body, causing high temperature in dogs. To prevent heatstroke, do not expose your pet for longer periods in the heat or never leave them in parked cars. In summers, you can ensure heat protection naturally with Cool Pet.

4. Stress or Anxiety 

Stressed out dog | Fur Ball Story

Similar to humans, the nervous system of dogs responds to stress and anxiety with an increased heart rate. In response to fight or flight situations, the body activates the nervous system to deal with threats by releasing stress hormones. This redirects the blood flow away from skin towards other organs like heart and muscles. It leaves behind a heat or warm sensation in the body. Help your dog calm down by simply petting them or using natural stress remedies for dogs like Calm Pet to manage stress hormones. 

5. Medication or Vaccination 

Some medicines such as immunosuppressants, that are used to treat autoimmune disorders, might lower the ability to fight against infections. As a side effect, these infections can cause fever. Moreover, it is normal to witness a low-grade fever for 24 to 48 hours after vaccination as a response to the injected antibodies. Since the immune system is being stimulated to fight against diseases, the body raises its temperature.

6. Autoimmune Disorders  

Inflammation in Pets | Fur Ball Story

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system targets special cells or proteins by producing auto-antibodies. It triggers immune response and releases inflammatory hormones, causing fever as dog illness symptoms. To balance your pet’s immunity, Supertonic Syrup is the natural aid. With the benefits of herbs like Ashwagandha and Giloy, it helps in maintaining the health of multiple organs such liver, kidney, and the gut. 

7. Inflammatory Conditions 

Inflammation of joints, skin, digestive tract, ear canal, or pancreas occurs because of cell or tissue damage. This leads to release of additional immune cells, which further contributes to fever. In conditions such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or arthritis, one of the symptoms can be fever while others may include indigestion, neurological disturbance, behavioral changes, etc. In case of inflammation or pain in joints, provide your pet natural joint pain relief with Jump-O-Joint Duo

8. Metabolic Disorders  

Metabolic Disorders in dogs | Fur Ball Story

When the metabolic system fails to flush out toxins, it can hamper the functioning of organs such as liver, pancreas, and kidneys. These toxins, metabolic by-products, and inflammatory mediators keep accumulating in the bloodstream. It triggers the body temperature because toxins flow through the bloodstream throughout the body. Dysregulation of hormones such as thyroid hormones, cortisol, etc. can hamper the body's ability to maintain normal dog temperature. 

FAQs: Causes of Fever in Dogs 

How to check dog fever with a thermometer?

If you are wondering how to reduce dog fever, you all need is a digital thermometer. Start by lubricating the thermometer with baby oil or petroleum jelly. Place the thermometer about 1 inch into your dog’s anus till you get the result.

What can I give my dog for a fever home remedy?

Home care for dog fever requires natural dog fever treatments such as Fev Pet. It is a dog fever medication that relieves symptoms of canine fever such as high temperature, cough, cold and body pain due to fever. 

How long does dog fever last?

Fever in dogs might last for 2-3 days. However, depending on the cause of fever in dogs and your dog’s ability to fight off disease, the time duration might vary. 

Does a dog's temperature go up when in heat?

Yes, when exposed to heat for a longer period, the chances of heatstroke or overheating increase. The accumulation of heat within the body causes high temperature in dogs.