Yes—but not just any human thermometer
. Glass thermometers, for example, aren't safe for pets, since it's possible that your dog will move suddenly while you're taking their temperature, causing the thermometer to break—and that wouldn't be fun for either of you.
What's the normal body temperature for a dog?
A dog's normal body temperature ranges from
101° to 102.5° Fahrenheit
, which is significantly higher to humans whose body temperature ranges from 97.6° to 99.6° F. A temperature of more than 103° F is considered a dog fever. When temperatures reach 106° F, serious and fatal complications can occur.
What kind of thermometer can I use for my dog?
Mercury and digital thermometers
are the most popular choices for most dog owners. Most are both easy to use and affordable. You can use either of these to take your dog's temperature rectally or via the armpit. Some vets (and the AKC) discourage the use of glass thermometers for safety reasons.
How do I know if my dog has a fever without a thermometer?
- Red eyes.
- Lethargy/lack of energy.
- Warm ears.
- Warm, dry nose.
- Shivering.
- Loss of appetite.
- Coughing.
- Vomiting.
How can u tell if a dog is running a fever?
A dog with a fever will have a temperature of 103 degrees F or higher, and he will often show symptoms such as
panting, lethargy or acting tired, and shivering. His ears may feel hot and be red
. If the fever is related to illness you might notice other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing.
How do I know if my dog has Covid?
- Fever.
- Coughing.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Lethargy (unusual lack of energy or sluggishness)
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Eye discharge.
- Vomiting.
What to do if you suspect your dog has a fever?
My rule is that
every fever warrants a call to the vet
. It's a good idea to let your vet know what's going on with your dog and get their advice. Temperatures under 103 can generally be monitored at home for up to 24 hours. But a fever any higher, or one that lasts longer than a day, requires a trip to the vet.
Can dogs get colds?
Dogs and cats do catch colds
, and their symptoms are just like humans. Both may have discharge from their noses, “wet” or labored breathing from congestion, sneezing (especially wet sneezes), watery eyes and lethargy (napping more, showing low energy). The cold symptoms will likely last 5-10 days.
What home remedy can you give a dog for a fever?
Give your dog its normal food
.
Both canned and dry foods are good for dogs with fevers. Do not try to change its food to encourage it to eat. This may give the dog gastrointestinal distress. If your dog refuses to eat solid foods, or to eat at all, bring it to the vet for treatment.
Is runny nose normal for dogs?
A runny nose can be a big deal for a dog, who has 220 million smell receptors compared to your 5 million. And while
nose discharge can be a sign of something as simple as your dog's excitement that you're home, it can also be a symptom of a problem as serious as cancer
.
Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat?
Conclusion. A dog coughing like something is stuck in their throat is
usually caused by kennel cough
, a highly contagious but also usually self-limiting infection. This is generally not a cause of big concern in dogs that do not present other symptoms.
