By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Feeling your dog's nose is the method most of us grew up with, and it is almost useless. A dog's nose can be warm and dry after a sleep in the sun, or cool and wet while the dog is quite sick. The only reliable way to know whether your dog has a fever is a thermometer reading. Knowing how to take one, and what the number means, can help you and your vet make faster, better decisions.
Key takeaways
- A normal dog's temperature is roughly 38.0 to 39.2°C.
- Readings above about 39.5°C suggest fever or overheating. Above about 40.5°C needs prompt veterinary attention.
- Nose temperature and moisture do not reliably indicate fever.
- A digital rectal thermometer gives the most accurate home reading.
- Never give human fever medicines. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin can poison dogs.
Signs your dog may have a fever
A fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting something, so the clues tend to overlap with feeling generally unwell:
- Lethargy, sleeping more, or reluctance to get up
- Reduced appetite or refusing food
- Shivering or trembling
- Warm ears and a warm belly, along with other signs
- Faster breathing or panting while resting
- Red or glassy-looking eyes
- Coughing, vomiting or diarrhoea, depending on the cause
- Stiffness or reluctance to be touched
If your dog has been in the heat or exercising hard and is panting heavily, think about heatstroke rather than fever. That is an emergency and needs active cooling and a vet straight away.
How to take your dog's temperature at home
You will need a digital thermometer (ideally one kept just for your dog), some lubricant such as petroleum jelly or a water-based gel, and a helper.
- Have your helper hold your dog gently but securely, standing or lying on their side, with one arm under the belly.
- Clean the thermometer and coat the tip with lubricant.
- Lift your dog's tail and gently insert the tip into the rectum, about two centimetres for small dogs and a little more for larger dogs, angling slightly towards the spine.
- Hold it in place until the thermometer beeps.
- Remove, read, then clean the thermometer with soap and water or alcohol wipes.
Stop if your dog is distressed, struggling or snapping. A reading is not worth a bite, and your vet can take it instead. Ear thermometers made for pets exist, but they are less consistent at home. Human forehead and ear thermometers are not reliable on dogs.
What the numbers mean
- 38.0 to 39.2°C: normal range for most dogs. Excited or anxious dogs can read slightly higher.
- 39.3 to 39.9°C: mildly elevated. Recheck after your dog has rested quietly for 20 to 30 minutes, and watch for other signs.
- 40.0 to 40.5°C: a definite fever. Call your vet for advice the same day.
- Above 40.5°C: urgent. See a vet promptly.
- Above 41°C: a medical emergency, as organs can be damaged.
- Below 37.5°C: low temperature can also signal illness or shock, especially with weakness. Seek veterinary advice.
When to see a vet
Emergency now: a temperature above 41°C, any high reading with collapse, seizures, laboured breathing, pale gums or repeated vomiting, or suspected heatstroke.
Same day: a fever above about 40°C, a fever lasting more than 24 hours, or a fever in a puppy, a senior dog, or a dog with a known medical condition.
Monitor at home with advice: a slightly raised reading in a dog who is otherwise bright, eating and drinking, and returns to normal after rest.
What you can do while you wait
- Let your dog rest somewhere cool and quiet.
- Offer fresh water and encourage small, frequent drinks.
- Write down readings and times, plus any other signs, so your vet has a clear picture.
- Do not use ice baths or iced water for a fever (it is different from heatstroke management), and do not give any human medicines.
How vets find the cause
A fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and our article on causes of fever in dogs and cats covers the common culprits. Your vet will examine your dog closely, looking for infected wounds, sore joints, ear or tooth infections, or a painful abdomen, and ask about recent travel, tick exposure, vaccinations and diet. Blood tests, urine tests and imaging may follow. Treatment then targets the cause, with supportive care such as fluids and, where appropriate, prescribed medication to keep your dog comfortable.
FAQ
Is a warm nose a sign of fever?
Not reliably. Nose temperature changes with weather, activity and sleep.
Can I use an ear thermometer?
Pet-specific ear thermometers can work but need good technique. A rectal reading is more accurate.
Can vaccines cause a mild fever?
Some dogs are a bit flat and slightly warm for a day after vaccination. If signs last longer or seem severe, contact your vet.
What can I give my dog for a fever?
Nothing from the human medicine cabinet. Call your vet, who can recommend safe treatment if needed.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has a high reading or just seems off, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through the numbers and signs with you and help you decide how urgently your dog needs to be seen. Consult Dial A Vet. A temperature above 41°C, collapse or suspected heatstroke needs an in-person emergency vet straight away.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Normal rectal temperature ranges
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Fever in small animals
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: Signs your pet may be unwell
- AVMA: Pets and human medications
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
