You can tell when your dog feels “off”, they’re not as playful, they’re sleeping longer, or maybe they whine when touched. But how do you know if it’s really a fever, or just a passing slump?
Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat or tell you when they’re overheating. So, learning how to tell if a dog has a fever isn’t just smart, it can help you catch infections and serious illnesses early.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check if your dog has a fever, what symptoms to look for, what’s normal, and when you need to call your vet.
What Is a Normal Dog Temperature?
Before you can tell if your dog has a fever, you need to know what’s normal.
According to the American Kennel Club, a healthy dog’s temperature typically falls between:
101°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C)
Anything over 103°F (39.4°C) is considered a fever in dogs.
Above 106°F (41.1°C)? That’s a medical emergency. Temperatures this high can cause organs to fail.
How to Tell If a Dog Has a Fever (Without a Thermometer)
It’s always best to take your dog’s temperature directly (we’ll show you how later), but you can also spot some common signs that suggest a fever.
7 Symptoms Your Dog Might Have a Fever:
- Warm ears or nose
- Lethargy or tired behavior
- Shivering or muscle tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing or nasal discharge
- Red or watery eyes
- Panting more than usual (not from heat or activity)
These are signs that something’s not right. If several appear together, it’s time to take their temperature or call your vet.
As PetMD points out, most fevers are a sign of another issue, such as infection, virus, inflammation, or injury.
How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature at Home
To know for sure if your dog has a fever, you’ll need to take their temperature.
What You’ll Need:
- Digital rectal thermometer (the most accurate)
- Lubricant (petroleum jelly or water-based)
- Gloves
- Calm voice and gentle handling
- Optional: a second person to comfort or hold your dog
Step-by-Step Rectal Thermometer Method:
- Lubricate the thermometer tip
- Gently lift your dog’s tail up and to the side
- Insert the thermometer 1–2 inches into the rectum
- Wait for the beep, then gently remove and read
- Clean the thermometer thoroughly
If your dog is resistant or nervous, it’s okay, be patient. Offer treats (like calming chews) before and after to make the process easier.
You can also bring your dog to your vet or groomer to have their temperature taken if it’s too difficult.
Digital Ear Thermometers for Dogs: Do They Work?
Some pet owners prefer ear thermometers because they’re less invasive. While they are usually safe, they may not be as accurate as rectal thermometers, especially in dogs with long or floppy ears.
To use one:
- Gently insert the probe into the horizontal ear canal
- Keep still while the thermometer reads
- Compare to the same dog’s “normal” readings
If you rely on this method, practice when your dog is healthy to know what their individual baseline feels like.
What Causes Fevers in Dogs?
Fevers in dogs aren’t a standalone illness, they’re a symptom.
Common causes include:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Infection | Bacterial, viral, or fungal (e.g. UTI, skin infections) |
| Tick-borne illnesses | Like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis |
| Injury or inflammation | From trauma, surgery, or strain |
| Toxins or ingestion | Eating something harmful (plant, chemical, etc.) |
| Autoimmune conditions | Immune system overreacting |
| Unknown (FUO) | “Fever of unknown origin” — requires testing |
According to the ASPCA, it’s important not to give dogs painkillers or fever meds meant for humans. Some (like ibuprofen) are toxic and even fatal to pets.
When to Call the Vet for a Dog’s Fever
Fever isn’t always an emergency, but it can become one depending on cause, symptoms, and duration.
Call your vet if:
- Temp is over 103°F
- Temp reaches 104°F and doesn’t go down after rest
- Your dog has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures
- Your dog is very young, old, or has a chronic condition
- You suspect poisoning or toxic exposure
Your vet may recommend:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- X-rays
- Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory meds
- IV fluids if they’re dehydrated
In some cases, a high fever could mean an underlying issue like cancer or a tick-borne disease, so testing shouldn’t be delayed.
How to Help a Dog With a Mild Fever at Home
If your dog’s fever is just over 103°F and they aren’t showing major symptoms, your vet may suggest starting with home care while monitoring closely.
Here’s What You Can Do:
- Encourage them to drink cool water
- Place a cool, damp towel on their paws and belly
- Keep them in a quiet, calm, shady space
- Don’t feed heavy food if appetite is low
- Check temperature every hour
Do not:
- Give Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin
- Use cold baths or ice packs (causes shivering and worsens condition)
- Force food or activity
If the temperature stays high for more than a few hours, get to the vet.
How to Tell If a Puppy Has a Fever
Puppies are vulnerable, and symptoms can come on fast. Checking for fever in a puppy is just as important and more sensitive.
Look for:
- Low energy or refusal to move
- Whining or discomfort when touched
- Eating less or avoiding food entirely
- Warm ears, belly, or head
Puppies aren’t great at showing clear signs, so even a slight fever can make them collapse or become seriously ill quickly.
PuppyAna suggests having your vet show you how to safely take your puppy’s temperature and recommending early thermometer training using treats for stress-free wellness checks later.
Can You Feel a Fever Just by Touching a Dog?
Sometimes you can tell something’s off—they feel hotter than usual or their belly and paws are warm to the touch. But body warmth is subjective.
Dogs may feel warm after:
- Exercise
- Sun exposure
- Excitement or stress
- Heavy fur or lying in a warm bed
So, is “touch testing” accurate?
Not always. It’s okay for a quick check, but not a substitute for an actual thermometer.
If you feel “something’s wrong,” don’t ignore your instincts, but confirm it with a reading or vet visit.
Tracking Your Dog’s Temperature Over Time
Just like with humans, keeping a baseline record is a great idea. Knowing what’s normal for your dog can help you detect illness faster.
Create a simple log using:
- Their “normal” temp
- What time of day you took it
- Notes on behavior, food intake, water use
- Monthly or bi-weekly checks
Pro tip from PuppyAna: Keep this health log in your phone or pet care binder. When you’re traveling, boarding, or visiting a new vet, it’s invaluable.
Conclusion
So, how to tell if a dog has a fever?
It starts with you knowing your dog and being ready to act.
✅ Learn their normal temperature range
✅ Know the signs: warm ears, lethargy, red eyes
✅ Use a digital rectal thermometer for accuracy
✅ Don’t guess, check it and confirm
✅ Call your vet above 103°F or if other symptoms show
Fevers are a symptom, not a diagnosis. But catching a fever early, even without other signs, can keep your dog healthy and safe from small problems turning into serious ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dangerous fever in dogs?
Over 103°F is concerning. At 106°F or higher, immediate vet care is needed.
How do I check a dog’s temperature without a thermometer?
You can try checking for warm ears, red eyes, and sluggish behavior—but thermometer readings are the most accurate.
Can a dog have a fever and still act normal?
Yes, especially in early stages. That’s why subtle changes shouldn’t be ignored.
Do dogs get fevers from teething or vaccines?
Yes, mild fevers are possible after shots or teething, but they usually go away in 1–2 days.
Can you give dogs Tylenol for fever?
No, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) are toxic to dogs. Never use human meds without vet approval.
How often should I check my dog’s temperature during illness?
Every 2–3 hours if the fever is low. Call your vet if it climbs or doesn’t go down.
Are there natural remedies for dog fever?
Cool towels, hydration, and rest can reduce mild fever, but don’t skip the vet.
