A healthy dog's body temperature is generally around 38–39°C, but he may develop a fever from an infection, toxic substance, wound, or vaccine. A fever in a dog will cause its body temperature to rise to 40°C or more. When your dog has a fever, you may feel worried and want to treat him. Immediately take the dog to the veterinary clinic. Make sure the dog is hydrated and the temperature is kept low to help treat it. If the fever in the dog is serious enough and does not improve, immediately take the dog to the veterinary clinic to get better soon.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Lowering the Dog's Body Temperature
Step 1. Wipe the dog's ears with a cloth dampened with water
Make sure the cloth used is not too cold. Wipe the dog's ears and paws repeatedly to lower his body temperature.
Don't forget to wipe the dog's chest and belly to lower its temperature
Step 2. Bathe the dog in lukewarm water
Bathe the dog in lukewarm water that is not too cold. Place your dog in the tub and wipe his body with a rag or sponge. Wet the dog's ears, feet, chest and belly with water.
You don't need to wash your dog with soap as the purpose of this step is simply to lower his body temperature
Step 3. Dry the dog well so it doesn't get cold
After wiping or bathing your dog, dry him well so he doesn't get cold. Dry the dog with a low temperature towel or hairdryer.
Wipe or bathe your dog twice a day to lower his body temperature. Dry your dog well after wiping or bathing him
Method 2 of 3: Feeding and Drinking Dogs
Step 1. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water
Pour the water into the dog's drinking bowl and place it in front of the dog for him to drink. By drinking plenty of water, your dog will not be dehydrated when he has a fever.
If your dog refuses to drink or looks dehydrated, take him to the vet's office immediately. Dehydration and fever are quite risky for a dog's health
Step 2. Give the dog normal food
Encourage the dog to eat solid food to maintain energy. Dry and canned food are good options for a dog with a fever. Don't change your dog's food when he has a fever. This may upset the dog's digestive system.
If your dog refuses solid food, or has no appetite, take him to the veterinary clinic immediately
Step 3. Do not give the dog human medicine
Fever medications intended for humans, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are toxic to dogs. Do not give your dog any medicine unless you have consulted a veterinarian.
Do not give your dog traditional medicine, such as essential oils or herbs, unless you have consulted a veterinarian
Method 3 of 3: Taking the Dog to the Veterinary Clinic
Step 1. Immediately take the dog who has symptoms of fever to the veterinary clinic
A fever in dogs may be a symptom of an infection that should be treated immediately. Observe a dog that looks tired and always sleeping. A dog with a fever also generally looks lethargic and has no appetite. He may look lethargic and don't want to walk or play.
Step 2. Let the vet check the dog's temperature
A dog's body temperature can only be measured using an ear or rectal thermometer intended for animals. This procedure is quite complicated and should only be performed by a veterinarian. A veterinarian can keep your dog calm and relaxed when taking your dog's temperature.
Dogs with body temperatures above 40°C should seek immediate medical attention
Step 3. Let the vet check the dog's condition
The doctor may examine the dog's tongue, ears, and eyes for signs of infection. The doctor may also test the dog's urine and blood to check whether the dog has been exposed to toxic substances or not.
Your doctor may ask your dog's medical history to determine the cause of the fever
Step 4. Purchase prescription medication to reduce dog fever
The vet will prescribe an oral medication to lower the dog's body temperature. Once the temperature starts to drop, your vet may recommend other treatment options, depending on your dog's condition.
Your doctor can tell you how to help your dog take his fever medicine
Step 5. Have the veterinarian observe the dog's condition
The veterinarian may ask that the dog be left in the clinic for a few hours or a day so that his temperature can always be monitored. If your dog's fever doesn't improve after treatment, your doctor may recommend other treatment options or examine your dog to determine the cause.
