What Causes a Fever in Dogs?
An infection or inflammation can produce a fever in pets, as their body attempts to fight it off. They can be internal or external, and include:
Ingestion of poisonous materials can also cause fever. These include:
If you think your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline
It’s not uncommon for pets (and humans) to experience a low-grade fever 24–48 hours after a vaccination. This is usually not dangerous and resolves after a day or so, but monitor the situation.
Signs That Your Dog May Have a Fever
If you notice a significant change in your dog’s behavior this will be your first sign that your dog is not well. You should keep a careful eye on your dog and take note of your dogs symptoms. Any combination of the following symptoms is a good indication that you should check your dog’s temperature.
The most common symptoms of a fever in dogs are:
Why would a dog have a fever?
A variety of illnesses and conditions may cause a fever in your dog. These include:
In some cases, a dog’s fever cannot be readily determined, this is often referred to as a fever of unknown origin or FUO. In these cases, a fever could be caused by underlying disorders of the immune system, bone marrow problems, or cancer.