Published on July 10, 2023

Pyrexia In Dogs- Is Fever Good Or Bad For Pets?

For dog owners, sometimes it can be difficult to find out whether or not their dog has a fever. This is because of the reason that the body temperature of pets can increase anytime especially when they are excited or anxious. Being a pet parent, it is important to be aware of the healthy body temperature of your pet. Any suspicious behavior or changes in your pet’s health can be a sign of a serious health condition. Therefore, you must take your pet for regular health check-ups to ensure that they are healthy and protected from any disease.

In this blog, we will talk about the ways to detect a fever in dogs . Particularly, we will focus on Pyrexia in dogs, symptoms, its causes, and what to do if your dog is suffering from Pyrexia .

We will be covering the following points:

We will be covering the following points:

  • What do you understand by Pyrexia?
  • Pyrexia in dogs symptoms
  • Causes of Pyrexia in dogs
  • What to do if your pet is detected with Pyrexia?


    • Let’s get started.

    What do you understand by Pyrexia?

    Pyrexia, also known as fever, is an abnormal rise in an individual’s body temperature. If we talk about temperature rise in general, it is a natural immune response of the body to fight against disease-causing organisms. In pets, fluctuations in body temperature are quite natural. However, the normal body temperature of dogs and cats usually ranges between 100°F to 102°F. Anything above this normal temperature range can be called pyrexia or hyperthermia. In simple words, if the temperature goes beyond a certain range, it can be dangerous for your pet.

    Pyrexia in dogs symptoms

    The symptoms or signs of Pyrexia in pets may vary from pet to pet. However, if you notice a major change in the behavior of your dog, it is an indication that something is not well with your dog. You must pay attention to your dog’s behavior and keep a note of its symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of fever in dogs are:

  • Shivering
  • Painting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Redness in eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting
  • Warm ears and/or nose
  • Lethargic

    • All these symptoms are a sign that your dog is not well. If you notice any of these symptoms or a combination of the following symptoms, make sure to check your pet’s temperature.

    Causes of Pyrexia in dogs

    Pyrexia in dogs generally occurs due to infectious and non-infectious reasons. Let’s look at some of the common conditions that can cause Pyrexia in dogs :

  • An ear infection
  • Infection in the tooth, also called an abscess
  • A bacterial, fungal, or viral infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Infection due to a bite, scratch, or cut
  • Consumption of some toxic materials like human medications, human food that is not suitable for dogs, poisonous plants, etc.

    • All these conditions may develop a fever in dogs. In some cases, it may be difficult for pet owners to determine the cause of fever in their pets. It is known as a Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO). In such cases, some underlying issues like cancer, immune disorder, bone marrow issues, and others are responsible for causing a fever. Thus, it is advisable to keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and get them checked by professionals at frequent intervals. This will help to detect any issue on time which can be prevented from becoming a serious or dangerous health condition.

    What to do if your pet is detected with Pyrexia?
  • As soon as you detect that your dog has an abnormal temperature (above the normal temperature range), connect with your local veterinarian immediately. At home, you can follow the below steps to help your dog feel better:
  • If your dog has a fever, you must try to cool your pet’s body temperature by applying cool water with a soaked cloth. Apply this cloth or towel to your dog’s paws and ears. Continue doing this till your dog’s temperature drops below 103° F.
  • Even if the temperature comes down to the normal range, keep monitoring your pet to ensure that the temperature doesn’t increase again.
  • Make sure to keep your pet hydrated by giving your dog small amounts of water to drink.
  • Avoid giving any medications without consulting the veterinarian as it may cause serious issues. Also, never give your pet medications that are meant for human consumption.
  • Don’t wait if your dog doesn’t show any improvement in fever or exhibits other symptoms like vomiting, shivering, breathing issues, etc. Take him/her to the vet immediately.
  • Always follow your vet’s advice regarding the treatment of fever or any other illness in your pet. Make sure to give all the medications prescribed by your vet on time and complete the course duration. This will help to prevent the chances of the fever from coming back again.
    • Conclusion:

    Nowadays, it has become much easier for pet parents to consult a vet immediately as soon as some emergency arises. They don’t even have to visit a clinic. They can save time and take necessary actions for the pet’s health immediately by consulting a vet online . Yes, these days, you will easily find several website design for veterinary clinics that offers online consultation services. You can use these services to consult with professionals who can advise you on the right treatment and medication by analyzing the condition of your pet.