Fever is a symptom characterized by an elevated body temperature in response to infection, inflammation, or other conditions such as autoimmune diseases, heat stroke, or even cancer. It's crucial to know that fever doesn't always indicate an infection.
For dogs and cats, a normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5°F. *Accurate body temperature can be obtained using a rectal digital electronic thermometer.
When to Act:
If your pet appears unwell or feels warm, take and record their rectal temperature. If it's above 103°F, contact your veterinarian or local emergency center right away. A temperature above 106°F can be life-threatening and needs immediate attention.
What to Do:
If your pet's temperature is over 105.5°F, moisten their fur with cold water, paying special attention to the ears and feet as they are primary sites of heat exchange. Using a fan to direct air onto these moistened areas can also help.
Encourage your pet to drink small, frequent quantities of water, unless they have vomited within the past 4 to 6 hours. Don't force them to drink.
What NOT to Do:
- Be careful not to overtreat. Stop cooling procedures once the rectal temperature reaches 103°F to prevent your pet from becoming too cold (hypothermic).
- Avoid administering over-the-counter human medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, as many of these can be toxic to pets.
- Do not demand antibiotics from your veterinarian for all causes of fever. Not all fevers are due to infections and require antibiotics.
Signs such as lethargy, depression, shivering, loss of appetite, vomiting, coughing, or a greenish nasal discharge can suggest that your pet is not well and may have a fever. The only way to confirm this is to take their temperature using a medical thermometer.
Always remember, while some initial care can be provided at home, it's essential to seek professional veterinary help for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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