If your dog or cat has a fever, you are probably very concerned and have several questions. In this article I will reveal the most common causes of fever in dogs and cats, as well as the signs that you should know. Then I’ll go into the top 5 remedies that you can use right away to help ease your pet’s fever and bring the temperature down quickly.
Fever is defined as a body temperature that is higher than normal in your dog or cat; in veterinary terms, this is called pyrexia. The normal temperature for a dog is 101 F (38.0 C), the normal temperature for a cat is 102 F (38.5 C). Taking your pet’s temperature involves placing a thermometer in his rectum. If your pet has a temperature of 103.5 F (39.5 C) or higher, he has a fever.
Fever is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Having a high temperature makes it more difficult for insects to grow on the body. The problem with fever in pets is that they often stop drinking; dehydration then becomes the main concern. Your pet will usually have a fever in response to something happening in his body. I find that the most common cause is bite wounds. Search your dog or cat well for punctures.
The signs and symptoms of fever in cats and dogs include the main having and above normal body temperature. Your pet may have less appetite and less energy. Your dog or cat’s ears may be hot to the touch and they may pant excessively around the house. Some pets will tremble, others may have an elevated heart rate. All the same symptoms that people with a fever have.
If you suspect that your dog or cat has a fever, what should you do? First, start with the obvious and take your temperature, determining if it is elevated. If the temperature is 103.5 F (39.5 C) or higher, then you have a fever. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours and your pet does not drink, call your veterinarian. If they are still drinking, or in the meantime before going to your vet, here are some additional remedies and supportive care you can consider.
Keep your dog and cat hydrated. Offer plenty of fresh water in different places around the house. If your pet refuses to drink, use an eyedropper or turkey baster to spray water on the side of his mouth. Minerals are depleted when your pet is dehydrated; For an extra boost, add Pedialyte, an electrolyte solution available at the pharmacy. Some pets prefer chicken or beef broth, or tuna juice; Give them whatever works.
A cold compress is a very safe, easy, and inexpensive remedy to consider. If your pet will tolerate it, apply a cool washcloth to its belly. Exposed skin will cool down fairly quickly, making it feel a bit better.
There is a conventional medicine that you can use for your dogs. Aspirin can be used safely in dogs to lower fever; never use it on cats. The dose of aspirin is one 325 mg tablet for every 40 pounds of body weight given every 12 hours.
Echinacea and sage are effective antimicrobial herbs. You can give a combined herbal formula of 1 drop per pound twice daily of tincture. Another option is to use commercially prepared products like echinamide. The dose is 0.1 ml for every 10 pounds every 8 hours.
There are several homeopathic remedies you can consider for fever, the most common being Belladonna 30C and Ferrum Phosphoricum 30C. These can be administered every 1-2 hours with a typical dose of 1 capsule for every 10-20 pounds of body weight.
You should now be much more aware of the signs and symptoms of fever in cats and dogs; Most importantly, you should be comfortable taking your pet’s temperature to see if it is elevated. Fever is a response to illness; common causes include bite wounds and abscesses. If your pet is still drinking, you can use some of the home remedies discussed, such as: cold compresses, the herb Echinacea, and the homeopathic Ferrum phosphoricum.