A dog’s ears and paws have a lot of blood vessels. When he has a fever, these areas get hot because of the migration of immune cells from the blood into the areas of the body where an infection is taking place. The increase in the circulating immune cells in the blood can manifest as heat in the blood vessels. It is unusual for the left and right ear to be different temperatures. If one ear is warmer than the other, this is usually a sign of a localized ear infection, rather than a generalized fever. Try putting your thumb right outside the entrance of your dog’s ear to see if it feels hot. [1] X Expert Source Beverly UlbrichDog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.
A normal dog can have a fluctuating temperature and level of wetness – it’s a myth that dog noses are always cold and wet. In fact, the nose often becomes dry from common situations, such as lying in the sun, sleeping near the radiator, exercising, or when the dog is dehydrated. What does your dog’s nose normally feel like? Has he done any of these things recently to account for a dry, hot nose?
Lymph nodes contain immune cells that fight bacteria and viruses. They filter the blood against these infectious organisms, and when there is an infection, the lymph nodes serve as a defense area. This area then becomes filled with immune cells that secrete different substances that trigger the brain to cause fever. These areas become swollen and hot because they become inflamed as a result of the different immune reactions going on simultaneously. Because the armpit and groin areas of the dog have a lot of exposed skin with very little fur, feeling for heat in these areas can be done easily.
In a dog without dental disease, the gums should be moist, shiny, and a similar pink color to our own gums. Lift up the dog’s lip behind the upper canine tooth, and place the tip of your forefinger against the gum to assess temperature and moistness. Is the color, heat, and moistness similar to yours? If not, infection may be present.
Be aware that not all shaking dogs are cold; this can also be a response to stress, anxiety or pain. If you know of no reason for your dog to be acting like this, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Poor appetite Lethargy, sluggishness or inactivity Weakness Vomiting Diarrhea Sleeping all day Withdrawing away from other dogs
He is likely to be panting heavily for prolonged periods of time, and his breath will feel hot against your cheek. [6] X Expert Source Beverly UlbrichDog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Interview. 30 January 2020. He may be thirsty and drink more water than usual, because he loses fluid as he pants. A fever can make joints feel achy and sore. In the dog this manifests itself as a reluctance to exercise, stiffness on rising and a stilted gait or even lameness. A dog with a fever will be withdrawn, quiet and lethargic. [7] X Expert Source Beverly UlbrichDog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Interview. 30 January 2020. He may become uncharacteristically aggressive when touched, because he feels uncomfortable and irritable. He is less likely to groom and his coat will appear unkempt and “starry,” or dull and dry.
Remember, if the temperature of the dog’s extremities is raised and he is behaving abnormally, this is more likely to be significant than for a warm dog that appears otherwise well. It’s infection you need to be worried about, not fever.
When bacterial infections with gram negative bacteria are present, they release toxins from their cell walls that act as signals to the brain to cause fever. In these cases severe bacterial infection can lead to even more severe fever with a very high temperature. [8] X Research source General Veterinary Pathology (1984) by R. G. Thomson: Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. W. B. Saunders Company 1984. p. 249 This extreme temperature, instead of helping the animal can lead to damages to sensitive organs, like the testicles and the brain. When this happens, convulsions and coma, and sometimes sterility, can result. Thus it is very important that a fever be detected earlier, and a prompt veterinary therapy be given to prevent these unwanted effects.
If he has a respiratory infection he may cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose or streaming eyes. This will likely impede his normally rambunctious behavior and sleep patterns, too. If he has gastro-intestinal infection or inflammation, then he may be anorexic, vomit or have diarrhea. If you suspect he has a gastro-intestinal disturbance, follow him outside when he toilets so that you can see what he passes. Does he have diarrhea? Is there blood in his urine? If you notice anything abnormal related to either condition, consult your vet immediately. There is likely an infection present; fever is just one of many symptoms present that need to be addressed.
