🌡️ Fever in Pets: 2025 Vet First Aid Guide for Temperature Monitoring and Safe Cooling 🧊🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

When your pet is lethargic, shivering, or just seems “off,” they may be running a fever. A fever can indicate infection, inflammation, heatstroke, or even immune conditions—and knowing what to do can prevent serious complications. This 2025 vet first aid guide will help you safely check your pet’s temperature, cool them if needed, and understand when veterinary care is essential. 🩺🐾

📈 What Is a Fever?

A fever is a rise in body temperature as a response to inflammation or illness. The normal temperature for dogs and cats is:

• ✅ 101°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C)

A temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered a fever. A temperature over 106°F can be life-threatening. 🆘

🧪 Causes of Fever in Pets

• 🦠 Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• 🧬 Autoimmune diseases
• 🌡️ Heatstroke or overheating
• 🧫 Cancer
• 🦴 Post-surgical inflammation

💡 Note: Fever is different from hyperthermia (like in heatstroke), which results from external heat buildup rather than internal immune response.

🧼 How to Take Your Pet’s Temperature

Use a digital rectal thermometer designed for pets. Here’s how:

1. Lubricate with water-based jelly (e.g., K-Y, baby oil, or mild soap)
2. Insert 1–2 cm (about ½–1 inch) into the rectum
3. Hold gently and wait for the reading (usually 30–60 seconds)

📛 Do NOT rely on ear thermometers—they are unreliable in pets.

🚨 What To Do If Your Pet Has a Fever

1. 📞 Call Your Vet if the Temp Is Above 103°F

• Provide temperature, behavior, and other symptoms
• Discuss safe monitoring or next steps

2. 🧊 Cool Down Safely if Temp Is Over 105.5°F

• Moisten fur with cool (not cold) water
• Focus on ears, paws, and belly—key areas for heat exchange
• Use a fan directed at damp areas to speed cooling

3. 🥣 Offer Small Sips of Water

• Only if your pet has NOT vomited in the last 4–6 hours
• Encourage small amounts frequently—do not force

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t give any human medications (Tylenol®, Advil®, aspirin)
• ❌ Don’t demand antibiotics—many fevers aren’t caused by infection
• ❌ Don’t cool aggressively—stop cooling once temperature drops to 103°F

🧠 When to See a Vet

Call or visit a vet if:

• 📈 Temp is above 103°F and doesn’t drop with home cooling
• 💥 Temp is over 106°F—this is an emergency
• 🍽️ Your pet stops eating or is lethargic
• 🤢 Vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing is present

Veterinary care may include blood work, urinalysis, imaging, or hospitalization. 🏥

📦 Fever First Aid Kit for Pets

• 🌡️ Digital rectal thermometer (pet-specific)
• 🧴 Water-based lubricant (e.g., K-Y jelly)
• 🧊 Spray bottle or sponge for cool water
• 🧣 Small fan
• 📞 Emergency vet contact card

📲 Ask A Vet When You’re Unsure

If your pet feels warm or is acting sick, the Ask A Vet app gives you peace of mind fast:

• 💬 Live vet chat 24/7
• 📸 Send photos and report symptoms
• 🧭 Get real-time guidance on when to cool, wait, or go to the ER

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app now. Fevers are a sign—don’t ignore them. Check the temp, act fast, and keep your pet safe. 🌡️🐶🩺