While dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling off, they certainly drop big clues that pet parents instinctively pick up. Maybe they’re refusing to eat or drink, seem extra tired or sleepy, don’t bark at the postman or are shivering even though it’s not cold. That’s enough for your brain to go into google-detective mode:

Is my dog sick?

Does my dog have a fever?

Should I take my dog to VEG ER for Pets? 

The truth is, dogs can get a fever and it can be an early sign of something brewing — like a bug or something more concerning. The good news: recognizing the signs of fever early can help you get your pup the much-needed vet care sooner.  

Here’s your go-to guide for understanding:

• What’s considered as a fever in dogs

• What symptoms of fever to look out for

• When your dog's fever is an emergency

Feeling weak is just one sign a dog might have a fever. Read on to learn more symptoms and how to check your dog's temperature safely.

What temperature is a fever in dogs?

A fever in dogs is an elevated body temperature, often indicative of an underlying problem. While it’s best not to jump to conclusions, knowing what a fever in dogs looks like is the first step.

Dogs naturally run warmer than humans do. Their normal body temperature ranges between: 100–102.5°F. Anything above that could signal a fever. Here’s the quick cheat sheet:

• 103°F and more: If resting and there’s no obvious reason, call VEG emergency vet hospital and speak with a doctor right away

• 106°F or higher : It’s an emergency! Call VEG immediately to avoid the risk of organ damage

How to check your dog's temperature (the right way)

Some surprising facts about dogs: 

A warm nose is not a fever.

A cool nose doesn’t mean they’re fine.

While warm ears or a hot belly may mean something is off, the only way to confirm a fever in dogs is with a digital rectal thermometer designed for pets.

How to check your dog's temperature safely:

1. Use a pet-safe digital rectal thermometer

2. Apply a little pet-safe lubricant (or even petroleum jelly) on the tip

3. Gently insert the rectal thermometer

4. Read the temp

NOTE: Do not attempt if your dog is nervous, in pain, aggressive or distressed. Instead head to a VEG near you. We’re open 24/7. Just call or walk in: no appointments taken. 

If your dog has the shivers, it could be a fever. Do not ignore this symptom, as it could mean something more concerning. VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 for pet emergencies.

Signs of fever in dogs

While taking the temperature confirms a fever, these symptoms often show up first:

Lethargy or low energy

Your normally lively pup takes a pass on their favorite activity

Shivering or shaking

Your dog looks cold even when they're not

Warm ears, head or belly

While not diagnostic, it may be the first thing you notice

Increased heart rate/excessive panting

Dogs breathe faster to cool their bodies

Loss of appetite

Skipping meals—especially suddenly—is a red flag

Red or glassy-looking eyes

It’s their body’s way of saying “I don’t feel well”

Coughing, congestion or nasal discharge

Especially if paired with low energy

Dehydration

Thick saliva, dry gums or drinking less water than normal

Vomiting or diarrhea

Often what prompts pet parents to reach out to their vets

Why dogs get fevers

Here are the most common causes for a dog's fever:

A fever can mean an infection

Bacterial, viral, fungal or skin and ear infections.

Internal illnesses

Like pneumonia or UTIs.

Infected wounds or abscesses

Sometimes even a tiny bite or scratch can lead to a fever.

Toxin ingestion

Human foods, plants, medications, chemicals — yup, a lot of things can cause fevers.

Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions

These often come with sudden or recurring fevers.

Heat stress or overheating

Heatstroke can mimic or trigger fever symptoms and needs immediate care.

The important part? A fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The real question is always: why does your dog have a fever?

And that’s what our emergency vets at VEG are trained to diagnose promptly.

The compassionate vet staff at VEG will ensure prompt emergency care for your dog's symptoms. You can stay by your dog's side the entire visit, too.

How to tell if your dog's fever is an emergency

You know your dog better than anyone. If something feels off, trust that instinct. But here are the clear indicators your dog needs immediate emergency care:

• Temperature is 103°F or higher

• Fever lasts longer than 24 hours

• Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea

• They won’t drink water

• They seem weak, wobbly or disoriented

• They’re breathing harder than usual

• Gums look pale or bright red

• You suspect they ate something toxic

• Fever appears after an injury or recent surgery

These symptoms can point to serious medical issues like infection, heatstroke, poisoning, internal illness or fast-moving inflammatory conditions.

Dog fever: homecare do's and don'ts

As you get ready to take your dog to the vet: 

Do:

• Offer fresh water

• Keep them cool and comfy

• Let them rest

  
  

Don’t:

• Do not give human fever medications

• Don’t use ice baths

• Don’t force food or water

• Don’t wait “to see what happens” if symptoms worsen

A lot of pet parents Google “home remedies for dog fever,” but when the cause is unknown, home remedies can delay lifesaving care.

Emergency vet hospital - always open when your dog has a fever

When in doubt, check it out. If your dog is acting off and if you suspect a fever… don’t wait. Call us and speak to one of our experienced vets or just walk in with your pet — no appointments taken. Our ER team will help confirm, diagnose and treat the cause of the fever and help your precious pet get back to being their happy tail-wagging self!