Urgent
Fever in Pets
Normal for dogs and cats is 38.0–39.2 °C. Above 39.5 °C is fever; above 40 °C — urgent vet.
Temperature over 40 °C or under 37 °C is an emergency.
Fever in Pets
Normal for dogs and cats is 38.0–39.2 °C. Above 39.5 °C is fever; above 40 °C — urgent vet.
- •Bacterial and viral infections
- •Inflammation (pancreatitis, pyometra, abscess)
- •Immune-mediated disease
- •Heatstroke (>41 °C)
Possible causes
- •Bacterial and viral infections
- •Inflammation (pancreatitis, pyometra, abscess)
- •Immune-mediated disease
- •Heatstroke (>41 °C)
- •Vaccine reaction (usually <39.5 °C, gone in 24 h)
What to do at home
- Take rectal temperature with a digital thermometer
- Provide a cool space and water
- Do not give paracetamol or ibuprofen — toxic
- Do not chill with ice
When to call the vet
- →Temperature over 40 °C
- →Combined lethargy, anorexia, vomiting
- →Fever over 24 hours
- →Low temperature (hypothermia) — more dangerous than fever
FAQ
Can I give my dog paracetamol?
In cats — absolutely never, fatal. In dogs — only by vet prescription at strict dose. Vet meds are safer.