Most pet owners know the nose method to determine if your dog has a fever. If the nose is wet and cold, chances are that he’s doing just fine. If his nose is warm and dry, he likely has a fever. While there’s nothing wrong with using this method, fevers can be a little more complicated than just the age-old nose test.
So how do you really know if your dog has a fever? Below is a guide to everything you need to know to determine if your pup has a fever, along with what you can do to help and supplements that can keep fever-causing illnesses and infections at bay.
- Pupper Secure Canine Immune Soft Chew
- Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Flavor Liquid Multivitamin
- Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete Enhanced Daily Multivitamin
- PetHonesty Multivitamin 10-in-1
- Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews
- HolistaPet Immune Support Wellness Soft Chews
- Native Pet The Daily
- Canine Matrix Healthy Pet Daily Immune Health
- Alpha Dog Shield Immune Support
- Natural Dog Company Multivitamin
- EverRoot Immunity Dog Supplement
- Now Foods Pets Immune Support
- Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Health Defense
- Dr. Harvey's Immune Support Soft Chews
- Green Gruff Detox Immunity
- Earth Animal Daily Raw Powder
- Bark & Whiskers Immune Support
- Doggie Dailies 5 in 1 Multivitamin
What is considered normal for a dog’s temperature?
When it comes to humans, a normal temperature is anywhere between 97.6°F to 99.6°F However, dogs have a slightly higher normal temperature. Most pups range between 99.5°F to 102.5°F.
The best way to tell if your dog has a fever is to use a pet thermometer. Some thermometers can be used orally, though to get the most accurate reading, you’ll want to use a rectal thermometer. For a less invasive yet mostly accurate option, try an ear thermometer to take your pup’s temperature.
What are the signs that a dog has a fever?
Understanding the signs of symptoms of a fever are key for properly diagnosing your pup. Since your furry friend can’t speak, you’ll want to be on the lookout for these common signs of a fever, including:
- Lack of energy
- Lethargy
- Red eyes
- Warm, dry nose
- Warm eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Shivering
- Vomiting
- Coughing
If your pup experiences any of these symptoms, chances are that he has a fever and could use much needed TLC.
Why does my dog have a fever?
Just like humans, your dog has a fever because his body is fighting an infection or some kind of inflammation. Fevers can be caused by all sorts of things, including:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Infected cut or bite
- infected/abscessed tooth
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Internal infection (ie. in the kidneys)
Your dog may also have a fever after ingesting a toxic or poisonous material, including certain medications, a toxic plant, or antifreeze. Additionally, many human foods, like chocolate, grapes, and onions, can cause a fever as they are toxic to dogs.
Does my dog need to be seen by a vet?
If your dog’s temperature is 103°F or higher, you definitely want to schedule an appointment with your vet. This way your pup can receive the proper diagnosis, care, and treatment he needs so that he can get back to feeling his best.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do at home to keep your furry friend comfortable, including:
- Applying cool water to his ears and paws
- Encouraging him to drink water
- Providing a cool, quiet space for him to rest
Never give your dog a fever-reduced meant for humans. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be poisonous and may lead to further health complications.
Top 18 products to keep your pup healthy
1. Pupper Secure Canine Immune Soft Chew
Boost your pup's immune system in the most delicious way with Pupper Secure Canine Immune Soft Chew. These salmon and fennel flavored soft bites are specially formulated to balance and strengthen your dog's immune system to reduce the risk of infection, disease, and parasites.
Pupper Secure Canine Immune Soft Chews are made with a powerful blend of colostrum, salmon oil, turkey tail mushroom, turmeric, echinacea, astaxanthin, and coQ10. Together these compounds fight bacteria and viruses to keep your pup feeling his best.
2. Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Flavor Liquid Multivitamin
Add even more nutrition to your dog's meals with Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Flavor Liquid Multivitamin. This liquid supplement supports your dog's health and well-being from snout to tail. It's formulated with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support heart, immune, liver, skin, and brain health.
Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Flavor Liquid Multivitamin contains powerful nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with glucosamine chondroitin, CoQ10, and others to nourish your pup from the inside.
3. Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete Enhanced Daily Multivitamin
Fill any nutritional voids that your dog may have while supporting every aspect of his health with Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete Enhanced Daily Multivitamin. This powdered supplement contains plant-based prebiotics and probiotics, along with digestive enzymes, kelp, whole fish protein, organic flaxseed, and vitamin C.
Together these compounds provide immune support, encourage healthy growth, nourish skin and coat health, and even support digestion and nutrient absorption.
4. PetHonesty Multivitamin 10-in-1
Give your pup a well-rounded supplement to protect his daily health with PetHonesty Multivitamin 10-in-1. These soft chews contain all of the essential vitamins and minerals that your furry friend needs to be happy and healthy.
Each chicken flavored soft chew supports mobility, immunity, and skin and coat health with a blend of powerful ingredients like probiotics, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, and many other nutrients.
5. Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews
Give your canine everyday support from the inside out with Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews. These naturally flavored and naturally powdered soft chews are designed to support healthy skin, normal digestive function, and immune health. They're made with vet-recommended ingredients, including active probiotics, bromelain, and Reishi mushrooms.
Other top ingredients include turmeric for its antioxidant benefits, apple cider vinegar for its antibacterial properties, and quercetin to support your pup's inflammatory response.
6. HolistaPet Immune Support Wellness Soft Chews
Treat your dog to a happy, healthy life with HolistaPet Immune Support Wellness Soft Chews. These naturally flavored soft bites are packed with immune-supporting ingredients to boost your dog's immunity and natural defenses. Each heart-shaped chew provides the benefits of vitamin C, colostrum, astragalus, astaxanthin, and DHA to reinforce his health and wellness.
7. Native Pet The Daily
Give your dog all-in-one support with Native Pet The Daily. This powdered supplement offers 10 benefits in every tasty scoop. From supporting energy levels to gut health to mobility, this supplement will have your fur baby feeling happier and healthier than ever.
Each scoop of Native Pet The Daily is formulated with 16 active ingredients, including glucosamine, vitamins C and E, taurine, probiotics, colostrum, cranberry extract, L-carnitine, and others.
8. Canine Matrix Healthy Pet Daily Immune Health
Canine Matrix Healthy Pet Daily Immune Health is a natural way to boost your dog's well-being. This powdered supplement provides broad health support, thanks to a combination of nine certified organic mushroom powders. Mushrooms are naturally rich in nutrients and antioxidants to keep your furry friend's immune system strong.
Canine Matrix Healthy Pet Daily Immune Health can be added to your dog's food by sprinkling it on top or mixing it with water to create a yummy liquid topper.
9. Alpha Dog Shield Immune Support
Alpha Dog Shield Immune Support is another mushroom based supplement to support your pup's immune system and overall health. The powder provides a combination of vitamin C and seven different mushrooms, along with a delicious beef flavor that your dog is sure to love.
Not only does Alpha Dog Shield Immune Support enhance your pup's immunity, it also supports liver and kidney function and helps your dog to thrive!
10. Natural Dog Company Multivitamin
Canine health and wellness have never tasted so good! Natural Dog Company Multivitamin are vet-formulated soft chews that are loaded with 13 vitamins and 12 minerals to support your pup's health. Each treat is chock full of essential nutrients that boost immune function and brain and heart health.
Natural Dog Company Multivitamin chews taste great and will make your canine feel even better.
11. EverRoot Immunity Dog Supplement
Boost your dog's immune response while also encouraging the product of natural antibodies with EverRoot Immunity Dog Supplement. These beef flavored chewable tablets nourish your dog's health with the power of spirulina, which is naturally rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals along with guava leaves extract, acai fruit, and pomegranate.
EverRoot Immunity Dog Supplement doesn't contain any grain, antibiotics, or any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
12. Now Foods Pets Immune Support
Formulated by a renowned veterinarian, Now Foods Pets Immune Support provides everything your canine needs to nourish his health through every life stage. These chewable tablets contain all-natural ingredients, including milk thistle, turmeric root, ashwagandha, red clover, licorice root, and an organic mushroom blend. Together these ingredients support your pet's immune system while bolstering his resistance to common pathogens.
13. Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Health Defense
Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Health Defense protects your dog against infection and illness with antioxidant protection. This veterinarian-approved powdered supplement contains zinc, milk thistle, ashwagandha, turmeric, CoQ10, and bacopa for cellular protection while also reducing oxidative stress.
Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Health Defense is the perfect addition to your dog’s daily meals.
14. Dr. Harvey's Immune Support Soft Chews
Made with a blend of powerful ingredients like probiotics, herbs, and functional mushrooms, Dr. Harvey's Immune Support Soft Chews are just what your pup needs to live a long, happy life. This wellness formula provides immune support when your furry friend needs it. Each salmon flavored chew is loaded with a 6-strain probiotic blend along with organic mushrooms, colostrum, and white turmeric root.
15. Green Gruff Detox Immunity
Give your pup the gift of health and wellness with Green Gruff Detox Immunity. These chicken liver flavored soft chews help your dog to live the best life possible by nourishing him from the inside out. They're formulated with research backed ingredients, including wild Alaskan salmon oil, organic cricket powder, an enzyme blend, apple cider vinegar, and antioxidants from blueberry, green tea extract, red beets, and astaxanthin.
16. Earth Animal Daily Raw Powder
If you feed your dog a raw diet, Earth Animal Daily Raw Powder is a must. This daily raw nutritional supplement provides multivitamin and mineral support, including fatty acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other essential compounds.
Earth Animal Daily Raw Powder is perfect for enhancing immunity and vitality while also supporting mobility, seasonal allergy relief, digestion, and skin and coat health.
17. Bark & Whiskers Immune Support
Reduce inflammation while boosting your dog's immune system with Bark & Whiskers Immune Support. This powdered supplement harmonizes immune function while also supporting your dog's gut microbiome as well as his liver health. Each jar contains a revolutionary blend of bovine colostrum, yeast fermentate, arabinogalactan, and organic Moringa leaf powder.
18. Doggie Dailies 5 in 1 Multivitamin
Protect your dog's health with Doggie Dailies 5 in 1 Multivitamin. These peanut butter flavored soft chews are packed with all of the nutrients your dog needs, no matter his age, size, or breed. These delicious treats provide nutritional and antioxidant support while slo boosting your dog's digestive and immune systems.
Each chew contains powerful ingredients, including digestive enzymes, a blend of veggies, B vitamins, prebiotics, biotin, folic acid, MSM, and others.
Final thoughts
As a pet parent, there’s nothing more important than knowing that your furry friend is happy and healthy. If your dog has a fever, it helps to know what steps to take to keep him comfortable and to get him on the mend.
By adding a multivitamin or immune boosting supplement to his daily regimen, you can keep your pup healthy for many more years to come.
