How to Handle a Dog Fever at Home: Distinguishing Between Canine Distemper and a Cold

If your dog has a fever, you can try to lower its temperature at home using physical methods such as applying ice packs, placing it in a ventilated or cool environment, or using alcohol to wipe its paw pads, armpits, the inner edges of its ears, and the inner thighs.

1. Ice Packs

If you have ice at home, wrap it in a towel and place it on your dog's belly and back to help lower its temperature. Remember not to leave the ice on for too long. One minute per application is optimal, repeat as needed, to prevent frostbite in your dog.

2. Ventilation and Cooling

If your home is stuffy, move your dog to a well-ventilated area. Provide plenty of fresh drinking water. If possible, use a fan or air conditioner to cool the room to a suitable temperature. Be careful not to suddenly expose your dog to a very cold environment, as drastic temperature changes may worsen the fever.

3. Alcohol Wipe

Since dogs' sweat glands are primarily located on their paw pads, you can use alcohol to wipe your dog's paw pads, ears, and armpits. The alcohol evaporates, drawing away heat and reducing the dog's temperature. This is effective at reducing body temperature of dogs when they are running a fever.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and Canine Distemper

When dogs exhibit respiratory infection symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose, and sneezing, you should conduct laboratory tests to diagnose whether it is caused by canine distemper virus infection. Such as rapid antigen tests or PCR virus gene tests. Rapid antigen tests are quick, affordable, and generally accurate. PCR tests take longer and are more expensive but they have high accuracy when it comes to diagnosing canine distemper. These can help you diagnose if your dog has a common cold or a much more serious disease.


Trusted by:Pet Naming

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