What To Do If Your Pet Has A Fever
04 Nov 2009
Does your pet have a fever? Do you know what to do if your pet has one? If not, here are a few guidelines:
FEVER
SIGNS
Your pet has a decreased appetite and lower energy. His ears are hot to the touch and he pants excessively in the house.
CAUSES
A fever is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Having a high temperature makes it more difficult for bugs to grow in the body. The problem with a fever in pets is that they will often stop drinking; dehydration then becomes the primary concern.
A normal dog’s temperature is 101 F (38.0 C), a normal cat’s temperature is 102 F (38.5 C). Taking your pet’s temperature involves placing a thermometer in their rectum. If your pet has a temperature of 103.5 F (39.5 C) or more, they have a fever.
Your pet usually will have a fever in response to something going on in their body. The most common cause, I find, is bite wounds. Search your dog or cat well for punctures. If you find some, treat as directed in Abscesses And Bites.
SOLUTIONS
KEEP THEM HYDRATED. Offer plenty of fresh water in different spots around the house. If your pet refuses to drink, use an eyedropper or turkey baster to squirt water into the side of its mouth. Minerals become depleted when your pet is dehydrated; for an added boost, add Pedialyte, an electrolyte solution a vailable from the pharmacy. Some pets prefer chicken or beef broth, or tuna juice; give them whatever works.
CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN. If a fever persists for more than 24 hours, and your pet is not drinking, then call your vet.
COOL COMPRESS. If your pet will tolerate it, apply a cold cloth to her belly. The exposed skin will result in some fairly rapid cooling, making her feel a little better.
HERBAL:
ECHINACEA, MYRRH and SAGE. These are all excellent antimicrobial herbs. You can give a combined herbal formula of 1 drop per pound twice daily of the tincture. Another option is to use commercially prepared products such as Echinamide.
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P.S. It just so happens that it’s MUCH easier to PREVENT the diseases, such as the Flu in the first place.
The KEY to prevention is through nutrition, and specific supplements.
If you could give your dog a supplement which could possibly PREVENT disease, would you?
For me…Yes
Get your dose of Dog Disease Prevention here:
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