How to Tell if Your Pet Has a Fever: Signs and Tips
Pets, especially our mysterious feline friends, are notoriously stoic, which can make it quite challenging to differentiate how they are truly feeling at any given moment. However, by being actively in tune with your pet's unique behaviors, quirky mannerisms, and subtle facial expressions, you can gather key information that may potentially save their life when an illness unexpectedly strikes. Understanding these nuances is not only vital for their health but can also strengthen the bond you share with your beloved furry companion.
So what counts as a fever and how can we tell?
Fever in Felines
Have you ever checked your cat's ear temperature and felt how toasty they are? If you're a fan of the Twilight movies (guilty as charged!), you might know that our favorite feline friends run a bit warmer than we do—between 100°F and 102.5°F, to be precise. Just like Jacob Black cheekily claims, “Let’s face it, I’m hotter than you,” our furry companions are definitely heating up the climate in our homes!
Some common symptoms you may see when your cat has a fever include:
Feel and look lethargic
Sleep more than usual
Have a reduced appetite
Hide away from people/pets
Avoid activities they normally enjoy
Vomiting and diarrhea may occur, but they aren't always present. To assess if your cat has a fever, you can check their body temperature by feeling their ears, which should feel hotter than usual if a fever is present. While the ears are the most accessible spot for a quick check, the most precise way to measure your cat's temperature is with a rectal thermometer. If that option makes you uneasy, you can use an aural (ear) thermometer, though it won't provide as accurate a reading.
Fever in Ferrets
We can’t forget our ferret buddies can also get fevers. Ferrets are becoming a very popular pet and cool fact, they are a common ancestor as the felines! Ferrets have a larger range but not much larger for normal temperature of 101.8°F (100°–104°F).
Common signs a ferret may have a fever include:
Reduced activity: Noticeably less playful or energetic than normal, preferring to lie down and rest.
Loss of appetite: Not eating as much food as usual or refusing to eat altogether.
Lethargy: Appearing sluggish and disinterested in their surroundings.
Hiding behavior: Spending more time in secluded areas than normal.
Panting: May pant even when not overly active, which can be a sign of fever.
Glassy eyes: Eyes may appear dull or slightly glazed
Fever in Dogs
Canines, our loyal companions, follow in the footsteps of our furry felines with a remarkably similar average body temperature range, which typically falls between 100ºF and 102.5ºF. It's important to note that any temperature reading exceeding 102.5ºF would be categorized as a fever, or in some cases, could indicate hyperthermia, which refers to a potentially dangerous condition of overheating.
Different from felines but common signs of fever in canines include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Shivering
Taking an accurate temperature with a rectal thermometer is the gold standard for precision. However, because dogs tend to be more active than cats, their body temperature can vary depending on their activity level and the outside weather after they come back inside. Consequently, frequent temperature readings may display some fluctuation over time.
If your ferret's body temperature dips below 99 degrees or exceeds 105 degrees, reach out to your veterinarian or local emergency clinic right away. A fever could signal an infection, while a lower-than-normal temperature might indicate serious issues like shock. Don't wait—when it comes to your furry friend, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Fevers in pets, much like in humans, are indicative of an underlying health issue that may require attention. A fever is typically defined as a body temperature exceeding the normal range—generally around 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit for dogs and 100.5 to 102.5 degrees for cats. It's crucial for pet owners to recognize the signs of a fever, which can include lethargy, loss of appetite, shivering, or warm ears and paws.
Fevers can be caused by various factors, such as infections, inflammatory conditions, or even heat stroke. In some cases, an elevated temperature can be a body’s natural immune response, but persistent or high fevers can pose serious health risks. Therefore, timely veterinary intervention is often necessary to diagnose and treat the underlying condition.
Understanding fevers in pets is important because it allows owners to act quickly to provide the best care possible. Early detection of a fever can lead to quicker treatment, reducing the risk of complications and improving the likelihood of a swift recovery. Being knowledgeable about your pet’s normal temperature and recognizing changes can make all the difference in maintaining their overall health and well-being. So, keep that thermometer handy, because a little knowledge could help your furry friend feel much better soon!
