Your dog feels warmer than usual. They haven’t touched their breakfast, and they’re just lying there, looking at you with tired eyes. Something feels off. But you don’t have a thermometer on hand, and the vet clinic doesn’t open for another two hours. What do you do?
You’re not alone. Almost half of all Australian households now own at least one dog, equating to an estimated 7.4 million dogs nationwide, according to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2025 Pets in Australia Survey. With so many dogs in our homes, it’s no surprise that questions about dog health, including how to tell if your dog has a fever, come up again and again.
This guide walks you through the signs of fever in dogs, how to check your dog’s temperature at home, what causes fever in dogs, and when it’s time to call the vet.
What Is a Normal Body Temperature for a Dog?
Before you can tell if your dog has a fever, it helps to understand what “normal” looks like.
The normal body temperature in dogs is 38.3°C to 39.2°C. If your dog’s temperature has risen above 40°C, it’s recommended that you take them to a vet as soon as possible.
This is higher than a human’s normal body temperature of 37°C, which is why dogs naturally feel warm to the touch. That warmth alone doesn’t mean something is wrong, but when it’s combined with other signs, it can be the first signal that your dog is not well.
38.3°C – 39.2°C — Normal body temperature range for healthy dogs.
39.3°C – 39.9°C — Slightly elevated, worth monitoring.
40°C and above — Considered a dog fever, contact your vet.
41°C and above — High fever: This is an emergency.
Signs of Fever in Dogs (Without a Thermometer)
Dogs can’t tell us when they feel unwell, which makes it our job to pick up on the signals. While a thermometer is the only way to confirm a fever, there are signs of fever in dogs that can tell you something isn’t right.
Here are the dog fever symptoms to watch for:
Warm, dry ears: Ears that feel noticeably hotter than usual, especially on the inner flap, can be an early indicator.
Warm, dry nose combined with lethargy: A dry nose on its own doesn’t confirm illness, but when it shows up alongside tiredness and loss of appetite, it’s worth taking seriously.
Red or glassy eyes: Eyes that look glazed, red, or droopy are a sign your dog may be fighting something off.
Shivering despite warm weather: Shivering can be your dog’s body reacting to an elevated internal temperature, not just the cold.
Panting without exercise: If your dog is panting and hasn’t been running around, their body may be trying to cool itself down.
Loss of appetite: Refusing food is often one of the first signs that your dog might have a fever.
Warm belly and armpits to the touch: These areas have less fur and sit close to the surface, so they’re a useful spot to detect a fever at home.
If you notice a combination of the following symptoms together rather than just one or two, consider taking your dog to the vet sooner rather than later.
The Ear-Touch Method: What Vets Say
You might have heard that you can detect a fever by feeling your dog’s ears. There’s some truth to this, but it’s worth understanding what vets actually say about it.
The ear-touch method works on the idea that a dog’s body temperature rises internally before it shows elsewhere. When the inner ear feels significantly warmer than usual, particularly the skin deep inside the ear canal, it may indicate an elevated core temperature.
However, this method isn’t definitive. Digital ear thermometers, which sit closer to the ear canal, are reasonably accurate but can be affected by the size and shape of the canal, as well as wax or debris buildup. If your pet resists, do not force the device into the ear canal. An infected ear is sore, and inserting a thermometer can be painful.
The ear-touch method is best used as a prompt to investigate further, not as a final answer.
How to Check Your Dog’s Temperature at Home
If you want a confirmed reading, a rectal thermometer is the most accurate option available for home use.
What you’ll need:
- A digital thermometer (keep a thermometer just for your dog)
- Petroleum jelly or lubricant
- A second person to help restrain your dog calmly
Step by step:
1. Turn on your digital thermometer and lubricate the tip. Coat the thermometer with petroleum jelly to make insertion more comfortable.
2. Gently lift your dog’s tail to expose the rectum.
3. Carefully insert the thermometer roughly 2.5 cm into the rectum. If your dog is small or a puppy, insert it less deeply.
4. Hold still and wait until the thermometer temperature has registered and the device beeps.
5. Carefully remove the thermometer, note the reading, and clean it thoroughly.
This process is easier with two people. One person holds the dog’s head and keeps them calm while the other takes the dog’s temperature. Using a rectal thermometer may feel daunting, but it’s the most reliable method you have access to at home.
If your dog’s temperature drops below 37.2°C or rises above 40°C, call your vet immediately.
Note: Always use a digital thermometer rather than a glass mercury thermometer. Glass thermometers can break and are not safe for use with animals.
Common Causes of Fever in Dogs
Fever is the body’s natural response to fight off infection or illness. Many different conditions can cause a fever in dogs, and in some cases, the cause is not clear, which is known as a fever of unknown origin.
Here are some of the most common causes of fever in dogs that we see at Keysborough Veterinary Practice:
Bacterial or viral infections: Respiratory, urinary, or skin infections are frequent culprits.
Vaccination reactions: A mild fever in the day or two following vaccination is normal and usually short-lived.
Abscesses: A bite wound or foreign body that becomes infected can cause a localised infection with fever.
Tick-borne illness: Ticks are a genuine concern for Melbourne and wider Victoria. Melbourne has become a hotspot for paralysis ticks due to climate change, and tick-borne illness can cause fever as well as more serious symptoms. According to published research in Veterinary Parasitology (2024), thousands of dogs across eastern Australia develop tick paralysis each year.
Urinary tract infections: These are common in dogs, especially females, and often cause fever alongside changes in toilet habits.
Ingestion of a toxic substance: Some household items, plants, and foods are toxic to dogs and can cause a fever as part of a broader toxic reaction.
What NOT to Do If Your Dog Has a Fever
This is important. When your dog is clearly unwell, the instinct to help them immediately is completely natural. But some common human remedies are dangerous for dogs.
- Never give your dog paracetamol or ibuprofen. These medications are toxic to dogs, even in small doses. Dog human physiology differs significantly in how these drugs are metabolised, and giving human pain relief to a dog can cause liver failure, kidney damage, or death. It is important to never give your dog medication designed for people unless it has been prescribed by a vet.
- Do not use ice baths. Placing a feverish dog in an ice bath can cause the blood vessels near the skin to constrict, which actually traps heat inside the body. This can make things worse, not better.
What You Can Do at Home
While you’re monitoring your dog and deciding whether a vet visit is needed, here’s how to help safely:
Offer fresh water: Try to coax your dog to drink small amounts regularly. You can try to coax your dog to drink by offering water from your hand or placing the bowl closer to where they’re resting. Getting your dog to drink small amounts little and often is better than forcing a large drink.
Keep them cool: Move them to a shaded, ventilated area. Place a fan near your dog if the room is warm. A damp cloth on the paws and groin area can also help bring the body temperature down gently.
Apply cool water carefully: You can cool your dog’s body temperature by applying cool, not cold, water to the paw pads, ears, and groin. Check the temperature every 10 to 15 minutes.
Monitor their symptoms: Keep a careful eye on your dog and note any changes. If your dog’s temperature drops back into the normal range and they seem to improve, continue monitoring at home, but follow up with your vet the next day.
Rest: Limit exercise and keep things calm.
When a Fever Is an Emergency
Knowing when to call the vet is one of the most important things a dog owner can understand. If your dog exhibits any of the following, don’t wait:
1. Temperature above 40°C
2. Seizures or collapse
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Vomiting or diarrhoea that doesn’t stop
5. Signs of extreme pain or distress
6. A fever that doesn’t return to normal within 24 hours
For dog owners in Melbourne’s south-east, Keysborough Veterinary Practice is here for exactly these moments. Early veterinary care can make a significant difference in outcomes, especially when the cause of your dog’s fever isn’t clear.
Talk to Our Team at Keysborough Veterinary Practice
If you’re worried your dog might have a fever, or you’d just like peace of mind from a professional, our team at Keysborough Veterinary Practice is here to help. We serve dog owners across Melbourne’s south-east, including Keysborough, Springvale, Noble Park, Dandenong, and surrounding areas. Melbourne pet owners can book an appointment online or give us a call to speak with one of our vets directly.
When it comes to your dog’s health, trusting your instincts and getting a professional opinion is always the right call.
Book an Appointment at Keysborough Veterinary Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I tell if my dog has a fever just by touching their nose?
No. A warm or dry nose alone is not a reliable way to detect a fever. You need a thermometer for an accurate reading, or at least several symptoms together.
2. What temperature is considered a dog fever?
Anything above 39.2°C to 39.5°C signals a problem. A reading above 40°C needs immediate veterinary attention.
3. How do I take my dog’s temperature at home?
Use a digital rectal thermometer with lubricant. Insert it gently about 2.5 cm and wait for the beep. Dogs naturally find this uncomfortable, so having someone help keep your dog calm is a good idea.
4. What are the most common signs of fever in dogs?
Look for warm ears, lethargy, loss of appetite, shivering, panting without exercise, red or glassy eyes, and a warm belly or groin to the touch.
5. Is it safe to give my dog paracetamol if they have a fever?
No. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Always contact your vet before giving your dog any medication.
