Jan 20 2009
Fevers in cats & dogs
Cats and dogs can suffer from fevers just like people can.
The only way to know for sure that your cat or dog has a fever is by taking a temperature with a thermometer. You can buy any rectal thermometer from a pharmacy or grocery store; the digital ones are best as they are quicker (usually 10 seconds or less), since many pets will wiggle and try to get away. Normal cat and dog temperatures range from about 100.0F to 102.5F (higher end for cats and small dogs, and when stressed out/nervous). Over 104 for extended time if not responding to your efforts to lower is an emergency requiring vet attention.Over 106 can induce seizuring and brain damage eventually.
You don’t want to give your cat Motrin, Tylenol, Excedrin, nor any aspirin type of medications- they are all toxic to cats as they do not have the liver function to properly metabolize these drugs. You want to avoid them in dogs as well. Although aspirin is something sometimes used in low doses for dogs, it is not a sufficient medication for a fever, especially one of unknown origin, and should be avoided without specific vet approval.
Animals with fevers often are lethargic, slow-moving, the insides of their ears feeling warmer than they usually do, and often their appetite is decreased. You want to offer plenty of cool water, even if you have to syringe a little bit at a time into the side (not back) of their mouth, and if running a fever, you can place washcloths or paper towels soaked in rubbing alcohol on the pads of the feet, let your cat or dog lie on a cool surface like tile as opposed to carpeting or bedding, and/or give a cool (NOT cold) water bath if your pet allows this without getting stressed, towel drying well afterwards. Most cats will not want this, and for those, should be avoided. You also don’t want to cool them down too quickly as this can send them into shock. A fan nearby, but not blowing directly on them, is also a good idea.
If no improvement by morning or gets any worse, you definitely want a vet. Often fevers are associated with infections or inflammations or even pain. The older the animal is, and if any other illness symptoms appear, a thorough physical exam is required.
Christine, LVT
