If your dog or cat has a fever, you are probably very worried and have a number of questions. In this article I will reveal the most common causes of fever in cats and dogs, as well as the signs to be aware of. Then I’ll talk about the top 5 remedies you can use right away to help your pet bring down a fever and bring his temperature down fast.

Fever is defined as a higher than normal body temperature in your dog or cat; in veterinary terms this is called pyrexia. 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 his rectum. If your pet has a temperature of 103.5 F (39.5 C) or higher, they have a fever.

Fever is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Having a high temperature makes it more difficult for insects to grow on the body. The problem with fever in pets is that they often stop drinking; dehydration then becomes the main concern. Your pet will usually have a fever in response to something going on in its body. The most common cause, I think, is bite wounds. Check your dog or cat well for punctures.

The signs and symptoms of fever in dogs and cats include the main one of having a higher than normal body temperature. Your pet may have less appetite and less energy. Your dog or cat’s ears may be hot to the touch and they may pant excessively around the house. Some pets will shake, others may have an elevated heart rate. All the same signs that people with a fever have.

If you suspect that your dog or cat has a fever, what should you do? Start with the obvious first and take your temperature, determining if it is elevated. If the temperature is 103.5 F (39.5 C) or higher, then you have a fever. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours and your pet is not drinking, call your vet. If he’s still drinking, or in the meantime before going to your vet, here are some additional remedies and supportive care you may want to consider.

Keep your dog and cat hydrated. Offer plenty of fresh water in different places in the house. If your pet refuses to drink, use an eye dropper or turkey baster to squirt water into the side of his mouth. Minerals are depleted when your pet is dehydrated; For an extra boost, add Pedialyte, an electrolyte solution available at the drugstore. Some pets prefer chicken or beef broth, or tuna juice; give them whatever works.

A cold compress is a very safe, easy, and inexpensive remedy to consider. If your pet tolerates it, apply a cold washcloth to its tummy. Exposed skin will result in cooling down fairly quickly, making you feel a bit better.

There is a conventional medication that you can use for your dogs. Aspirin can be used safely in dogs to reduce fever; never use on cats. The aspirin dose is one 325 mg tablet per 40 pounds of body weight given every 12 hours.

Echinacea and sage are effective antimicrobial herbs. You can give a combined herbal formula of 1 drop per pound twice a day of the tincture. Another option is to use commercially prepared products such as Echinamide. The dose is 0.1 ml per 10 pounds every 8 hours.

There are a number of homeopathic remedies you can consider for fever, the most common being Belladonna 30C and Ferrum Phosphoricum 30C. These can be administered every 1-2 hours with a typical dosage of 1 capsule per 10-20 pounds of body weight.

You should now be much more aware of the signs and symptoms of fever in dogs and cats; Most importantly, you should be comfortable taking your pet’s temperature to see if it is elevated. Fever is a response to illness; common causes include bite wounds and abscesses. If your pet is still drinking, you can use some of the home remedies discussed, such as: cold compresses, the herb Echinacea, and the homeopathic Ferrum phosphoricum.