How can I tell if my pet has a fever?
Is there a good way to figure out whether my pet is running a temperature?
The normal body temperature of a cat or dog at rest is 99 to 101°F. If your pet is acting sluggish or depressed, is reluctant to eat or move around, is panting or breathing rapidly, or feels warm to the touch, it is exhibiting symptoms of a fever. The most accurate method of determining whether an animal has a fever is to use a rectal thermometer.
As with taking the temperature of an infant, the thermometer should be shaken, lubricated with petroleum jelly, and inserted about one-and-a-half inches into the rectum. It is helpful to have someone hold and distract your pet while its temperature is being taken.
If the reading is above 102.5°F, you should contact your veterinarian. A temperature of 105°F or more will require an emergency visit to a veterinarian. If the pet holds a temperature above 106°F for very long, it could suffer serious adverse effects, including permanent brain damage and death.
Dear Dr. Voynick,
I wanted to apprise you of Charlie’s status. Now 11 days after his stem cell procedure, he is doing fantastic! Exactly 5 days post stem cell procedure, changes started to occur. Since then, and visible on a daily basis, Charlie’s whole attitude has become increasingly more positive. He is vibrant and really, really happy. Each day he seems stronger and more easily able to get around, taking 1 – 2 walks a day on his own volition. I can’t wait to show you the pictures. His suture area is almost not even visible anymore. He has been eating with a great deal more enthusiasm. My husband and I agree that Charlie has had noticeable improvement and seems to be getting a bit “younger by the day”. He is doing the stairs more easily too and oh yes, that sore on his back paw is almost completely healed. Pretty unbelievable results overall for a 14 year old!
Hope you are very well,
Leslie
