Can you tell if your dog has a fever by feeling his head? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

No, you cannot accurately determine if your dog has a fever simply by feeling his head. While a warm head might raise concerns, it’s not a reliable indicator of a fever. A dog’s normal body temperature is generally higher than a human’s, ranging from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). This means that their head will often feel warmer to your touch. A dog’s head feeling warm to the touch can be caused by various factors that have nothing to do with a fever, such as stress, allergies, inflammation, or even recent vaccinations. To accurately determine if your dog has a fever, a thermometer is the most dependable tool.

Understanding Dog Body Temperature

It’s a common misconception that a warm or dry nose indicates a fever in dogs. This is simply not true. Dogs do have a slightly higher base temperature than humans, which is why they often feel warm to the touch. Instead of relying on touch, it’s important to be aware of the more reliable signs of a fever and to know how to properly measure your dog’s temperature.

Why is it important to accurately identify a fever?

Identifying a fever in your dog early is important because it can be an indication of an underlying health problem, which may include infections, inflammation, or other serious conditions. Prompt veterinary attention can prevent serious complications and help your dog recover faster.

The Inaccuracy of Touch

Relying on touch alone to determine if your dog has a fever is highly inaccurate. Just like humans, a dog’s body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. External factors such as the ambient temperature, the dog’s activity level, and even their breed can affect how warm they feel.

Reliable Signs of a Fever in Dogs

While touching your dog’s head isn’t a reliable method, there are other, more telling, signs you can look for. These include:

• Lethargy/Lack of Energy: A dog with a fever will often be unusually tired and reluctant to engage in normal activities.
• Red Eyes: If your dog’s eyes appear red or inflamed, it could be a sign of a fever.
• Warm Ears: While a warm head is not indicative of a fever, if your dog’s ears are noticeably warmer than usual, it’s worth checking their temperature.
• Shivering: Dogs may shiver when they have a fever as their body tries to regulate its temperature.
• Loss of Appetite: A fever often causes a decrease in appetite.
• Coughing: A persistent cough accompanied by other symptoms may be related to an underlying illness causing a fever.
• Vomiting: If your dog is vomiting in conjunction with any of the above symptoms, it can be an indication of a fever and illness.

How to Accurately Measure a Dog’s Temperature

The most accurate way to determine if your dog has a fever is by using a thermometer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lubricate: Apply a lubricant such as petroleum jelly or baby oil to the tip of the thermometer.
2. Insert Gently: Gently insert the lubricated thermometer about one inch into your dog’s anus.
3. Wait: Wait for the thermometer to register the temperature. Digital thermometers will beep when ready.
4. Read: Once done, carefully remove and read the temperature.

What is Considered a Fever in Dogs?

A dog’s normal body temperature is between 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). A temperature of 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees Celsius) or higher is considered a fever, and you should consult your veterinarian.

Alternative Thermometers

While rectal thermometers are the most accurate, infrared thermometers, like those used on human foreheads, can also be used, but may be less precise. If using an infrared thermometer, take the reading on the inside of the ear or your dog’s armpit for a more accurate result. Ear (aural) and armpit (axilla) thermometers are also options that are supported by research and are less invasive.

Fever Reduction and Veterinary Care

If you determine your dog has a fever, take steps to lower their temperature while consulting with your vet. You can:

• Cooling Methods: Apply a towel or cloth soaked in cool water to your dog’s ears and paws. You can also run a fan near your dog. Stop applying the water when your dog’s temperature drops below 103 F.
• Hydration: Ensure that your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink.
• Veterinary Guidance: Consult your veterinarian for further advice, diagnosis and treatment, especially if the fever is persistent or if other concerning symptoms are present.

FAQs: Understanding Fevers in Dogs

1. Can a dog’s fever break on its own?

Yes, a dog’s fever can sometimes resolve on its own, particularly if it’s caused by a mild infection. However, it’s always best to seek veterinary guidance to ensure there are no underlying issues and to avoid complications. Some infections require veterinary intervention to resolve completely.

2. What causes a dog to have a fever?

Fevers in dogs can be caused by various underlying factors, including:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.
• Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions such as allergies or immune-mediated diseases.
• Vaccinations: A low-grade fever can sometimes occur after a vaccination.
• Stress: While not as common, stress can occasionally cause a mild elevation in body temperature.

3. Can I use a human thermometer to check my dog’s temperature?

Yes, you can use a human digital thermometer to check your dog’s temperature, but it’s important to use it rectally and ensure that the thermometer is lubricated. Avoid using glass thermometers that could break and cause harm. Infrared forehead thermometers may be used in the ear or armpit, but they are less accurate than rectal thermometers.

4. Is it normal for a dog’s ears to be warm?

It’s normal for a dog’s ears to feel warm, but if they are significantly warmer than usual or hotter to the touch compared to the rest of the body, it can indicate an issue such as a fever or an ear infection.

5. What is a comfortable temperature for a dog at home?

As a general guideline, if you’re comfortable with the temperature in your home, your dog likely is too. Most dogs do well with the temperature between 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius) during the summer. However, make sure the temperature is suitable for the particular breed of dog.

6. Why does my dog’s head sometimes feel damp? Is it sweat?

Dogs primarily sweat through their paws and noses. If your dog’s head feels damp, it might be due to the activity of merocrine glands, which produce sweat to cool your dog down. Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat profusely all over their bodies.

7. Is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit a fever for a dog?

No, 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is within the normal range for a dog’s body temperature. A fever is considered anything above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Why does my dog feel hot to the touch?

Dogs have a higher normal body temperature than humans, so they will often feel warmer to the touch. However, if your dog feels excessively hot to the touch, along with other signs of illness, it might indicate a fever.

9. How do dogs act when they have a fever?

When dogs have a fever they will often exhibit signs such as lethargy, lack of energy, red eyes, warm ears, shivering, loss of appetite, coughing, and/or vomiting.

10. Can you tell if a dog is hot or cold by their ears?

Yes, you can often tell if your dog is too hot or cold by feeling their ears. Cold ears can indicate the dog is chilly, while excessively warm ears can indicate fever or other issues.

11. What do you feed a dog with a fever?

When your dog has a fever, offer easily digestible foods like plain cooked white meat (chicken or turkey), cooked white rice, boiled sweet potato, bone broth, pumpkin, baby food, fish, or oatmeal. These options are gentle on the stomach and provide necessary nutrition.

12. What can you give a dog for fever or pain?

Do not give your dog human pain medications without the specific guidance of your veterinarian. All pain relievers for pets are prescription only and not one medication is right for all pets. Medications such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Onsior, or gabapentin are commonly prescribed by vets for pain management.

13. Can I give my dog Benadryl for fever?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not used to reduce fever, but it can be used for other symptoms in dogs (like allergies) when given in the proper dosage. Only give your dog Benadryl that does not contain additional active ingredients that can be harmful. Consult your veterinarian to determine the correct dosage.

14. What is an undiagnosed fever in dogs?

An undiagnosed fever means that the cause of your dog’s fever is not immediately known. This is often the case with viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, as well as immune-mediated problems. Veterinarians will need to perform diagnostics to determine the cause.

15. Can a hot head be caused by something other than a fever?

Yes, a hot head in dogs can be caused by stress, vaccinations, allergies, inflammation, or even just a normal rise in body temperature from activity. A fever is one of many potential causes of a hot head and cannot be diagnosed solely by touch. Always use a thermometer for an accurate reading.

Conclusion

While it’s natural to want to assess your dog’s health by feeling their head, it’s simply not an accurate method of determining if they have a fever. Rely on the more reliable signs of a fever (like those outlined above), use a thermometer, and, when in doubt, consult your veterinarian. Prompt action can make all the difference in your dog’s comfort and recovery.