How to Lower Your Pet's Temperature

Although there are many home remedies for a high temperature, before you do anything, you must be absolutely sure that your pet has a fever. There are few simple things you can do to find out.
How to Lower Your Pet's Temperature

Last update: 16 September, 2018

A fever for a cat or dog can have more serious consequences than humans. It’s important to know how to react and how to treat a fever in order to reduce its effects. Your pet’s life depends on the actions you take.  So, read this article to learn how your dog’s fever.

How to Know If Your Pet Has A Fever

It’s important to know that a dog’s body temperature is higher than a human’s. For example, an adult dog’s normal body temperature will oscillate between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius.

There are serval symptoms that indicate your dog is having a fever: a hot and dry nose, tearing, lethargy, sad facial expressions, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a cough. If you notice that your cat or dog looks disorientated, is in a bad mood, or even shivering, then he has a fever.

Sick dog in a basket

Remember that puppies, pregnant dogs, or older dogs can have an even higher body temperature without having a fever. Pay attention to all aspect to make sure that it’s definitely a fever.

How to Lower Your Pet’s Temperature

Once you’re sure that your pet definitely has a fever, then you can take action. Fevers strongly attack animals and sometimes can be fatal. Look at the tips below:

Use a Damp Cloth

damp cloth is the best remedy to lower your pet’s temperature. It’s not much different from what people do to lower their fevers. You can do this by rolling up a cloth or small towel and dampening every so often.

Find a Relaxing Area

If you have a large family with many children in the house, or you if you live in a noisy house, try to find somewhere peaceful for your pet to relax and rest. The commotion could make him nervous and make him feel even worse.

Dog looking sad on a blanket

If necessary, take them to a separate room and stay with them. Draw the blinds or curtains and put on some soft music on a low volume. This will help him rest and even sleep.

Give Him A Bath

If you think that the temperature is far too high, it might be a good idea to give your pet a cold bath. When humans have a fever (and animals too), we tend to feel cold, so it’ll be no surprise that your pet won’t like the idea.

However, it’s a really good way to lower your pet’s temperature, because the cold water will make the fever more bearable. Don’t forget to dry them well with a towel so your pet doesn’t feel uncomfortable afterward.

Let Him Rest

If you have a patio or a garden where your pet can go to the bathroom is a good place for him to rest. If not, take him out for a walk to go to the bathroom and take him straight back home. Don’t force him to be outside more than what’s really necessary until he starts feeling better.

Keep Him Hydrated

The fever will make your pet pant and sweat a lot, and this will dehydrate him. To prevent this from happening, give him plenty of water. This is one of the most important things you can do to make sure that his fever completely goes away.

Of course, not to mention that in severe cases your pet’s fever will longer than a couple of days. If this is happening to your pet, then you should take your pet to the vet. Pay attention to any changes in his behavior and if you’re not able to lower your pet’s temperature with these steps, then immediately seek professional help.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.