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Fever in Dogs

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:18:11 GMT

Fever in Dogs

It’s not always easy for dog owners to know if their pup has a fever. In this post, the veterinary team at Good Mojo Pet Care in River Hills explains how to tell if your dog has a fever, the common causes, symptoms to watch for, and how to care for your pet.

What temperature indicates a fever in dogs?

What are the symptoms of a fever in dogs?

How do I take my dog’s temperature?

Before you notice changes in your dog’s temperature, you may see changes in behavior or energy levels. Watch closely for these signs of fever:

Coughing
Decreased energy or lethargy
Loss of appetite
Runny nose
Shivering or trembling
Panting
Red or glassy eyes
Warm ears or nose
Vomiting
Excessive drooling

If you observe these symptoms, check your dog’s temperature and contact your veterinarian.

A healthy dog’s normal body temperature ranges between 101°F and 102.5°F — higher than a human’s average temperature of 97.6°F to 99.6°F.

A temperature above 103°F is considered a fever in dogs. A high fever of 106°F or more can quickly become dangerous and may even be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Enlist another person if possible to help keep your dog calm and still during the process.There are many reasons your dog may develop a fever. Common causes include:

Infected bite, scratch, or wound
Tooth abscess or oral infection
Urinary tract infection
Ear infection
Ingesting poisonous substances
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections

Sometimes, the exact cause is not immediately clear. This is called a fever of unknown origin (FUO). In these cases, the underlying cause may be cancer, an immune system disorder, bone marrow disease, or another internal condition.

What causes fever in dogs?

How can I treat my dog’s fever?

Determining whether a dog has a fever isn’t as straightforward as feeling their nose. The only reliable method is using a rectal thermometer.

Keep a thermometer just for your dog’s use.
Wash it with soap and water, then rinse and dry.
Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or water-based lubricant.
Gently lift your dog’s tail and insert the thermometer about an inch into the rectum.
Hold it in place until the reading registers, then carefully remove and clean it.

Enlist another person if possible to help keep your dog calm and still during the process.

If your dog has a fever of 103°F or higher:

Apply cool water to the ears and paws with a damp towel.
Place a fan nearby to help cool them.
Stop cooling once their temperature drops below 103°F.
Encourage small sips of water to stay hydrated.

Never give human medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as these can be toxic to dogs and cause serious harm. If your dog shows additional symptoms like shivering, vomiting, or severe lethargy, seek emergency veterinary care right away.

Veterinary Internal Medicine at Good Mojo Pet Care

If your dog’s fever does not have an obvious cause, our veterinarians at Good Mojo Pet Care in River Hills can help. We provide comprehensive exams and internal medicine services to diagnose underlying health conditions and develop a tailored treatment plan. If your pet requires specialized care we do not provide, we can refer you to a trusted veterinary specialist.

Can Cats Have Asthma?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:18:03 GMT

Can Cats Have Asthma?

Asthma affects about 1–5% of cats, making it one of the more common chronic conditions in felines. At Good Mojo Pet Care in River Hills , we want pet parents to know the signs, causes, and treatment options so they can help their cats breathe easier and live comfortably.

What Is Asthma in Cats?

Signs & Symptoms of Feline Asthma

Causes of Asthma in Cats

The most common signs of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, and open-mouth breathing. Cats may also hunch close to the ground with their necks extended, drool, or cough up mucus. Other possible symptoms include:

Rapid or labored breathing
Weakness or lethargy
Persistent coughing or gagging
Blue-tinged lips or gums
Frothy mucus or gurgling sounds
Breathing more than 40 times per minute while at rest

If your cat is struggling to breathe, contact your veterinarian immediately or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital.

Feline asthma is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lower airways of the lungs. When triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or smoke, a cat’s immune system responds with swelling, airway constriction, and mucus buildup — all of which make breathing difficult.

Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergens or environmental irritants. Common causes include:

Dust mites, pollen, or mold
Cigarette smoke
Household cleaning products
Cat litter dust
Stress or obesity

Underlying conditions such as heart disease, parasites, or respiratory infections can also worsen asthma symptoms.

Asthma Treatment for Cats

While feline asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed. Most cats respond well to medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and bronchodilators to open the airways. These can be administered as oral medication, injections, or inhalers, depending on your cat’s needs. With proper care and monitoring, many asthmatic cats can live long, happy lives — and our team at Good Mojo Pet Care in River Hills is here to help you create the right treatment plan for your feline friend. Schedule an appointment today to discuss options for managing your cat’s asthma.

Common Dental Problems in Cats

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:24:50 GMT

Your Cat’s Oral Health

Your cat’s oral health plays a vital role in their overall health and wellbeing. Cats rely on their teeth, gums, and mouth to eat, groom, and communicate. When dental structures become damaged or diseased, your cat can suffer pain that interferes with eating and normal behavior.

Oral infections and bacteria don’t stay in the mouth. Left untreated, dental disease can allow bacteria to spread through the bloodstream, potentially affecting organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Over time, these complications can seriously impact your cat’s health and longevity.

Signs & Symptoms of Dental Disease in Cats

Common Dental Diseases in Cats

Preventing Dental Issues in Cats

Periodontal Disease

Up to 70% of cats will develop periodontal disease by the age of three. This bacterial infection is caused by plaque — the soft film of food and bacteria that collects on teeth. Without regular cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar that extends below the gum line.

Once bacteria get trapped under the gums, they damage the tissues that support the teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can cause painful infection, tooth loss, and even organ damage as bacteria spread through the body.

Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis is a painful inflammation of the gums, cheeks, and tongue that leads to ulcers and sores in the mouth. While Persians and Himalayans are more prone, any cat can develop this condition.

Cats with stomatitis often lose their appetite because eating is painful, and some may become malnourished. Mild cases may respond to at-home care, but severe cases usually require surgical treatment.

Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption is the gradual breakdown of a cat’s teeth, affecting up to three-quarters of middle-aged and older cats. The body essentially destroys the hard outer structure of the tooth, which loosens and causes pain.

Because much of this damage happens below the gum line, it’s often only detectable with dental X-rays. Cats with tooth resorption may suddenly prefer soft food or swallow without chewing.

Every cat is different, but if you notice any of the following signs, it could mean your cat is struggling with a dental issue:

Unexplained weight loss
Loose or missing teeth
Visible tartar buildup
Swollen, bleeding, or red gums
Pawing at the mouth or teeth
Difficulty eating or chewing slowly
Bad breath (halitosis)
Excessive drooling

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Good Mojo Pet Care in River Hills . The earlier dental disease is diagnosed and treated, the sooner your cat can find relief and avoid long-term health problems.

The best way to protect your cat’s teeth is through routine brushing and professional dental care. Brushing your cat’s teeth helps remove plaque before it hardens, keeping gums and teeth healthier. Starting when your cat is a kitten can make the process easier over time.

Along with at-home care, schedule an annual professional dental exam and cleaning at Good Mojo Pet Care in River Hills . If brushing isn’t possible, dental treats and special diets can also help reduce plaque and support better oral health.