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My healthy dog has a fever and won't eat. When should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Suddenly our healthy pet has fever , loss of appetite. Is up to dfate on vaccinations

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 25th, 2015

I would get your pet seen by a vet as soon as possible. Fever and loss of appetite is concerning and should be investigated. There could be any number of causes, but a sudden onset fever usually indicates an infection of some kind that should be treated with medication right away.

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4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Laura E. McRae

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    A fever can be defined as a higher than normal temperature in a dog. Normal temperature range for a dog is between 100 -102.5 degrees F, so anything above 102.5 can be considered a fever. The only way to get an accurate temperature reading on a dog is to take the temperature with a rectal themometer. It is imporant to remember that a fever is a symptom of a disease or disorder, rather than the disease itself. Causes of fevers include (but are not limited to) infections, immune-mediated disorders, tumors, metabolic diseases, endocrine diseases, and toxins. Sometimes the cause of a fever will remain unknown. I recommond monitoring your dog for a day or two to see if the fever resolves or if other symptoms, like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, begin. Make sure your dog has plenty of access to water and is drinking. You can offer ice cubes to encourage liquid intake. Encouage eating by offering warmed canned dog food, dry dog food moistened with warm water, or boiled chicken. Keep your dog quiet and calm. If the fever rises to 104 degrees F or higher, persists past a couple days,or other symptoms start, then you should take your dog to your veterinarian for a clinical exam.

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