Ways to Cool Down Your Pet's Fever

Your pet is not feeling good lately. He's mopping around, looking sick and feeling hot. Although fevers are pretty rare in pets and will go away once the illness is gone, there are some things you can do to help cool down your pet's fever. One effective way to cool your pet down and fight his rising temperature is to apply a cold compress. Soak a cloth in cold water, squeeze it, and gently pat your pet's belly. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to quickly absorb the heat from the skin and bring down your pet's fever.

If you can get your sick pet to take a bath, try giving him a cool bath for five or ten minutes. Be sure the water is not cold or hot, but lukewarm. When pets are sick it can be difficult to get them to do much of anything, so if they don't feel like taking a bath don't force the issue. To help cool down a small pet, wrap them up in a towel soaked with cool water. Most will enjoy the cool feeling but be sure to continue to wet the towel to keep it cool and comfortable.

Like people, pets that are sick often suffer from dehydration so make sure you give them plenty of water. And like some people, it can be difficult to get them to drink enough fluids while sick, if your pet doesn't take to water you can try feeding them some ice cubes. Many pets love to suck on ice cubes and at the same time they will be getting the water their body needs.

Although giving pets human medication is not highly recommended, you can consult with your vet to see if there is any medicine that is appropriate for giving your pet. Dogs usually can take aspirin, about ¼ of a 325 mg aspirin for every ten pounds your pet weighs, but again consult with your vet. However, aspirin can be dangerous for cats. Also, never give pets Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can be dangerous for both cats and dogs.

You can check your pet's temperature by using a rectal thermometer or, of course, taking them to the vet. If the temperature is higher than 103 degrees, take your pet to the vet right away. Although most fevers are normal and nothing to be concerned about, fevers could be a sign of more serious diseases, such as Lyme disease or pneumonia.