Can dogs get fevers?

Dogs have a fever when their internal temperature is more than 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The cause of a fever in dogs is not always obvious, but it could indicate a viral or bacterial infection.

Symptoms of a fever in dogs include high body temperature, shivering, weakness, decreased appetite and a rapid heart rate. In addition to a virus or bacterial infection, fever in dogs may indicate tumors, metabolic diseases or inflammatory conditions. A fever in a dog can also be a symptom of toxins, drugs or parasites. Veterinarians diagnose the cause of a fever in a variety of ways, including blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.