Why Is My Dog’s Head So Hot? 5 Alarming Reasons You Must Know!

As dog owners, we notice minor things about our pets that may cause concern. Feeling your dog’s warm head often prompts worrisome Google searches. “Why is my dog’s head so hot?” many pet parents have wondered while petting their dog’s ears or forehead. This simple query illuminates canine physiology, health, and behaviour. From natural body temperature changes to health issues, your dog’s head temperature can reveal a lot about their health. This comprehensive guide will go over why your dog’s head could feel warm, when it’s okay, and when you should consult a veterinarian.

Why Is My Dog’s Head So Hot? 5 Alarming Reasons You Must Know!

1. Fever Due to Infection: Often a dangerously high temperature—above 103°F/39.4°C—indicates that your dog is fighting an infection. This can be fungal, bacterial, or viral in character. Fever can present itself in respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and systemic diseases as well. A heated head could indicate a major infection needing quick veterinarian assistance when paired with lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual discharge from eyes or nose.
2. Heat Stroke: Heat stroke, in which a dog’s temperature climbs above 105°F (40.6°C), is among the most deadly temperature-related emergencies. The head feels rather heated; you will also find extreme panting, bright red gums, drooling copious saliva, confusion, or collapse. This life-threatening situation most often occurs in hot weather, during exercise, or when dogs are left in cars. Heat stroke can induce organ failure, brain damage, or death without instantaneous cooling and veterinary treatment.
3. Inflammatory or Immune-Mediated Conditions: Diseases including meningitis—inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain—or encephalitis—brain inflammation—can cause the head especially to feel shockingly hot. Often accompanying these severe disorders are neck pain, sensitivity to touch, aberrant head posture, or neurological signs. Certain breeds are genetically inclined to steroid-responsive meningitis, which calls for quick treatment.
4. Seizure Activity: The great cerebral activity and muscular effort of a seizure causes a dog’s head to feel quite heated either during or right after one. Hyperthermia following a seizure can be really serious. Your dog might have had a seizure even if you did not see the event if you find a very hot head accompanied by recent twitching, confusion, drooling, or loss of consciousness.
5. Endocrine Disorders: Hormonal disorders including Cushing’s disease or hyperthyroidism—though rare in dogs—can throw off body temperature control everywhere. Usually developing slowly, these disorders can cause dangerously high temperatures. Extra symptoms include changes in coat quality, more urine, extreme thirst, and unusual weight changes even with regular feeding. Ignored, these diseases can cause major problems compromising several physiological systems.

Normal Body Temperature in Dogs

Finding when something might be wrong starts with knowing what is usual for your dog. The typical body temperature of a dog is very different from that of humans, which can cause misunderstandings based on our own perspective as the baseline.

The Baseline Temperature for Canines

Unlike people, whose average body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C), healthy dogs usually run warmer. Dogs have a typical temperature range spanning 99.5°F to 102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.2°C). Consequently, even a dog that is absolutely healthy will naturally feel warmer to the touch than a human.

Dogs’ evolutionary background and metabolic rate help to explain this greater baseline temperature. Dogs, descended from wolves, have kept a higher body temperature to meet their metabolic requirements and active way of life.

Temperature Variations Across Breeds

Different dog breeds can experience varying normal temperature ranges:

Breed Type	Typical Temperature Range	Contributing Factors
Small breeds (e.g., Chihuahua)	100°F-102.5°F (37.8°C-39.2°C)	Higher metabolic rate, less body mass for heat distribution
Medium breeds (e.g., Beagle)	100°F-102°F (37.8°C-38.9°C)	Balanced metabolism and surface area
Large breeds (e.g., Labrador)	99.5°F-102°F (37.5°C-38.9°C)	Greater body mass, more efficient heat regulation
Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldog)	100°F-103°F (37.8°C-39.4°C)	Compromised respiratory cooling system
Double-coated breeds (e.g., Husky)	99.5°F-102°F (37.5°C-38.9°C)	Superior insulation affecting heat retention

How to Properly Take Your Dog’s Temperature

Although feeling the head of your dog offers a ballpark figure, a thermometer is the sole precise tool for gauging their body temperature. Though ear thermometers developed especially for pets are becoming more common and less invasive, rectal thermometers offer the most reliable readings.

The proper technique involves:

1. Using a digital thermometer with a flexible tip
2. Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the tip
3. Gently inserting the thermometer about 1 inch into the rectum
4. Holding it in place for 1-2 minutes until it beeps
5. Reading and recording the temperature

For ear thermometers, ensure the probe is properly positioned in the horizontal ear canal for an accurate reading.

Why the Head Specifically Feels Hot

Your dog’s head—especially the forehead and ears—often feels warmer than the rest of their body. There are various physiological explanations for this localised warmth; it is not always a symptom of fever or disease.

Blood Vessel Distribution

Particularly around the ears and forehead, the head’s thick network of blood vessels near the skin is especially Essential for appropriate neurological function, brain temperature is regulated by this vascular architecture. The skull feels hotter to the touch as the blood passing these arteries delivers warmth closer to the surface.

In the ears especially, the thin skin and large vasculature act as a natural cooling agent. Blood flow rises to the ears where heat can escape more readily into the surroundings when dogs need to discharge more heat.

Brain Activity and Heat Generation

Like human brains, a dog’s uses a lot of energy and produces heat as a side effect of neurological activities. This metabolic activity helps to explain the sometimes felt greater temperature in the skull area.

For best operation, the brain needs a rather constant temperature; several systems help to preserve this thermal balance. These control mechanisms striving to preserve brain function help to produce the heat you experience in some measure.

Skull Structure and Insulation

The dog skull offers brain protection and insulation. Unlike other bodily components where heat can dissipate in several ways, the skull creates a partial thermal barrier helping to preserve the brain’s ideal temperature. Because heat is kept in this area more efficiently, this insulation can help to contribute to the head feeling warmer.

The insulating effect is even more noticeable for breeds with thicker fur on their heads or those with notable muscular mass in this area, thereby perhaps making their heads feel especially warm compared to animals with thinner coats or less muscular heads.

Physiological Factors Affecting Head Temperature

Several normal physiological processes can cause temporary increases in your dog’s head temperature without indicating any health concerns.

Exercise and Physical Activity

After vigorous play or exercise, your dog’s overall body temperature increases. This elevation is especially noticeable in the head region due to:

• Increased cerebral blood flow during activity
• Enhanced metabolic rate throughout the body
• Heat generated by muscle activity in the jaw, face, and neck

This post-exercise warmth is typically temporary, and you should notice your dog’s temperature gradually returning to normal within 30-60 minutes as they rest.

Sleep and Rest Patterns

Interestingly, many dogs may have slightly warmer heads when waking up from deep sleep. This occurs because during sleep:

• Blood flow patterns shift
• Metabolic processes continue
• Heat can accumulate under blankets or dog beds
• The body may conserve energy by reducing cooling mechanisms

This temporary warmth should dissipate quickly once your dog becomes active again.

Digestive Processes

Many dogs have a minor rise in body temperature—including in the head region—after eating. This is sometimes referred to as the thermic effect of food (TEF), or dietary-induced thermogenesis. Energy is needed for the digestion process, and heat results.

Meals high in protein often produce a more notable thermic effect than those heavy in carbohydrates or lipids. Dogs on high-protein diets may therefore show more obvious temperature swings following meals.

Age-Related Factors

A dog’s age can significantly influence how their body regulates temperature:

• Puppies have less developed temperature regulation systems, making their temperatures more variable and often slightly higher
• Senior dogs may have less efficient circulation, affecting how heat is distributed throughout their bodies
• Older dogs might have more difficulty cooling down after activity, resulting in longer periods of elevated head temperature

Understanding these age-related differences can help you better interpret what’s normal for your dog at different life stages.

Environmental Influences on Dog Temperature

The environment plays a crucial role in how your dog’s body, including their head, maintains temperature. Various external factors can significantly impact how warm your dog feels.

Ambient Temperature Effects

Dogs are sensitive to environmental temperatures, though not always in the ways we might expect:

• Blood veins close to the skin dilate in hot conditions to release heat, thereby perhaps making the head seem warmer.
• Dogs primarily cool by panting and vasodilation in places like ears; they do not sweat like us.
• Blood arteries narrow in cold temperatures to save heat, yet the head may still feel warm since it houses important organs.

The contrast between the ambient temperature and your dog’s body can make their head feel particularly warm, especially when moving from a cool environment to touching your dog.

Sun Exposure and Heat Absorption

Direct sunlight can significantly increase your dog’s head temperature:

• Dark-colored fur absorbs more solar radiation
• The head often receives more direct sun exposure than other body parts
• Limited shade for the head during outdoor activities can lead to localized heating

Even on moderately warm days, prolonged sun exposure can cause the head to feel surprisingly hot without necessarily indicating hyperthermia.

Indoor Heating and Sleeping Locations

Your home environment can influence your dog’s temperature:

• Dogs sleeping near heaters, radiators, or heat vents may have warmer heads
• Memory foam dog beds can trap and reflect body heat
• Dogs that burrow under blankets or sleep with their heads against warm surfaces will have increased head temperatures

Observing your dog’s preferred sleeping locations can help explain temperature variations you might notice when petting them.

Seasonal Variations and Coat Changes

Dogs’ bodies adapt to seasonal changes:

Season	Coat Condition	Temperature Perception	Behavioral Adaptations
Summer	Lighter, shedding	Head may feel warmer	Seeking shade, increased panting
Fall	Transitional	Variable temperature	Moderate activity levels
Winter	Thicker, denser	Core heat conservation	Curling up, less heat loss
Spring	Shedding winter coat	Variable as coat thins	Increased outdoor activity

These seasonal adaptations affect not only how warm your dog’s head might feel but also influence their behavior and comfort levels throughout the year.

Breed-Specific Temperature Considerations

The incredible diversity among dog breeds means there are significant variations in how different dogs regulate body temperature and how warm they might feel to the touch.

Brachycephalic Breeds and Temperature Regulation

Because of their shorter airways and compressed respiratory systems, flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs have particular difficulties controlling their temperature. These anatomical differences can lead to:

• Less efficient cooling through panting
• Greater susceptibility to overheating
• Higher baseline head temperatures
• More pronounced temperature increases during physical activity

Owners of these breeds should be particularly vigilant about monitoring for signs of overheating, as these dogs cannot cool themselves as efficiently as breeds with longer muzzles.

Coat Type and Heat Retention

A dog’s coat significantly impacts how they retain and release heat:

• Double-coated breeds (such as Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds) trap heat near the body and have insulating undercoats that could make their skin feel cooler.
• Though they are more sensitive to external temperature fluctuations, short-haired breeds—including Greyhounds, Vizslas, and Weimaraners—may release heat more effectively.
• Because of their coat texture, wire-haired breeds—including terriers—have special heat regulating qualities.
• Like Poodles and Bichon Frises, curly-coated breeds trap air inside their curls to create insulation influencing temperature sensation.

The head area specifically may have different fur density than the rest of the body, contributing to temperature differences you might notice when petting different parts of your dog.

Size and Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio

The physical dimensions of different breeds play a crucial role in temperature regulation:

• Toy breeds have a larger surface area relative to their volume, potentially losing heat more quickly but also warming up faster
• Giant breeds have more mass to generate and retain heat but also more surface area to dissipate it
• Medium-sized breeds often strike a balance in terms of heat regulation efficiency

These physical differences mean that what feels “normal” can vary significantly between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane.

Breed-Specific Medical Predispositions

Certain breeds have genetic predispositions that may affect temperature regulation:

• Sighthounds like Greyhounds and Whippets often run at lower normal temperatures (sometimes as low as 99°F)
• Northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes have evolved to efficiently conserve body heat
• Some breeds are more prone to thyroid conditions which can affect temperature regulation
• Breeds prone to anxiety may experience stress-induced temperature increases more frequently

Understanding these breed-specific factors helps provide context for interpreting your particular dog’s normal temperature patterns.

When to Be Concerned: Fever and Illness

While many causes of a warm head are perfectly normal, there are situations where an elevated temperature could indicate a health problem requiring attention.

Defining Canine Fever

In dogs, a genuine fever is defined as a body temperature higher than 103°F (39.4°C.). By now the raised temperature is probably the result of an underlying ailment rather than normal variation or environmental influences.

Fighting illness depends on fever as the greater temperature makes many germs hostile in the surroundings. Still, protracted or very high fevers can be harmful.

Common Illnesses Associated with Fever

Several health conditions can cause fever in dogs:

Condition	Temperature Range	Additional Symptoms	Typical Duration
Viral infections	103°F-104°F	Lethargy, reduced appetite, discharge	3-7 days
Bacterial infections	103°F-105°F	Localized pain, swelling, discharge	Until treated
Tick-borne diseases	103°F-106°F	Joint pain, lameness, lethargy	Weeks if untreated
Inflammation	103°F-104°F	Localized pain, swelling, redness	Varies by cause
Immune-mediated disease	103°F-105°F	Variable, may include joint pain	Chronic/recurring
Heat stroke	Above 105°F	Excessive panting, bright red gums, collapse	Acute emergency

Distinguishing Features of Fever vs. Normal Warmth

How can you tell if your dog has a fever rather than normal warmth? Look for these distinguishing characteristics:

• Consistency of warmth: Fever typically affects the entire body, not just the head
• Associated symptoms: Fever is usually accompanied by behavior changes like lethargy, reduced appetite, or increased thirst
• Response to rest: Normal activity-induced warmth should subside with rest; fever persists
• Time of day: Normal temperature fluctuations follow patterns; fever tends to be constant or progressive
• Ear temperature: The inner ear often provides a better indication of true fever than the forehead

Remember that while a warm head might be part of the picture, fever involves systemic effects beyond just localized warmth.

When to See a Veterinarian

You should consult your veterinarian if your dog displays these signs along with a hot head:

• Temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) when measured with a thermometer
• Lethargy or significant behavioral changes
• Reduced appetite lasting more than 24 hours
• Excessive water consumption or reduced urination
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting even when resting
• Warm head accompanied by cold extremities
• Signs of pain or discomfort
• Unusual discharge from eyes, nose, or other body openings
• Hot head that doesn’t cool down after appropriate cooling measures and rest

Early veterinary intervention can be crucial for treating underlying conditions before they become more serious.

Heat-Related Conditions and Emergencies

Some temperature-related conditions require immediate attention as they can quickly become life-threatening for dogs.

Heat Stroke: Recognition and Response

Heat stroke is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature above 105°F (40.6°C) due to the body’s inability to effectively cool itself. Risk factors include:

• Hot, humid environments
• Lack of access to shade or water
• Excessive exercise in warm weather
• Being left in a hot car (even briefly)
• Brachycephalic anatomy
• Obesity
• Age extremes (very young or senior dogs)

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Excessive panting
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Thick, ropy saliva
• Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
• Uncoordinated movement or stumbling
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Immediate actions for suspected heat stroke:

1. Move the dog to a cool, shaded area
2. Apply cool (not cold) water to the body, focusing on areas with large blood vessels (neck, armpits, groin)
3. Place fans to increase air circulation
4. Offer small amounts of cool water if the dog is conscious
5. Transport to a veterinarian immediately, even if the dog appears to be recovering

Fever vs. Hyperthermia: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to distinguish between fever and hyperthermia, as they have different causes and treatments:

Characteristic	Fever	Hyperthermia
Cause	Immune response to infection/inflammation	Environmental factors or excessive heat production
Set point	Body’s thermostat is reset higher	Normal temperature regulation overwhelmed
Beneficial?	Can be beneficial in fighting pathogens	Not beneficial; potentially dangerous
Response to cooling	Resistant (body tries to maintain fever)	Responsive to external cooling
Treatment approach	Address underlying cause	Physical cooling and supportive care

While both conditions involve elevated temperature, the underlying mechanisms and appropriate responses differ significantly.

Long-term Effects of Chronic Heat Exposure

Repeated exposure to excessive heat or chronic elevation of body temperature can lead to lasting health issues:

• Neurological damage from brain overheating
• Kidney damage from dehydration and reduced blood flow
• Cardiovascular strain from prolonged increased heart rate
• Respiratory compromise from excessive panting
• Increased susceptibility to future heat-related illness
• Potential fertility issues, especially in male dogs

These potential consequences highlight the importance of proper temperature management for your dog, particularly during hot weather or for breeds with compromised cooling mechanisms.

Normal Temperature Fluctuations Throughout the Day

Understanding the natural rhythm of your dog’s temperature can help you distinguish between normal variations and potential problems.

Circadian Rhythm in Dogs

Like humans, dogs experience circadian rhythm—internal biological cycles that follow a roughly 24-hour pattern. These rhythms affect various physiological processes, including temperature regulation.

A dog’s temperature typically follows this pattern:

• Lowest in the early morning hours (often between 4-6 AM)
• Gradually rises throughout the morning
• Peaks in the late afternoon/early evening (usually 4-8 PM)
• Begins to decline in the late evening

This natural variation can account for temperature differences of 1-1.5°F throughout the day.

Activity-Related Temperature Changes

Your dog’s activity level has a direct impact on their body temperature:

• Resting temperature represents the baseline
• Light activity can raise temperature by 0.5-1°F
• Moderate exercise typically raises temperature by 1-2°F
• Intense exercise can temporarily elevate temperature by 2-3°F or more

Normal physiological reactions to higher metabolic load and muscle exercise are these rises. Still, good cooling should let the temperature go back to normal in 30 to 60 minutes after activity.

Food and Digestion Effects

As mentioned earlier, the thermic effect of food can influence your dog’s temperature:

• Temperature typically rises 30-60 minutes after eating
• The increase is more pronounced with high-protein meals
• The digestive temperature increase generally subsides within 1-2 hours
• Morning meals may have a more noticeable effect due to lower baseline temperatures

This normal physiological response explains why your dog might feel warmer after mealtime.

How to Monitor Your Dog’s Temperature

Developing good practices for monitoring your dog’s temperature can help you establish what’s normal for your individual pet and identify concerning changes early.

Establishing Your Dog’s Baseline

To understand what’s normal for your specific dog:

• Take their temperature at different times of day over several days
• Record the readings along with notes about recent activity, meals, and environment
• Note any patterns or consistent variations
• Repeat this process seasonally to account for environmental adaptations

This baseline information becomes invaluable when trying to determine if an unusual temperature warrants concern.

Tools for At-Home Temperature Monitoring

Several tools can help monitor your dog’s temperature:

• Digital rectal thermometers (most accurate)
• Pet-specific ear thermometers (convenient but slightly less accurate)
• Non-contact infrared thermometers (least invasive but also least accurate)
• Temperature-monitoring collars or wearables (newer technology with variable accuracy)

When selecting monitoring tools, balance accuracy with practicality and your dog’s tolerance for the procedure.

Creating a Temperature Log

For dogs with health conditions or those prone to temperature regulation issues, maintaining a log can be helpful:

• Record date, time, and temperature reading
• Note environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor temperature, humidity)
• Document recent activities
• Track meals and water intake
• Record any medications administered
• Note any unusual behaviors or symptoms

This information can be extremely valuable for your veterinarian if health concerns arise.

Cooling Techniques for Overheated Dogs

Knowing how to safely cool your dog is essential, especially during hot weather or after intense activity.

Safe Cooling Methods

When your dog appears overheated:

• Move to a cooler environment (shade, air-conditioned space)
• Provide fresh, cool water (not ice cold) to drink in small amounts
• Place wet towels over areas with large blood vessels (neck, armpits, groin)
• Use fans to increase air circulation around your dog
• Allow access to cool tile or concrete floors which naturally draw heat away
• Apply cool (not cold) water to paw pads
• Consider cooling mats or beds designed specifically for dogs

These methods help dissipate heat gradually without shocking the system.

Dangerous Cooling Practices to Avoid

Some cooling methods can actually be harmful:

• Immersion in very cold or ice water causes blood vessels to contract, therefore trapping heat within.
• Making a dog drink too much water runs the danger of water intoxication.
• Using alcohol or related drugs on the skin (possible harm via absorption)
• Using solely electric fans as the cooling mechanism when the ambient temperature rises over 90°F
• Leaving a wet dog in a closed environment lacking proper ventilation raises humidity.

These approaches may seem intuitive but can complicate cooling efforts or create additional health risks.

Preventative Measures

Preventing overheating is always preferable to treating it:

• Plan walks and workouts for later in the day; offer consistent access to fresh water and cover from the sun when outside.
• For sensitive breeds in hot weather, use bandanas or cooling jackets.
• Never let dogs sit in parked cars; even with windows open, think about cutting outside time when temps get above 85°F (29.4°C).
• In hot weather, set up a cooling station in your house.
• Keep a reasonable weight; obesity promotes heat retention.

These preventative strategies are especially important for brachycephalic breeds, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick coats.

Medical Conditions Affecting Temperature Regulation

Several medical conditions can disrupt your dog’s normal temperature regulation, potentially making their head feel consistently warmer or cooler than expected.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and, consequently, body temperature:

• Hypothyroidism: Decreased thyroid function is typically characterised by reduced body temperature, increased cold sensitivity, and lethargy. It is more prevalent in middle-aged and older dogs.
• Hyperthyroidism: Although rare in dogs in comparison to cats, increased thyroid function can result in elevated body temperature, increased metabolism, and weight loss despite increased appetite.

Dogs with thyroid conditions often show gradual changes in temperature regulation rather than sudden fluctuations.

Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Conditions

Various inflammatory conditions can affect temperature:

• Arthritis: Can cause localized warmth near affected joints
• Skin infections/dermatitis: May create warm spots, particularly noticeable on the head
• Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or pemphigus can cause fever and inflammation
• Steroid-responsive meningitis: Particularly relevant to head temperature as it involves inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord

These conditions typically present with additional symptoms beyond just temperature changes.

Neurological Issues Affecting Thermoregulation

The brain and nervous system play essential roles in temperature regulation:

• Brain inflammation (encephalitis): Can disrupt temperature control centers
• Brain tumors: May affect the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature
• Cognitive dysfunction: More common in senior dogs, can affect normal temperature regulation
• Seizure disorders: Post-seizure temperature elevation is common

These conditions often present with other neurological symptoms alongside temperature abnormalities.

FAQs: Common Questions About Dog Head Temperature

Is it normal for dogs’ head to be hot?

Indeed, a dog’s head should feel warm naturally. Usually between 101–102.5°F (38.3–39.2°C), dogs have greater body temperatures than humans. Activity, stress, or a warm atmosphere can all produce a warm head. See a veterinarian, though, if accompanying lethargy, dehydration, or other signs.

Should I be worried if my dog feels hot?

A dog’s head should, indeed, feel warm naturally. Dogs often have higher body temperatures than humans; they fall between 101–102.5°F (38.3–39.2°C). Warm head might result from activity, stress, or a pleasant surroundings. If accompanying lethargy, dehydration, or other symptoms, see a veterinarian, nonetheless.

Can you tell if a dog has a fever by their head?

Conclusion

One issue that runs across this thorough investigation of canine head temperature is that what is “normal” differs greatly amongst dogs. Monitoring the health and welfare of your pet depends most on knowing their baseline temperature patterns.

Your dog’s normal temperature swings across the day, across various activities, and during seasonal changes can help you to naturally know what is normal for them. This customized information helps you to more precisely spot when something might be wrong.

Recall that a warm head by itself usually points to nothing. Rather, search for groups of symptoms—behavioral changes, hunger, energy level, or other bodily indicators—that taken as a whole point to a medical issue. Your veterinarian is still your best tool for telling typical fluctuations from possible health problems when in question.

Proper monitoring, preventative care, and quick treatment to alarming changes will assist you help your dog keep ideal temperature control and general health. Your awareness of these minute features of your dog’s physiology reveals the close bond and dedication that define the human-canine relationship so unique.

Warm head and all, by combining your observations with competent veterinarian care as needed, you give your furry family member the greatest possible basis for a healthy, comfortable life.

External Resources and References

For additional information about canine temperature regulation and related health topics, consult these trusted resources:

• American Kennel Club: Dog Temperature – How to Take It and What’s Normal
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet First Aid
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Fever in Dogs
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Body Temperature in Dogs and Cats
• PetMD: High Fever in Dogs
• VCA Hospitals: Hyperthermia in Dogs
• Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine: Heat Stroke in Dogs