For people who keep Border Collies, one of the most worrying health problems is fever. A dogs fever is not the same as a humans, and poor handling can become dangerous. If you suspect your Border Collie has a fever, it is best to take it to a proper veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Here is a simple overview of what a fever may look like.
Border Collie Lethargy
Animals that are actively fighting infection often feel tired. They may not want to do much, may become sleepy, and may look for a cool place to rest. If your Border Collie seems unusually drowsy, especially together with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge, fever is possible and a veterinary visit is needed.
Border Collie Loss of Appetite
Fever often creates discomfort and suppresses appetite. It is not normal for a Border Collie to completely refuse food for several days. Skipping one meal may not always be serious, but if the dog remains uninterested in food for a prolonged period, it should be checked by a veterinarian.
Feeling Hot Does Not Always Mean Fever
A Border Collies body temperature is naturally higher than that of humans, so you cannot assume it has a fever just because it feels warmer than your own skin. A normal Border Collie temperature usually ranges from 38 degrees Celsius to 39.5 degrees Celsius, which many owners mistakenly interpret as fever. To check properly, body temperature should be measured with a rectal thermometer. The thermometer is inserted only until the tip is inside the rectum. A temperature above 40.5 degrees Celsius is considered a high fever.
That said, using a thermometer on a dog can be difficult. It helps if owners become familiar with their dogs normal warmth by touching the ears and abdomen regularly. Then, when fever develops, it may be easier to detect the difference even before using a thermometer. If a dog has a high fever, the most important thing before reaching the clinic is rest. If the dog is shivering or seems chilled, it should also be kept warm.