The Caucasian Shepherd is strongly built and usually does not get sick very often. But if one common problem has to be named, fever is among the most frequent. Many different conditions can cause it, including a cold, pneumonia, distemper, and parvovirus. In that sense, fever can actually help owners notice disease earlier and begin treatment in time.
To know whether the Caucasian Shepherd truly has a fever, we first need to know its normal body temperature. Under normal circumstances, the dog’s body temperature may differ slightly between morning and evening, usually by about 0.2 to 0.5 degrees. A dog that is extremely excited may also have a temporarily higher temperature, so owners must learn to distinguish that. It is also important to understand the cause of the fever, because only then can the symptoms be managed appropriately.
Causes of fever in the Caucasian Shepherd
The possible causes include the following. A cold can cause a rise in body temperature, often together with a runny nose and coughing. Inflammatory disease such as pneumonia, bronchitis, enteritis, or lymph node inflammation may also lead to fever. Infectious diseases, including canine distemper and parvovirus, can likewise produce fever. In nursing female dogs, calcium deficiency may even cause fever or convulsions.
Treatment of fever in the Caucasian Shepherd
If you discover that the Caucasian Shepherd has a fever, it should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible. Many owners have never faced such a situation before and do not know exactly what to do. If the dog cannot be cooled down in time, the risk increases, so when the owner is unsure, no time should be wasted and the dog should be brought to the hospital promptly for safer treatment. If the owner is confident and the situation allows, some people first give a fever-reducing medicine before heading to the hospital, but professional treatment is still the priority.
Besides medicine, physical cooling can also be used. One common example is alcohol because it evaporates quickly. Wiping the dog’s paw pads, armpits, belly, and ears with alcohol may help lower temperature more quickly. An ice pack can also be applied to the belly while taking the dog to the hospital. Physical cooling should not be underestimated. It can significantly ease the symptoms of fever and improve the comfort of the Caucasian Shepherd.