Dogs are a man’s best friend, and it’s important to make sure they are healthy and happy. One of the ways to do this is by monitoring their body temperature. You may have noticed that your dog’s head feels warm, and you’re wondering why. In this blog post, we will discuss the possible reasons for this and what you can do about it.
Why Does My Dog’s Head Feel Warm?
If you’re petting or cuddling with your furry friend and notice that they’re running hot, it may be for a few different reasons. These are the most common causes of a rise in your dog’s temperature:
They May Have a Fever
If their whole body feels warm, not just their head, and they’re displaying other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or dehydration, they may have a fever. In this case, you should take them to the vet right away as they may be sick. Your vet can rule out any serious illness and provide the appropriate treatment.
Your Dog is Stressed
Did something happen recently that has your dog on edge? Dogs can get stressed just like humans, and when they do, their body temperature may rise. If you notice your dog is panting more than usual, pacing back and forth, or seems generally anxious, try to remove it from the source of its stress and see if its temperature goes down.
It May Be the Side Effect of a Vaccine
If your dog has just been vaccinated, it’s not uncommon for its temperature to rise for a day or two afterward. This is usually nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own, but you should still keep an eye on them and make sure they’re drinking plenty of water.
They Are Cooling Off
Dogs cool off by panting, and you may notice that their temperature feels higher when they are doing this. This is because their blood is flowing closer to the surface of their skin to help them regulate their body temperature. As long as your dog is not displaying any other symptoms, this is nothing to worry about.
They’re Laying in the Sun
This is the most likely reason if its summertime or your dog likes to sunbathe. Their internal temperature will rise a bit due to their exposure to the heat, but it should go back down once they move out of the sun or into the shade.
If you’re concerned about your pup getting too much sun, make sure they have access to plenty of water and shade, and that you’re not leaving them out in the sun for too long.
Is It Normal for a Dog’s Head to Feel Warm?
In most cases, a warm head is nothing to worry about and is likely due to one of the reasons listed above. However, if you notice that your dog’s temperature is consistently high or they are displaying other symptoms, it’s best to take them to the vet just to be safe.
It’s important to keep an eye out for certain symptoms of your dog’s body temperature being a significant cause for concern. Here are some of the signs that you should take your furry friend to the vet right away:
Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing
If your dog is struggling to breathe or is panting excessively, this is a sign of heatstroke and is a medical emergency. Call your vet or take them to the nearest animal hospital immediately.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to organ damage or failure. Look out for signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, dry nose or mouth, or dry gums. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms and doesn’t drink water, take it to the vet right away.
Loss of Appetite
If your dog has no interest in food or is unusually sluggish, this may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If it has a fever, this may be a natural fasting process as its body is trying to conserve energy to fight the infection. However, if your dog hasn’t eaten for longer than 24 to 48 hours, it’s a good idea to call the vet for advice on the next treatment steps.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, this can quickly lead to dehydration. It’s important to keep an eye on their fluid intake and make sure they are drinking plenty of water. If the vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, call your vet.
It’s possible that your dog may have these symptoms because it has an infection and its body is trying to fight it off. If this is the case, they will likely need antibiotics to clear the infection.
You can soothe your dog by feeding them pumpkin mixed into their food, as this can help with diarrhea. If they are vomiting, it’s best to withhold food for 12 to 24 hours and then start them on a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. If their symptoms persist, call your vet for advice.
Unusual Behavior Changes
If your dog is acting out of character or you notice any changes in its behavior, this may be a sign that something is wrong. If they are normally active and suddenly become lethargic, or vice versa, this may be a cause for concern.
Other behavioral changes to look out for include aggression, depression, separation anxiety, or excessive panting. If you notice any of these changes, call your vet for advice. Your vet will likely ask you if there have been any changes in your pup’s environment that could cause stress, such as a new pet or baby in the home.
What to Do if My Dog’s Head Is Warm?
If you notice that your dog’s head is warm and it is displaying any other symptoms, it’s best to take its temperature. You can do this by using a rectal thermometer. The normal temperature for dogs is between 101 and 102. If your dog’s temperature is above 103, this is a sign of fever and they should see a vet right away.
If your dog’s head is warm but it is not displaying any other symptoms, you can try some home remedies to help them feel better. Place a cool, wet towel on their head or give them a cool bath. You can also offer them ice chips to lick or give them small amounts of water to drink.
Avoid leaving them outside or in direct sunlight so that their body temperature doesn’t rise any further.
If your dog’s temperature does not return to normal or it is displaying other symptoms, call your vet for advice.