Sick pet OR vet with a fever? Use this safe anti-inflammatory - Veterinary Secrets with Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM (2024)

Being sick is NOT fun, and I recently had a bunch of symptoms:

Night sweats…no energy… sore joints and sore throat with a FEVER – I was actually sick for a week 🙁

When your dog or cat has a fever, they are experiencing much the same thing we do.

Unfortunately there are very few safe options that we can give our pets to help lower a fever, except CBD (Cannabidiol)

And earlier animal research has hinted that fever triggered by a virus could be treated using CBD..

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD for Dogs and Catsis a Full Spectrum CBD supplement in 100% Organic Cold Pressed Hemp Oil.

You can get 15% OFF your order of CBD – it’s not only great for fever, but also wonderful for pain!

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Fever in Dogs and Cats: Recognizing, Understanding, and Treating

Signs and Symptoms

When your dog or cat has a fever, the primary indicator is an elevated body temperature. You might notice a decrease in their appetite and energy levels. Their ears can feel hot to the touch, and they may pant excessively, even indoors. Other symptoms include shivering and an elevated heart rate—much like the symptoms we experience with a fever.

Causes of Fever

Fevers in pets are typically caused by bacterial or viral infections. A higher temperature makes it harder for these pathogens to thrive in the body. However, one of the primary concerns with fever in pets is dehydration, as they often stop drinking. For reference, a normal dog’s temperature is 101°F (38°C), and a normal cat’s temperature is 102°F (38.5°C). To check if your pet has a fever, use a thermometer rectally; if the temperature is 103.5°F (39.5°C) or higher, your pet has a fever.

Fevers are usually a response to something happening in your pet’s body. In my experience, bite wounds are the most common cause. Be sure to thoroughly check your dog or cat for any puncture wounds.

Solutions for Fever

1. Check the Temperature

Start by taking your pet’s temperature to confirm if it’s elevated. If the temperature is 103.5°F (39.5°C) or more, they have a fever. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours and your pet isn’t drinking, contact your veterinarian. However, if your pet is still drinking or while waiting to see the vet, you can try the following remedies and supportive care.

2. Keep Them Hydrated

Ensure there is plenty of fresh water available in different spots around your home. If your pet refuses to drink, use an eyedropper or turkey baster to gently squirt water into the side of their mouth. When a pet is dehydrated, they lose essential minerals, so consider adding Pedialyte, an electrolyte solution, to their water. Some pets might prefer chicken or beef broth or even tuna juice—give them whatever works.

3. Call Your Veterinarian

If a fever persists for more than 24 hours and your pet is not drinking, it’s time to call your vet.

4. Apply a Cool Compress

If your pet tolerates it, apply a cool cloth to their belly. The exposed skin will help cool them down quickly, making them feel a bit better.

5. Consider the Medicine Cabinet

For dogs, aspirin can be used to reduce fever—but NEVER use aspirin in cats. The appropriate aspirin dose for dogs is one 325 mg tablet per 40 pounds of body weight every 12 hours.

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Herbal Remedies

Echinacea, Myrrh, and Sage: These herbs are excellent antimicrobials. You can give a combined herbal formula at a dose of one drop per pound of body weight, twice daily, using a tincture. Alternatively, you can use commercially prepared products like Echinamide, dosing 0.1 ml per 10 pounds every eight hours.

Elderberry and Honey: This combination can be very effective for both viral and bacterial infections, as honey has great antibacterial properties. I recommend using concentrated elderberry powder mixed with ½ teaspoon of honey per 20 pounds, twice a day.

Olive Leaf Extract: This is a potent antibacterial and antiviral treatment. It’s effective against a wide range of infections, including skin and bladder infections, and even kennel cough. Start with a dose range of 1 mg to 5 mg per pound of body weight, twice daily. Begin at the lower end and increase as needed, provided there are no adverse reactions like vomiting or diarrhea.

Antiviral and Cough Remedy Recipe:

  • Elderberry concentrate (2000 mg)
  • Licorice Root tincture (2 ml)
  • Olive Leaf extract (500 mg)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Homeopathic Remedies

Ferrum Phos: For a pet with a fever but no other serious symptoms, give 30C every four hours for two to three days.

Hepar Sulph (Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum): Administer one 30C tablet every six hours for three days.

Arnica: Useful for addressing the aches and pains associated with fever. Give one 30C tablet per 40 pounds of body weight every four to six hours.

Cannabidiol (CBD): Research suggests CBD may help treat fevers caused by pathogens. Use a CBD dose of 3 mg per 10 pounds once or twice daily.

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I hope these tips help you manage your pet’s fever at home. Remember, it’s always a good idea to have some remedies on hand, especially CBD, as it has few to no side effects and is one of the safest options for treating fever in cats.

P.S.: I’m feeling better now, thanks to CBD! It turns out I had COVID—definitely not something I recommend.

P.P.S.: If you’re looking for a safe and effective over-the-counter treatment for fever in cats, CBD is the best option. Cats should never be given aspirin, and I’d advise against using any veterinary anti-inflammatory (like Metacam) without caution. You can get a 15% discount on Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE CBD for Dogs and Cats

Sick pet OR vet with a fever? Use this safe anti-inflammatory - Veterinary Secrets with Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM (2024)

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