IF my dog has a fever and I can't get her to the vet right away, is there anything I can do?

Question

I'm not sure I can afford to take my dog to the vet right away. If she has a fever, is there anything I can do to help lower it or make her more comfortable until I can get her to the vet?

Answer 1

If you can't afford a vet, why do you have a dog? The second you started saying "my dog" you took responsibility to provide proper vet care. Refusing to do so is not only morally reprehensible, but it's also against the law.

Call your vet. Ask them what you should do. Ask them if there are any low cost vets around or any subsidized clinics that can help. Ask them if you can work out a payment plan.

Fever is a sign of a bigger problem. What may be a $50 visit today for an exam and antibiotics may be $1000 in a week for a complete blood work-up, stronger anitbiotics, IV fluids, several nights at the vet's office, surgery, pain killers, and additional care.

DO NOT use any medical advice given by strangers over the Internet. This site is loaded with children and the clueless. The ONLY advice you should trust is that of your vet's office.

Bust out your credit card and take the dog to the vet today.

Answer 2

Honestly.. if it's just a fever I wouldn't be too worried about it. Like the other person suggested, give her a cold bath and feed her some ice chips. If your comfortable with it, it may be a good idea to take her temperature. Which.. the only way to do that would be rectally. There isn't a whole lot that a vet will do for just a fever, side from maybe give her something to bring it down. However, if all she has is a fever and isn't showing signs of illness; lethargy, vomitting, diarrhea - she should be taken to a vet immediately. If not, give her a day or two to see if her fever subsides before taking her to the vet. Use your best disgression.

Answer 3

With every surgery comes risks, but this one is actually performed quit often. They start by cutting the abdominal wall, of course their under anesthesia, and cut into the part of the intestine where the blockage is at. Remove the blocked and stitch up the intestine, we use dissoluble where i work, and stainless steel for the abdominal wall. The blockage most likely caused the fever and possibly an infection. Which in most cases is minor. The IV fluids do cause a water bump on the back and it can move around. The reason is because the body absorbs the water slowly and gradually and should go done within a few hours to a couple days - depending on how much they gave him. Your dog could die from this and Im sure its very uncomfortable for him. If he needs surgery, do it. This type of surgery is expensive so be prepared. It could be as little as $1,500 or as high as $15,000 depending on what they have to do. I hope your dog is okay in the end and he just passes it all natural.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
IF my dog has a fever and I can't get her to the vet right away, is there anything I can do?
I'm not sure I can afford to take my dog to the vet right away. If she has a fever, is there anything I can do to help lower it or make her more comfortable until I can get her to the vet?

Answer 5

Call your vet's office and ask them how much it is for an exam. At the clinic where I work it is $36. If you can not afford an exam just ask for any suggestions they might have. But if you are worried that she has a fever I think you should run up to your pharmacy and just by a digital thermometer to check her temp. rectally. That way you will know whether or not you should be worrying so much. If she doesn't have a high temp. but is still lethargic by tomorrow, then I would suggest getting her to the vet office for an exam. Good Luck!!

Normal Temp. for a dog is 100.5-102.5

Answer 6

Are you sure she's truly "feverish" and not just hot-blooded? You'll need to take her temperature with a rectal thermometer; anything over 102 is not good.

If your dog does have a fever you can give her 1/2 of a baby aspirin (that's the 81 mg type) to help curb her fever and about 100 mg of vitamin C to help boost her immune system... but she'll need to see the vet.

DO NOT GIVE A DOG TYLENOL! Dog's cannot metabolize tylenol-like products; giving it to her will make your dog more sick than she already is.

Answer 7

MOST IMPORTANTLY DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING CONTAINING ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, NAPROXEN, OR ACETAMINOPHEN. THESE DRUGS CAN CAUSE KIDNEY FAILURE & POSSIBLE DEATH IN LARGE QUANTITIES. Do you know for sure that your dog has a temp? Dogs temps. are higher than humans (about 100.8-101.8) You can take temp rectally with a RECTAL thermometer only if you can safely do this without the dog getting wiggly & upset. If the temp is higner than that, then the best plan of action is to take the dog to the Veterinarian. The reason for the temp. could be many factors, & nothing that can be treated at home, from viruses, poisoning, other stomach issues, etc. I am sure that your vet or an emergency vet clinic can let you make payments in this emergency.

Answer 8

need more info. Do you know that a dogs reg temp is 102. if its heat exaustion get her in a cold tub. Yes it's true you don't need to get the whole body wet but it's the easiest. pay most attention to teh bottom of the feet and teh abdominal area.
If it's just a fever she needs to get to the vets as there is probaly and underlying reasong for the temp. Call your vet or another vet and see if they eill do time payments.
The dogs health is waht's important. if it were a child would you wait and possilby let it die just because you can't afford it.
if this is a problem get in touch with a shelter or animal control that can and should take care of teh animal. never should money be an excuse.

Answer 9

check the dog for correct body temp and if there is a fever call and speak with a vet tech about the situation if you are unable to get her in right away. in 15 years we have never sent a dog home on apsirin or tylenol for a fever ...there is a reason why they have one and that is what should be dealt with. you need to make sure that your dog stays hydrated...if you do not see her drink give her ice cubes to chew on or play with....you should always consult your vet with a fever present

Answer 10

At the very least you need to CALL the vet. A lot of times if you let the vet know that you could not pay the bill in its entirety you can work out a payment plan.

Failure to seek medical treatment for any living thing is neglect. If you can't afford an animal, in sickness and in health, you need to consider giving it to someone who can take care of it.

You may be able to find a remedy, but any illness or remedy should be checked with your vet. Call them - the phone calls are free.

Answer 11

Make sure the dog is not too hot/cold. Make sure the dog has eaten properly and has plenty of water. Check around house plants to make certain your dog has not been chewing on plant leaves. Many of them cause severe illness. Keep a close watch on the gog and keep him/her relaxed and comfortable.