Why Does My Schnauzer Have a Fever? (And What to Do)

When your Schnauzer seems hot to the touch, it can be a worrisome experience. It can be challenging to figure out why she feels warmer than usual and, if you are anything like me, it can conjure “worst case scenario” thoughts. Our Livi has had two noticeable fevers. One was due to something we were never able to identify and it passed within 12 hours. The other fever was due to a very serious uterine infection and was life-threatening. I researched the topic of fevers so that I could better understand how to handle them, and here is what I found.

Why does my Schnauzer have a fever (and what should I do)? Schnauzers can develop a fever due to many reasons such as infections, cancer, and conditions to which Schnauzers are especially prone, such as pancreatitis. You should learn how to take your Schnauzer’s temperature to confirm a fever, follow basic cool-down steps, and call your veterinarian to help determine the underlying cause.

What is a Normal Schnauzer Temperature?

The average temperature of a dog is slightly higher than that of humans. Specifically, a canine’s normal temperature range is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit while that of humans is within a range of 97.6 to 99.6 Fahrenheit.

In addition, it may be helpful to know that as far as normal canine temperatures go, if your Schnauzer is pregnant and her temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, labor is mostly likely in process and she will usually deliver pups within the next 24 hours.

In general, your Schnauzer is considered to have a fever at a temperature of 103.5 and above.

Keep in mind that:

• Sometimes your Schnauzer will have a fever that comes and goes without you even noticing. A relatively harmless infection from a cut or having ingested a very small amount of a toxic substance can often be situations where your Schnauzer can successfully fight it off with a very low fever.

• The old adage that a moist, cool nose is healthy and a warm, dry nose indicates a fever is not a reliable way to know for sure whether your Schnauzer is hot.

• The only reliable way to know whether or not your Schnauzer is running a fever is to take her temperature.

So, before we cover the most common reasons your Schnauzer may have a fever and what to do about it, let’s begin with how to determine if she really has a fever at all.

Choosing a Canine Thermometer for Home Use

The most accurate way to determine a dog’s temperature is to use a rectal or ear thermometer.

A rectal thermometer understandably feels a little uncomfortable for your Schnauzer, hence the need to lubricate with baby oil or petroleum jelly.

Ear thermometers can also measure your Schnauzer’s temperature if you are looking for a less invasive technique. However, the results may not be as accurate as the shape of a dog’s ear canal requires you to be as close as possible to the eardrum. This is because an ear thermometer measures the infrared heat waves emitted around the eardrum to obtain a reading. Also, hairy or dirty ear canals affect the accuracy of the reading.

Thanks to advances in technology, there are also “no-touch” thermometers now available which provide quite accurate readings without needing to make your Schnauzer uncomfortable at all.

There are also stick-on thermometers that are very inexpensive but also less reliable. You would probably only use these if your Schnauzer has recently given birth and you want to monitor the temperature of the new pups.

To recap, here are the thermometer options for taking your Schnauzer’s temperature:

Non-Touch Infrared Thermometers	Using current technology, these thermometers are increasingly accurate and can read a temperature from your Schnauzer’s forehead or near their ear.
Rectal Dog Thermometers	Inexpensive, reliable, and accurate. Be sure to lubricate, be gentle, and thoroughly cleanse the thermometer after each use.
In-Ear Dog Thermometers	Measures infrared heat waves from a dog’s eardrum area. Must be inserted and can be less accurate than a rectal thermometer.
Stick-On Thermometers For Dogs	Very inexpensive and less accurate. Useful for newborn puppies to ensure their temperatures are normal.

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How to Take Your Schnauzer’s Temperature Using a Rectal Thermometer

Even with advances in technology, a rectal thermometer is the most accurate tool for determining your Schnauzer’s temperature. Be sure it is plastic and intended for pets.

1. Bring the thermometer to a normal human temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit by shaking it.
   
2. Apply a lubricant such as petroleum jelly or baby oil to the tip of the thermometer.
   
3. If possible, have someone else hold your Schnauzer in place. Keep her steady. This will ensure an accurate reading and keep her from being injured by the thermometer.
   
4. If your Schnauzer’s tail is docked, slowly insert the metal tip of the thermometer inside her rectum. If your Schnauzer’s tail is natural, lift the tail and do the same. Be sure to ONLY insert the metal tip. Inserting more length of the thermometer will injure her.
   
5. Hold the thermometer inside the rectum until a beep indicates a reading has been taken (for digital thermometers) or for 15 to 30 seconds for non-digital thermometers.
   
6. Keeping your Schnauzer still, slowly remove the thermometer.
   
7. Check the reading and write it down along with the time of day.
   
8. Clean the thermometer gently using rubbing alcohol

How to Take Your Schnauzer’s Temperature Using an In-Ear Thermometer

Depending on the type you purchase, in-ear thermometers can either use mercury (like rectal thermometers) to measure heat, or can measure the infrared heat waves coming from your Schnauzer’s eardrum.

Both options can be quite accurate.

Depending on your Schnauzer’s temperament, she may react to an in-ear thermometer with the same hesitation as she does the rectal thermometer.

As with a rectal thermometer, be patient, careful, and read all instructions included with the thermometer.

1. If possible, have someone else hold your Schnauzer in place. Keep her steady. This will ensure an accurate reading and keep her from being injured by the thermometer.
   
2. Straighten your Schnauzer’s external ear canal by pulling the ear upward and outward slowly.
   
3. Gently place the thermometer inside her ear canal.
   
4. According to your thermometer’s instructions, check the reading in as little as two seconds.
   
5. Keeping your Schnauzer still, slowly remove the thermometer.
   
6. Check the reading and write it down along with the time of day.
   
7. Clean the thermometer gently using rubbing alcohol.

If you have confirmed that your Schnauzer does actually have a fever (a temperature of 103.5 and above), it’s time to consider why she has a fever and possibly call your veterinarian.

Common Reasons Your Schnauzer May Have a Fever

Your Schnauzer’s fever, medically known as pyrexia, is not a disease but a response to various conditions, including inflammation, infection, vaccinations, shock, or accidental ingestion of something poisonous. The fever reduces the rapid division of bacteria and improves the body’s immune response to infection.

In addition, when the external temperature is hot and humid, your Schnauzer may develop a fever due to early stages of heat exhaustion.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons your Schnauzer may develop a fever:

Pancreatitis

The Miniature Schnauzer, specifically, is prone to developing this condition and is known to cause fever. Since the pancreas produces insulin and digestive enzymes your Schnauzer is likely to develop symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, belly pain, diarrhea and fever. Pancreatic disease can lead to long-term health problems like diabetes or death. You might be interested in my article What are the Scariest Schnauzer Health Issues.

Infection

It can be a bacterial, viral, or fungal disease. Infection of the lungs (pneumonia), brain (encephalitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), and the skin cause fever. Symptoms differ based on the infection and the underlying cause. Fungal infections, for example, affect different areas of the body simultaneously. If you have not neutered your female Schnauzer, she could also be at risk for a very serious uterine infection. Read my article Why and When Should I Spay or Neuter My Schnauzer for more information on the pros and cons of spaying and neutering.

Toxins

If your Schnauzer consumes poisonous substances including human medication or nuts, she may develop a fever to fight the poison. Read my article Which Human Foods Should My Schnauzer NEVER Eat.

Vaccination

After a vaccination dogs may develop a mild fever for 24-48 hours as a result of the interaction between the dog’s immune system and the injection.

Tick-borne Diseases

They are the leading causes of fever in dogs living in New England and can to be a potential problem anytime your Schnauzer is outdoors in areas known for ticks. Such conditions include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, tularemia, babesiosis among others.

Inflammation

Inflammation caused by autoimmune illnesses like Lupus can cause a fever without infection. A study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal stated that 48 out of the 50 dogs examined had fevers without disease. The study confirmed the prevalence of non-infectious inflammatory condition as causes of fever in dogs.

Autoimmune Disease

It is a condition caused by the body’s immune system causing it to become confused and attack the normal body tissues and cells. The body develops a widespread inflammatory response, including developing a fever. Common autoimmune diseases include immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Cancer

Cancer of the bones, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and cell tumors on the skin can cause a fever. When your Schnauzer develops any of the conditions, the fever lasts a long period and she is likely to develop other symptoms including a reduced diet, weight loss, and pain on the cancerous region

Seizure

Prolonged muscle tremors and seizures can also cause a dog’s body temperature to spike. This is because the body muscles contract continually causing them to produce lots of heat. The dog’s temperature rises as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit which can be life-threatening. Miniature Schnauzers are genetically predisposed to develop idiopathic epilepsy hence prone to develop seizures. The episodes occur between six months and three years. Immediate vet care is essential as the Schnauzer can die or develop permanent brain damage within 10-15 minutes.

Fever of Unknown Origin

Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose the cause of your Schnauzer’s fever. As strange as it sounds, a condition called fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a possibility. When your Schnauzer has an FUO, he is likely to develop an elevated temperature on four to five occasions over many days without any apparent cause. As with any health concern, even if it seems to clear up on its own, it’s wise to take your Schnauzer’s temperature, record the dates, and check in with your veterinarian.

A Fever Combined With These Symptoms Could be Serious

Since your Schnauzer can’t tell you to when her fever might be something serious, it’s important to know the symptoms that can alert you.

These symptoms, accompanied by a fever, might be a sign of something serious:

• Lethargy
• Red eyes
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Shivers
• Warm, dry nose
• Warm ears
• Shock
• Increased respiratory rate
• Elevated heart rate

When Should You Call Your Veterinarian About a Fever?

If your Schnauzer’s temperature reaches 103.5 degrees or above, you should call your veterinarian to help rule out anything serious.

A temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit and above is fatal and can damage her internal organs. The vet will examine her to determine the underlying cause and recommend an immediate treatment plan.

Also, if symptoms like vomiting and digestive distress accompany the fever, it’s time to call the vet. Such signs indicate that your Schnauzer has a virus, a foreign substance lodged in the stomach, or has eaten something harmful.

Visit your regular vet as he has your Schnauzer’s medical history showing critical information such as vaccines previously administered, past illnesses, allergies, and surgeries performed. Your vet will aks about any recent injuries, insect bites, or ingestion of toxins, and the first time you noticed the fever.

He may then conduct routine lab tests that may include biochemistry profile, blood count, and urinalysis. The tests provide valuable information to help the vet identify the underlying cause of fever.

If your Schnauzer has an infection, your vet may also decide to perform culture and sensitivity tests to determine the specific disease-causing the illness. Advanced tests like computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging also come in handy to identify severe conditions like cancer. Also, the vet may employ diagnostic tests like endoscopy if your Schnauzer has an internal infection or obstruction.

Treating Your Schnauzer’s Fever

Cooling Down Your Schnauzer

If your Schnauzer’s temperature is slightly elevated (about 103.5 degrees F), give her small amounts of water regularly to keep her body hydrated. Encourage her to drink and consider using a dropper to make it easier.

DO NOT give your Schnauzer human fever reduction medication. acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen are poisonous and potentially fatal to dogs.

If the fever seems to be a result of excessive exercise or heat, you need to act promptly to prevent the condition from advancing to a heatstroke. Take her to shade and place ice or cold cloths near her body, focusing on her ears and feet. Continue monitoring the temperature, and if it drops to 103, stop using the cold cloths. Read my article Can Schnauzers Hack the Hot Weather for some life-saving details.

Following Your Veterinarian’s Fever Treatment Plan

Mild fever may be resolved on the first day of treatment, while severe fever caused by other conditions takes months or weeks to recover.

Depending on the cause of a fever, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, medication, or fluid therapy as the most common treatment. If your Schnauzer has a more serious underlying condition or disease, your veterinarian will be able to offer a comprehensive treatment plan.

Your Schnauzer also needs rest and a nutritious diet to recover fully. Naturally, dogs have a low appetite when they have a fever. As such, it is essential to serve foods that encourage her to eat and help her body to recover.

You may want to ask your veterinarian for specific dietary guidelines during the healing process. For example, your Schnauzer may do well on a raw diet of mashed vegetables and a little meat. Or, alternatively, your veterinarian may recommend a specialized commercial dog food that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals your Schnauzer needs, or one that addresses any underlying allergies.

If she is not well enough to take solids, ask your veterinarian to recommend a substitute. It can be a high-calorie liquid supplement that keeps your Schnauzer feeling satiated until she is well enough to eat regular food.

Be sure to comply with the vet’s instructions and finish the full dose of any prescribed medication even when symptoms abate.

Barring anything truly severe, your Schnauzer will often recover quickly and regain her normal level of health and vitality.

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When your canine friend has a fever it can feel like there is no reliable way to know exactly what to do. Taking steps to confirm her exact temperature, reduce the fever at home, and checking for wounds or anything she could have ingested are some first steps. Involve your veterinarian as soon as possible if the fever persists.

Fevers can be a mysterious first sign of trouble and paying attention to your Schnauzer will help you take the most appropriate action for her health.

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