Does a dog have a fever if its nose is hot?

Our question this week was:

Does a dog have a fever if its nose is hot? My dog has been lethargic and the only other symptom is a hot wet nose.

Thanks Ginella

Answer

Hi Ginella– thanks for your email.

Great question! I often get calls and questions about how a dogs nose temperature and moisture determines health. I believe that the nose temperature and moisture rule is an "old wives tale". I've found no correlation between nose temperature and moisture and a dogs overall body temperature or health.

The only way to tell accurately if a dog has a fever is to take their temperature the good old-fashioned way – with a thermometer.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra