Have you ever touched your pup’s head and noticed that it feels hotter than usual? A dog’s head can feel quite warm, even if the rest of its body does not. While a slightly warm head may not be anything to worry about, an abnormally hot canine cranium can indicate a health issue. This article will discuss why a dog’s head feels hot and what you can do to keep your pet healthy. Here are some common reasons why a dog’s head may feel warm:
Fever and Illness
Fever is when your dog’s temperature rises above what’s normal for its body. However, not all warm dog heads are caused by high temperatures. Dogs with certain illnesses may run warmer than usual for a few days before their illness is diagnosed. Symptoms of a dog with fever include:
• Listlessness and tiredness
• Vomiting,
• Head tilt
• Decreased Appetite
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea or loose stools.
What to Do?
If your pup doesn’t have an illness, you can try to cool its head using ice packs or cool water. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pup has a fever or other illness to ensure the matter isn’t serious.
Stress
High-stress levels are known to cause a dog’s body temperature to rise. As a result, dogs with high-stress levels may run warmer than normal. The best way to prevent this is to ensure your dog gets enough rest and exercise, which will lower its stress level.
Signs of Stress in Your Dog
- Shedding
- Teeth grinding
- Pacing or shaking
- Lack of appetite or sudden loss of appetite
- Yawning, drooling, and licking
- Excessive whining and barking
What to Do?
There are many ways you can help reduce your dog’s stress level. Try practicing relaxation therapies such as slow diaphragmatic breathing or deep-breathing exercises. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing severe symptoms such as shivering, seizures, or changes in skin color.
External Temperature
In the summer months, direct sunlight or excessively hot temperatures outside can cause your pup’s head to become warmer than usual. This can also happen on days when the temperature inside is higher than normal due to a lack of air conditioning or other factors. Make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh water and shady areas if they are spending time outdoors during these days.
How to Check Your Dog’s Temperature
To test for excessive external temperature, you will need a thermometer. Simply place the thermometer on various parts of your dog’s body and check for hot spots. The nose and ears are usually the first places dogs get hot.
Keeping Your Dog Cool in a Warm Environment
Ensure your dog has a cool place to rest outdoors and provide plenty of fresh water. Also, never leave your pup unattended in a car during the summer or any other period of excessive heat.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are common in dogs. If your pup’s head is hot and he has other symptoms, such as itchy skin, excessive scratching, or a rash, it could result from an allergic reaction. Some dogs develop allergies to certain substances, which can cause the skin on their faces to become red, hot, swollen, and itchy. Additionally, allergies can cause your dog’s paws to feel unusually hot.
Some of the substances that commonly cause allergic reactions in dogs are:
- Dander
- Food
- Plants
- Fleas/Flea bites.
Signs of Allergic Reactions
Your dog is probably allergic if it experiences symptoms such as:
- Rashes
- Dry and flaky skin
- Itching, scratching, and chewing
- Sneezing, swollen eyes, and/or runny nose.
- Hair loss/bald spots
- Shedding more than usual
What to Do?
The best way to resolve a dog’s allergies is to eliminate whatever is causing the allergic reaction. You can do this by feeding your pet a special diet, removing him or her from the environment that is causing the allergies or giving her medication.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is when a dog’s body temperature rises above what’s normal for its species and age group, leading to organ failure, brain damage, and possibly death. Dogs are generally most at risk of heat stroke during the summer months. Dogs can become susceptible to heat stroke if they exercise in hot weather or are left in hot places such as a car. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Red tongue and gums, which can make your dog’s mouth look dry
What to Do?
The best way to prevent heat stroke is to ensure your dog doesn’t get too hot. If your pup is outside, try putting it in the shade and providing fresh water. Cool shade or a doghouse with a fan are also options if your dog must be outside during hot parts of the day.
Final Words
Regardless of the cause behind your dog’s head feeling warm and hot, you must pay attention and monitor any changes in temperature so that you can identify any potential issues before they become serious problems. In addition, if you think something else might be wrong with your pup, like an infection, then consulting with a vet will help diagnose the issue so that it can be treated properly and quickly! Taking care of our furry friends starts with understanding why things happen when they do, so we can figure out how best to help them stay healthy and happy!