Why Is My Dogs Head Hot? - Is It A Serious Problem?

There are various random things about our dogs that make us panic, including their loss of appetite and hot head. Why is my dogs head hot? Is it a sign of concern? 

Sometimes, an increase in your pups’ body temperature is a normal body mechanical reaction. So let’s explore the main causes of this issue and find a proper approach to help your pets.

What Is The Normal Body Temperature Of My Dog?

It is worth noting down that your dog will likely feel warmer to you all the time. 

A human’s normal body temperature ranges from 97 degrees Fahrenheit to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, that for puppies often varies from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It is natural for your god to be warmer after playtime or exercise sessions. Yet, if the temperature reaches above 102.7 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to contact your vet.

 Head hot

Why Is My Dogs Head Hot?

Fever

If your dog’s head is hot, it might indicate a fever. This problem often elevates the overall body temperature. A fever comes when this figure is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit for dogs. 

Use a thermometer and check whether your dog gets feverish. Fever results from infections and toxins in their daily meal. Therefore, it would be best to give your puppy immediate medical support.

Infection is one of the main symptoms of fever, including both internal and external factors. A minor bug bite or scratch can become infected, which leads to unwanted fever.

Toxication

Toxication is the most urgent problem. A high fever can develop when your puppy eats something poisonous or toxic. Thus, check his meal and see what he has eaten.

House plants, prunes, chocolates, and macadamia nuts can cause the issue. 

Natural Cooling Mechanism

Dogs’ natural cooling mechanism is different from people’s. Instead of sweating, they pant to lower their body temperature and cool down. 

When the body temperature increases, their body tends to circulate the warm blood throughout their heads before spreading it to the ears. This way, they can feel pleasant on a particularly hot summer day.

You have to cool him down and wait until the temperature is normal. You can bring him to a cooler area with air conditioning and let him drink enough water.

Stress And Excitement

Like humans, those four-legged companions can get fever-like symptoms when stressed. Think of any major changes you have made to your dog’s living environment in the past few days.

Did you move to a new home? Have you had a baby or adopted another pet? Fireworks or a thunderstorm can scare your dog and make him sick.

In this case, your dog’s hot head is a normal biological response to his stress. Try to help him relax by comforting him or letting him sleep under the blankets.

Stressed dog

Vaccination Side Effect

It isn’t rare for your four-legged friend to catch a fever as a natural reaction to a vaccine. This happens when his immune system fights the vaccine’s substances and causes fever in a healthy dog.

This type of fever often lasts for 48 days at most. If the period continues longer, you will have to contact the vet.

Heat Stroke Or Hyperthermia

A heat stroke makes your dog’s head and body overheat. When your pet is left outdoors in an overheated car or under the sun, this can happen. 

The common symptoms of this hyperthermia are vomiting, excess drooling, red and swollen gums, and loss of consciousness. If he catches one of those symptoms, let’s place him in a bathtub and pour water gently on it.

Cool water with ice cubes will make him cool down more quickly. Yet, don’t force him to drink to avoid temperature shock.

Warmer Ambient Temperature

Warmer ambient temperature than average is also one of the causes leading to dogs’ hot heads. Sleeping under a blanket or near the heating vent can make their coat and fur warmer than usual.

Plus, as a natural digger and burrower, your pet is interested in digging holes and laying down on them. This can cause his body to become warm after a long period.

How To Treat Hot Head In Dogs?

Why is my dogs head hot? You knew the answer, so we will start considering the ways to treat this issue.

Wait And Watch Approach

Most fever and hot head cases in dogs should be left to their devices. Those pets are born with a special cooling mechanism, which will surely down the body temperature.

Therefore, let your dog rest for a few hours. If the fever persists with the rectal thermometer indication of over 103 degrees Fahrenheit or other symptoms, please send him to your vet.

Use Cool Water

Applying cool water and ice tubes around the ears and paws effectively lowers your dogs’ body temperature. You can also use frozen vegetable packets to bring the high temperature down. 

Unless your dog appears shivering, you can gently place him in a bathtub and wet his limbs.

Coax It To Drink Water

Like humans, your dog will feel much more comfortable after consuming cool water and electrolyte solution. Yet, please don’t force it to drink all at once, or else it can vomit. 

Offering a bland stew or some broth to keep your puppy hydrated would be better.

Coax it to drink water

Continue Monitoring The Temperature

Don't forget to monitor it regularly, no matter which methods you choose to bring the temperature down. If the signs don’t appear, you should visit the vet for timely treatment.

Conclusion

Why is my dogs head hot? Undoubtedly, your dog’s head can get hot sometimes for various reasons. You don’t have to worry much most of the time, as this high-temperature results from its natural reactions to the surroundings. 

The important thing is to keep an eye on your pet’s behaviors and contact the vet immediately in case of unusual or worrying issues. Keep a dog thermometer at home to make sure your dog is safe.