Your dog's body temperature can rise for various reasons, not just sicknesses like canine influenza. A fever can also result from an infection and ingesting poisonous substances or foods. A fever means your pet's body is fighting off an invading organism, and even a tiny scratch might endanger their health if it gets infected.
Dogs feel warmer than humans because our basal body temperature is slightly lower at 98.6 degrees, and a dog's typical body temperature varies from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees. You should visit your veterinarian if your dog's temperature rises to 103 degrees or above. Your dog can experience severe damage or even pass away at 106. The minute differences between warm and uncomfortable temperatures make a pet thermometer an important pet safety device.