[lupin]

it's 100f outside and my sibe can't seem to handle the heat. he doesn't want to eat anything since last week and lethargic. I took him to the vet and they recommended the water soluble powder to keep him hydrated. His temperature is 41c. Normal temp should be 38c right? He like staying inside the air conditioned room and sits right in front of the fan. He lost a lot of weight, he's really skinny now. What should i do?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by lupin

it's 100f outside and my sibe can't seem to handle the heat. he doesn't want to eat anything since last week and lethargic. I took him to the vet and they recommended the water soluble powder to keep him hydrated. His temperature is 41c. Normal temp should be 38c right? He like staying inside the air conditioned room and sits right in front of the fan. He lost a lot of weight, he's really skinny now. What should i do?

Main immediate thing of course is to keep him cool and out of the outside hot temperature!

That poor baby! Hope you are keeping him in the air conditioning and not outside----Hope this is an inside dog!!! Here is what my breeds book says: Because of their heavy coats, these dogs are unsuited to life in hot climates and SHOULD NOT BE EXCESSIVELY EXERCISED IN WARM WEATHER!! SIBERIAN HUSKIES NEED A FAIR AMOUNT OF EXERCISE, BUT DON'T OVERDO IT IN WARM WEATHER. Grooming: Brush the coarse, medium-length coat twice a week. The woolly undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year and requires extra care. I hope you know about this as it needs to be got rid of BUT do not shave or cut the coat--This would be even worse for him as the coat does act as insulation against the heat!!!---Will find you some info on this when I am done here!!

As far as the exercise and walking---Is it cooler by much at early dawn (or before) and late at night (I don't know where you live)? I sure would not take him out in the heat of day---He might die of a heat stroke!

Here is a link to a thread in this forum that should tell you about getting rid of the undercoat--What to do!:
blow out?

This is a link about the breed--Be sure and read the section on Living Conditions!: Siberian Husky Information, Husky, Huskies, Sibe, Sibes, Siberian Huskys, Siberian Huskies

More info on the heat and the coat: Siberian Huskies in Florida?

One more site on the Sibe: Siberian Husky breed information | Siberian Husky puppies for sale

As far as the not eating---If you can keep him cooled down, maybe the appetite will return. I don't know what you feed but if commercial dog food --maybe supplementing it with some human food might bring back his appetite!
Am going to go get the link for a thread in here that will tell you what NOT TO FEED---Hazardous/kill your dog. This is a very long thread but very important to know about all these things--and you will be surprised by more than one thing in this thread that you had no idea of!!! Foods that are hazardous to a dog

[lupin]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Main immediate thing of course is to keep him cool and out of the outside hot temperature!

[B][COLOR="Green"]That poor baby! Hope you are keeping him in the air conditioning and not outside----Hope this is an inside dog!!! Here is what my breeds book says: Because of their heavy coats, these dogs are unsuited to life in hot climates and SHOULD NOT BE EXCESSIVELY EXERCISED IN WARM WEATHER!! SIBERIAN HUSKIES NEED A FAIR AMOUNT OF EXERCISE, BUT DON'T OVERDO IT IN WARM WEATHER. Grooming: Brush the coarse, medium-length coat twice a week. The woolly undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year and requires extra care. I hope you know about this as it needs to be got rid of BUT do not shave or cut the coat--This would be even worse for him as the coat does act as insulation against the heat!!!---Will find you some info on this when I am done here!!

As far as the exercise and walking---Is it cooler by much at early dawn (or before) and late at night (I don't know where you live)? I sure would not take him out in the heat of day---He might die of a heat stroke!

My dog stays inside the house and sleeps in my room. I take him outside in the afternoon or evening 'cause it a lot cooler. He's also a very picky eater so it's more difficult to feed him. Do you think it's really the hot weather? Or maybe he has fever because of bacterial infection? I also noticed that he has thick saliva.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by lupin

My dog stays inside the house and sleeps in my room. I take him outside in the afternoon or evening 'cause it a lot cooler. He's also a very picky eater so it's more difficult to feed him. Do you think it's really the hot weather? Or maybe he has fever because of bacterial infection? I also noticed that he has thick saliva.

It sounds like you have a suspicion of more going on than just the hot weather! Didn't vet rule things out? I am not an expert here by any means but it sounds like your dog could need more (cold)water--the thick saliva! I hope he isn't dehydrated. Had that happen with my dog once and had to be given introveneously (prob. mispelled--no time to look it up) You definitely don't want him to get dehydrated--very dangerous--could die if got bad enough!!!

Sounds like your dog needs to be seen by the vet again if this has gotten worse since you saw the vet last!!! Esp. if you suspect an infection of any kind. And if dog has a fever--another reason to see the vet. If it is like you say--I would not put this off!!

It may be that you need to see a dif. vet?! In rereading your posts--I get the feeling that you are hoping the problem is just the heat and that your dog isn't sick (and I get the feeling he is!) I may be off base here but what your vet suggested sounds a little like putting a bandaid on and ignoring the problem because he doesn't know what is wrong for sure! What DO you think? I am trying to read between the lines here!!!

[lupin]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

It sounds like you have a suspicion of more going on than just the hot weather! Didn't vet rule things out? I am not an expert here by any means but it sounds like your dog could need more (cold)water--the thick saliva! I hope he isn't dehydrated. Had that happen with my dog once and had to be given introveneously (prob. mispelled--no time to look it up) You definitely don't want him to get dehydrated--very dangerous--could die if got bad enough!!!

Sounds like your dog needs to be seen by the vet again if this has gotten worse since you saw the vet last!!! Esp. if you suspect an infection of any kind. And if dog has a fever--another reason to see the vet. If it is like you say--I would not put this off!!

His temperature is around 40c. The vet gave some glucose monohydrate to keep him from getting dehydrated. I'm thinking of going to a different vet tomorrow to get a second opinion regarding this.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by lupin

His temperature is around 40c. The vet gave some glucose monohydrate to keep him from getting dehydrated. I'm thinking of going to a different vet tomorrow to get a second opinion regarding this.

I am glad to hear this--It sounds like it is a wise thing to do! Where do you live---Lol, living in the states--I don't do 40c--Is that like 104 degrees?

[lupin]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

I am glad to hear this--It sounds like it is a wise thing to do! Where do you live---Lol, living in the states--I don't do 40c--Is that like 104 degrees?

yeah, that's 104 degrees.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by lupin

yeah, that's 104 degrees.

The average temperature of a healthy dog is 101 °F or 38 °C, however, the normal temperature of a healthy dog may range from 99 °F to 102.5 °F (37.2 °C–39.2-----You do know that having a temperature can dehydrate your dog but you need to also find out what is causing the temp to be high and get it treated--so there is more to worry about than just the dehydration. Hope you find out and 'fix' it. Keep us posted---Don't like to worry about your dog and wonder if it is okay. By the way what is your dog's name? Can't remember if you said how old he is!

[lupin]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

The average temperature of a healthy dog is 101 °F or 38 °C, however, the normal temperature of a healthy dog may range from 99 °F to 102.5 °F (37.2 °C–39.2-----You do know that having a temperature can dehydrate your dog but you need to also find out what is causing the temp to be high and get it treated--so there is more to worry about than just the dehydration. Hope you find out and 'fix' it. Keep us posted---Don't like to worry about your dog and wonder if it is okay. By the way what is your dog's name? Can't remember if you said how old he is!

He's Lupin

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by lupin

He's Lupin

Guess I should of guessed that from your username! I did the same thing (use my dog's name for my username!) and prob. most members do this too! ops: But it could of been your last name! LOL.

[CorkyMax]

Temperature of Healthy Dog
The Physics Factbook™
Edited by Glenn Elert -- Written by his students
An educational, Fair Use website

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Bibliographic Entry Result
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Result
Carlson, Delbert G. and Griffin, James M. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. New York: Howell, 1992: 407. "Adult Dog: 100 to 102.5 degrees F. (rectal) (Average: 101.3 degrees F)." 37.8 39.2 °C
Geller, Roger. First Aid for Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Information Network, 1998. "Temperature is between 101 degrees and 102.5 degrees." 38.3–39.2 °C
Spadafori, Gina. Dogs for Dummies.IDG, 1996: 190. "..anything below 99 degrees or above 102.5 degrees is worth a call to the veterinarian" 37.2–39.2 °C
Gerstenfeld, Sheldon L. The Dog Care Book. Canada: Addison Wesley, 1979: 33. "A normal temperature is from 101 degrees to 102.5 °F." 38.3–39.2 °C
Rivera, Angel M. and Gaveras, Peter. First Aid–A Summary of First Aid Tips For Pet Owners. USA: Waltham. "Normal temperature: Dogs and cats = 101 °F–102.5 °F. Temperatures below 100 °F or above 103 °F are abnormal." 38.3–39.2 °C

The average temperature of a healthy dog is 101 °F or 38 °C, however, the normal temperature of a healthy dog may range from 99 °F to 102.5 °F (37.2 °C–39.2 °C).

Dogs are homothermic or warm-blooded animals animals. Their body temperatures are maintained at a fairly constant level regardless to the temperature of their environment. The hypothalamus is the main part of the brain that regulates body temperature. When the body temperature is low, the hypothalamus stimulates the body's muscles to shiver. When the body temperature is high, the hypothalamus will stimulate the sweat glands and stimulate the blood vessels of the skin to allow more heat to escape from the body.

Like most animals, dogs are insulated by their fur against heat lost or gain. Since dogs don't have sweat glands other than the one's located on their footpads, they pant in order to reduce their body temperature. They exhale large volumes of air by panting. A dog might get heatstroke if it's locked up in an unventilated area on a hot day. In this case, panting would not be helpful in reducing the dog's body temperature.

A healthy dog is vibrant, alert and is enthusiastic about living. They are always ready for exercise or entertainment. Muscle movement is one of the main ways in which a dog can produce heat to maintain their body temperature. Another way is by food digestion. Like people healthy dogs have temperatures that varies one or two degrees depending on the time of day, emotional state, level of activity, and environment.

Jie Yao Huang (Janice) -- 1999

[Lara's mom]

I live in Toronto where it is hot and very humid during the summer. I exercise my kids early in the morning and after the sun goes down. In my apartment I have a powerful AC running 24/7 in my living room and there is a fan blowing directly on our bed to keep us cool at night. This year, I'll be buying a small AC for the bedroom so that at night, everybody will be cool.

[Todd]

I'd try our recommendations but if nothing improves within the next couple of days I'd def. take him to another vet to be looked at. You're doing well by keeping him inside in front of an air conditioner. have you consider shaving his coat down or is that wacky to do to a husky? Sorry, I don't know much about grooming because my dog doesn't have much hair at all. Make sure he has fresh, cold water at ALL times! This is very, very important to keep him hydrated. Here are some more tips I dug up online from various sites on keeping your dog cool in hot weather;

Fill up a baby pool. This is a great way to keep your dog cool. He'll hop in and cool off when he wishes.

Crushed ice is great too! Not only will he keep cool but it will also clean his teeth and give him something fun to do!

Keep exercise to a minimum and don't work your dog too hard during hot weather. It's best to stick to short walks in the morning or evening when it is not as hot outside. Walk where there is grass; sidewalks can heat up and make it difficult and painful for your dog.

Does your dog like to swim? Huskies need a lot of exercise I believe so swimming in a local pond or lake would be a great source of exercise as well as keeping cool.

Make sure your dog always has some shelter during hot weather. Always provide some shade for your dog. Without shade your dog can quickly overheat--and it is dangerous for your dog when she can't get out of the sun.

Make sure your dog has water at all times. In hot weather your dog can drink a lot of water, so you will need to make sure there is always enough. An automatic dog water bowl is a great idea. This type of bowl is hooked up to a garden hose to ensure that your dog always has water.

NEVER leave your dog in a car. They can literally die from the heat in a very short amount of time! If the dog needs to be in the car invest in a product where there is mesh in place of a closed window.

In the heat of midday, keep your dog indoors in either air conditioning or in a well-ventilated area with circulating fans.

WARNING: Be aware that the outside temperature may actually be warmer than what the thermometer reads. The heat index, a measure of the temperature and relative humidity, makes it more difficult for a body to cool down by perspiration. A temperature of 85 F can actually feel closer to 100 F (or higher) depending on the index.

Here is a site on what to do in the instace of heat stroke;

Dog Heat Stroke

*Could your dog have an underlying disease or disorder such as asthma or some other airway disease or any condition that impairs breathing? If so, this could be why he has been feeling poory lately. Here some info about that online;

Heat stroke can be associated with swelling of the throat. This aggravates the problem. A cortisone injection by your veterinarian may be required to treat this.

Asthma and Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) are conditions in which the airways (bronchi) in the lungs overreact to certain things (such as hot weather).

This could be VERY dangerous if your dog actually has one of these conditions or something else because this can literally kill your dog when in hot weather. I would def. have this checked if a diagnosis hasen't already been made.

Good luck and I hope everything goes alright.

[CorkyMax]

Todd/quote]--have you consider shaving his coat down or is that wacky to do to a husky? Sorry, I don't know much about grooming because my dog doesn't have much hair at all.

No dog should be shaved--It messes up the coat--When it grows back---It will not be the same (Not good!). I know because it happened to my cocker-Max. His hair grew back straight and does not lay exactly flat--esp. on his legs--tends to stick straight out--not the prettiest! I wish I had known this before the (never again!) idiot I had for a groomer said it had to be done. Yes the coat had mats, but not that bad,---She just didn't want to do it right! What did she get paid for-----almost anyone can shave a dog!! And to boot I know she slapped him and gave him a nose bleed! The vet had to give him a shot to stop the bleeding. Hey--all you groomers in here--Would you ever shave a dog --and I mean to the skin!? The only time a dog should have to be shaved is a rescued/stray that was so bad you could do nothing else!

And that being said--A dog should not lose it's coat because it is needed for insulation--because of heat or cold!

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Todd/quote]--have you consider shaving his coat down or is that wacky to do to a husky? Sorry, I don't know much about grooming because my dog doesn't have much hair at all.

No dog should be shaved--It messes up the coat--When it grows back---It will not be the same (Not good!). I know because it happened to my cocker-Max. His hair grew back straight and does not lay exactly flat--esp. on his legs--tends to stick straight out--not the prettiest! I wish I had known this before the (never again!) idiot I had for a groomer said it had to be done. Yes the coat had mats, but not that bad,---She just didn't want to do it right! What did she get paid for-----almost anyone can shave a dog!! And to boot I know she slapped him and gave him a nose bleed! The vet had to give him a shot to stop the bleeding. Hey--all you groomers in here--Would you ever shave a dog --and I mean to the skin!? The only time a dog should have to be shaved is a rescued/stray that was so bad you could do nothing else!

And that being said--A dog should not lose it's coat because it is needed for insulation--because of heat or cold!

Oh ok. I wasn't aware of that. thanks for the heads up.

[Yogi]

actually that is been an old wives tale for years that shaving a long haired dog in summer will help it stay cool. Fact is the guard hairs serves as an insulator in winter and deflector in summer. The natural shedding of winter coat is a tell tale of how a dogs coat works with regards to cold and heat. By shaving the dog you allow no protection from the heat which is only magnified as it no longer has protection but instead direct sunlight and heat to the skin.
In Thor's case, during the summer as with all of my large breed long coated or heavy coated dogs, we ran a hose on them. This allowed the cool water to reach the undercoat. It is great when you do not have a pool or lake or river for a dog to get into.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Yogi

actually that is been an old wives tale for years that shaving a long haired dog in summer will help it stay cool. Fact is the guard hairs serves as an insulator in winter and deflector in summer. The natural shedding of winter coat is a tell tale of how a dogs coat works with regards to cold and heat. By shaving the dog you allow no protection from the heat which is only magnified as it no longer has protection but instead direct sunlight and heat to the skin.
In Thor's case, during the summer as with all of my large breed long coated or heavy coated dogs, we ran a hose on them. This allowed the cool water to reach the undercoat. It is great when you do not have a pool or lake or river for a dog to get into.

thanks for the explanation. that is something i did not know until now. very insightful.

[CorkyMax]

I am adding this info to this older thread as it is on the same subject and also this info needs to be bumped up as it is important this time of the year! Want to add here also---Please do not leave your dog (or cat) in a car when it is hot out--The temp. can get over 100 degrees in there easily--A dog could die very quickly and in a short length of time. Fact is it was on my local news just recently that a dog died because of this! :cry:

10 Ways to Spot Heatstroke in Dogs - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com