What could be wrong with my underweight Siberian Husky?

Question

My 3 1/2 yr. old Siberian Husky just had her first litter. After the litter was born I found out that she was underweight. She was also discovered to have a uterine infection but was put on antibiotics and it seemed to clear up. Since the temperature in Texas has been so hot both her and my male have not been eating dry food. Her vet said that it is probably their breed and the fact that it is so hot. I have gotten them to eat canned, but she still has had a low appetite. She is not gaining weight and seems in fact to be loosing it. I have tried giving her puppy chow and feeding her more often both of which the vet said to try but have had no better results. Could this be depression from not being with her puppies any more? Any advice?

Answer 1

Hi. You didn't happen to mention just how much she weighs. As a"mom" of a very petite 8 year old female, I have found out over the years that their weight varies greatly. I was told for years mine was "underweight". She averages around 32lbs. If and that is a priority, if she is negitive for worms, including heart worms, she might be a picky eater. After working with Siberian Rescue, I learned just how picky this breed can be from dog to dog. Try offering 2 kinds of soft in the morning. A little of this and a little of that to make a full meal. And a high quality kibble at night. This will not work for every dog, but it works for mine. She gets bored very easy with the same food every day. Now she cleans her bowl.

Answer 2

I agree with the possiblity of worms. When was she last wormed? Has your vet done a fecal test? Is your dog dehydrated? What about fleas? Anemia is a possiblity, are her gums pale? Does she have a fever? The infection may not be cleared up. What are her other symptoms?

When I have a pup or dog that is a picky eater for no health reason, I feed cooked drained hamburger, scrambled eggs, cooked white rice (60% of total) & low fat cottage cheese mixed together - feed twice a day. Then, I slowly add in the dry dog food over the course of about a week. Nutri-cal is also a great product to help up her calorie intake.

Have you thought of placing a fan by your dogs? Do they have shade, not just a dog house? What about bringing them into your air conditioned house?

Answer 3

I would have her checked for worms .... most all dogs have worms to one extent or another but they are kept in check by her bodies natural defenses .. pregnancy and childbirth, just like in humans, can weaken the dogs natural defenses as her body focuses on growing the pups and that can allow the natural worms in her system to have a "population explosion".

Answer 4

have u tryed different kinds of dog food? or maybe she misses someone did 1 of her pups or her mate die or move away? or maybe its worms, there more common 2 appear after giving birth. hope she gets better!:)

Answer 5

i would definately suggest taking her to the vet cuz if she has lost that much weight something serious could be wrong,i.e. heartworms, a tapeworm, or some other kind of parasite