Sick Malamute from being outside?

[govashtigo]

My dog, Maya, has recently gone from being exclusively an indoor dog to an outdoor dog due to her no longer behaving as if she is housebroken and having other recent behavior issues. She is approx 8 yrs old, a female Malamute or Malamute mix and about 125 lbs. She has been outside for the last month or so, but with access to the garage, and in the last week has started whining often, then she seemed to have a fever (dry warm nose) and now had a discharge from her eyes. In the last day that discharge has become thicker and yellow/greenish and she has suddenly had a hard time walking and getting up and down, which seems to be getting worse. She whines very often and has lost some weight I think. I plan on taking her to the vet on Monday as soon as I get home (I have to be out of town for work until then) but am worried that she will worsen over then next day and a half. Do you have any idea what could be affecting her? My daughter is home with her now and I'd like to be able to tell her something she can do to make Maya more comfortable. Please Help!

[pitgrrl]

Sounds like an infection of some sort. Could your daughter bring her to a vet sooner than Monday? Take her temp. to see if she does, in fact, have a fever? Has the dog now been brought inside?

Honestly, if the dog has gotten to the point where she's having problems getting up and moving around, it's clearly an issue which needs attention immediately.

In the longer term, perhaps sorting out the behavioral issues so that the dog can return to the type of life it was accustomed to would be a better solution than leaving her outside.

[Karin]

I agree. She needs to be seen pronto.

[clm]

I would say a vet visit should have been first order of business when the housebreaking issues started at 8 years of age. Definately a sign that something medical is likely wrong. Don't wait, get her to a vet asap. Turning an 8 year old inside dog into an outside dog is going to create all kinds of issues of it's own.

Cindy

[Chaser]

If she is spayed and the "housebreaking problems" were leaking urine, she may have spay incontinence. This is easily fixed with a hormone pill that costs approx. $0.75-1.50/week (depending on the dosage needed - but it is generally inexpensive).

Leaving your dog outside has risked her health and will now likely result in a much larger vet bill. She sounds quite ill - please see a vet ASAP.

Please ensure she remains hydrated. If she doesn't want to drink, try giving her ice cubes. If she is off her food, try tempting her with a high quality wet food (Wellness, Innova EVO, Nature's Variety) or some plain cooked chicken and rice. And please bring her back inside where she will be more comfortable!

[chico2]

I am a bit ignorant about dogs,but putting a dog outside to face solitude and the cold weather at 8yrs of age,is cruel.
If she has a touch of arthritis it will only make matters worse,her problems with doing her business inside,is more than likely a cureable medical problem,not a behavior one,please take her inside.even if you have to keep her in one room only.