Accepted Answer

Hi Julio,

I'm sorry Champ is not feeling well. If he is shaking and his body is hot, he has a fever, and this may be caused by an infection in his body which can only be treated with antibiotics from the vet, after an in person examination. For the moment, you can try to lower his fever by wiping him down with a cool, damp cloth, don't let him get a chill while damp, and place ice packs wrapped in a towel against his belly and under his arms, for a few minutes on/a few off. Normal temp for dogs is between 100.5 and 102.5, so if you can take his temperature rectally with a regular thermometer or a digital one, this would be a good idea.

Also, encourage fluids, and if he's not drinking on his own very much, dropper or syringe feed him water. Older dogs are more prone to develop various medical conditions, so it is advisable to have him seen by the vet, ASAP. I completely understand your financial bind and the organizations listed at the link below, may help you pay for his vet fees and medications. Also, Care Credit may help; it's a credit card for vet fees and you can pay it off in monthly installments, most times, with no interest, for a limited period of time (this is listed at the site below, also). In addition, call your local Humane Society, ASPCA, and Dog Rescue organizations to ask for help to get Champ treated by one of the vets they use, who may be lower cost or who may see him free of charge, due to your extenuating circumstances.

http://www.speakingforspot.com/helppayingforveterinarycare.html

Please do not use the Vicks in the humidifier or the Vaporub on his chest. This is toxic if licked, and can get in to his eyes and cause severe irritation from the menthol; using a humidifier just with plain water is fine, if he's congested.

He may be breathing heavily due to an infection like pneumonia or another respiratory illness.

I hope you're able to have him assessed and treated by a vet, as soon as possible, and he will be feeling much better, very soon.

Cher

Edited by Cher on 11/5/2009 at 8:06 PM

Expert:	Cher
Pos. Feedback:	99.5 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/5/2009

Dog Caregiver--Extensive Experience

Extensive Experience Caring for Canines; Specializing in behavior and health concerns.