The Samoyed is an old canine breed and is one of the dozens of dog breeds that haven’t been genetically modified by humans. This is the secret to why Samoyed dogs are among the healthiest dog breeds today.
These dogs are also known to be highly adaptable to living with humans. When adequately cared for, fed, and exercised, they can live for over a decade, perhaps even longer. They should always be in the pink of health for this to happen, though.
Although Samoyeds are known for being healthy, it does not mean that owners of Sammies shouldn’t be mindful of their dog’s health. While they are known for being a salubrious canine breed, the Samoyed dogs are still predisposed to various health problems. They are more likely to experience drug-related side effects when given sulfa medications.
Talk to your vet about these concerns if you’re a proud owner of a Samoyed or expecting a Sammy puppy in the coming weeks. Look for one you can trust to look after your dog’s health. You are welcome to add a note to your dog’s medical records. It should be clear to your dog’s attending vet that sulfa medicines and sulfonamides are not to be administered to your dog.
This article aims to provide a rundown of some of the most common health problems and potential issues that Sammies may confront. The intention is not to dissuade anyone from getting a Samoyed. But instead to prepare and educate prospective pet owners on how Sammy’s health would likely fare in their life span.
If you are planning to have a dog anytime soon, it’s crucial you set your expectations right. It will equip you with the right set of knowledge on how you should take care of your dog, regardless of the breed.
Do Samoyeds Have Any Health Problems?
The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog with a white, shaggy coat. They have a sweet temperament and can withstand extreme cold. These dogs have an average life span of ten to twelve years. During this period, they can be susceptible to a string of possible health problems.
Samoyeds will likely suffer from respiratory problems due to allergies or lung infections. And without proper medication, such conditions will quickly exacerbate in no time. If that happens, the dog can suffer from labored breathing and persistent coughing. In the worst-case scenario, it may even set the stage for the outset of other health problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even cancer. So, early treatment is crucial.
Diabetes and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are two ailments that Samoyeds are also prone to have. Hypothyroidism, stomach torsion, and cataract are all issues that will need proper medical attention.
Canine Hip Dysplasia, or CHD, is a significant health problem for this breed. Thus, it would require immediate treatment. Such a condition is a qualified genetic disorder that can induce a Samoyed to suffer from extreme pain and may even pave the way for the onset of arthritis. Arthritis in dogs usually impairs their mobility and gets in the way of their balance.
Samoyeds have a respiratory tract that is uniquely suited to cold climates. This is due to the fact that they are initially from the frigid regions of Siberia, reputed to have the most frigid weather on the planet. This canine breed is predisposed to various extra health issues caused by genetic hypothyroidism, diabetes, CHD, and PRA.
Do Samoyeds Have a Lot of Health Problems?
A Samoyed is more likely to suffer from genetically based diseases and health conditions than physical ailments. In other words, their genetic makeup or lineage contributes to or causes their health issues. These ailments disproportionately affect this breed, claim geneticists and veterinarians who study dogs. However, this does not mean to say that your dog will certainly suffer from these health conditions, 100%. This shows how vulnerable this particular breed of dog is to these health issues.
Dental Disease
By the time dogs reach the age of two, 80% of them will have inflamed gums. This is the most prevalent and chronic issue in many dogs today. Unfortunately, compared to other dogs, Sammies are more likely to suffer from problems related to their dental health.
Tartar buildup on the teeth is the first of the telltale signs that a dog will soon suffer from possible gum disease. And the build of tartar on the base of a tooth will lay the groundwork for gum and tooth root infection.
If Samoyed owners fail to protect their dogs from dental disease or keep the outset of tooth problems at bay, your dog will lose his teeth anytime soon. Seasoned veterinarians say this condition may lead to damaged kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. With that scenario, Sammies are at risk of living only less than three years because of this!
Infections
Samoyeds, like all dogs, are predisposed to bacterial and viral infections like parvo, rabies, and distemper. You can keep your Sammy protected and safe from contracting ailments brought about by viruses by getting them vaccinated.
At eight weeks of age, your puppy will need its first immunization, and at ten to twelve weeks it will need its second. Your puppy will be fully protected after the second immunization takes effect. After that, your dog will need to have his booster shots every year to keep his immunity up.
The vaccination history of a Samoyed puppy is crucial information to have before bringing it into your home. You can obtain this information from your Samoyed breeder. Most of the time, they should be able to hand out to you the Samoyed pup’s original vaccination certificate. This document is proof that the pup you are buying from them is ready and safe for rehoming.
It is also important to know what particular vaccine shots it still needs to receive so that you can inform your vet about it. He will be the one to administer the vaccine your puppy is lacking, after bringing it home.
Obesity
The Samoyed is prone to developing severe health issues related to obesity. It is a serious disorder that may cause or aggravate other health problems if left untreated. Such conditions would include joint pains and metabolic and digestive difficulties. Obesity or too much weight can also lay the foundations of heart ailments in a Samoyed.
Parasites
Inside and out, a dog’s body is susceptible to invasion by different worms and parasites. Fleas and ticks can plague their skin and ear-to-ear mites can infest them. They can contract hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms if you let them drink contaminated water.
Mosquito bites can also infect them with parasitic worms that can thrive in their bloodstream. This is a serious health hazard that may cost your dog his overall health and life.
Parasite infestation in canines should be taken seriously. It is because some parasitic organisms can be passed to humans. So, you can also be at risk of worm/parasite infestation if your puppy is already infected. There are instances also that it can even cause premature death. So, caution is a matter of concern for dog owners.
Preventive medication is the key. This is your dog’s first line of defense against infestations of dreadful parasites and worms.
What Health Problems Do Samoyeds Have?
In terms of their number and complexity, Samoyed dogs can have many health problems. Sadly, Samoyed owners are not always aware that their pooch is predisposed to various health issues. The Samoyed has the following genetic predisposition:
Bloat
Dogs with deep, narrow chests are more predisposed to GDV, or bloat, a condition caused by the stomach twisting on itself. Sammies are at a greater risk for this condition than other canine breeds.
Dogs suffering from this condition have the gas in their tummy drive their stomach to twist in on itself, leading to bloat. Because of this, both the stomach and the spleen are forced to stop receiving blood. The condition can be fatal without proper treatment, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes.
Symptoms include retching or heaving (with little or no discharge). Aside from these two symptoms, dogs afflicted by this condition tend to be restless with an enlarged abdomen. Sometimes also, they tend to lay in a prayer position (front legs down, rear legs up).
One possible remedy for this ailment is to tack or suture the stomach in place. Doing so will hopefully prevent it from twisting. Visit an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible if you notice the symptoms mentioned above manifesting on your Sammy!
Diabetes
“Canine diabetes mellitus” is a common ailment in many canine breeds. It can afflict any dog, but Samoyeds seem more predisposed to this particular illness than other breeds. Dogs suffering from diabetes need to be given an adequate amount of insulin shots every day. It is because their bodies can’t control their sugar metabolism.
A prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential because this kind of illness is life-threatening. Some symptoms include an increased need for food and water. There is also an observable frequency of visits to the bathroom and a significant loss of body mass (emaciated body). This manifests in a dramatic loss of weight in dogs.
Lab tests are crucial for detecting this issue should a Samoyed exhibit the aforementioned symptoms. A Samoyed owner can explore treatment options with the vet if lab tests confirm diabetes. The life span of Samoyed dogs with controlled diabetes is the same as that of healthy dogs who are without diabetes.
Eye Problems
A few things can affect your dog’s quality of life, like the proper functioning of his eyes. Samoyeds are likely to suffer from a number of diverse eye conditions. Some of these ailments in their eye/s can lead to blindness if there is no proper treatment in place.
So every time you bring your dog to his vet for a checkup or vaccination, have them also examine as well your fur baby’s eyes. They’d immediately identify if your Sammy is likely to suffer from an eye condition. Sometimes, to avoid complications, it may require immediate veterinary care and attention.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that paves the way for an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. Intraocular pressure can be measured using a device called a “tonometer”. In order to help the Samoyed overcome this condition, the owner should consider a handful of treatments. Possible treatment options can be discussed further by the attending vet clinic.
Neurologic Problems
Some Samoyeds are predisposed to develop neurologic disorders. A neurological disorder is a condition that can make dogs suffer from sudden seizures or uncontrollable tremors.
Physical symptoms include lethargy and instability. In some cases, the dog may sleep excessively or would be dozing off for long periods. You should take your Samoyed puppy to the vet as soon as possible if your pooch is manifesting any of these symptoms.
Multiple Skin Problems
A wide variety of skin disorders and infections may affect your Sammie. Yeast is one of the culprits in at least one case (Malassezia dermatitis).
Symptoms of an ear infection in Sammies include irritation, redness, and the buildup of a waxy, brown discharge in their ear canal. This condition manifests externally as oily, hairless patches. If you look closely at a dog with this kind of infection, you will notice this mainly around the neck and throat area. This is also characterized by a distinct odor.
Seborrhea is another uncommon skin infection in Sammies. This canine skin problem may set the stage for dry, flaky, oily, and greasy skin. Your dog will be itchy and will be scratching all the time, causing significant discomfort every single time.
Veterinarians often see food allergens as the root cause of skin infections in Sammies. Besides the use of the right bathing products, diet modification is a must in treating canine skin problems. You may need to consult a qualified veterinarian near you on the specifics of diet modification for your Sammy.
Kidney Disease
Samoyeds are predisposed to develop renal failure early due to “glomerulonephropathy.” This is a congenital illness that causes progressive damage to the kidneys. Examining a dog’s urine to see if it leaks protein from damaged kidneys is possible. The process will help determine if there is an abnormally high protein concentration.
Early detection is always the best protection for Sammies against kidney stone disease. And a more straightforward, cost-effective treatment approach will help save their life and health. So, an annual urine test for Sammies is encouraged.
And as part of treatment, diet modification for the Samoyed may be necessary. Samoyed owners suffering from kidney issues should work hand in hand with their vet for proper monitoring and treatment.
Cancer
One of the most common causes of mortality for senior Samoyeds is cancer. Your Sammie can outlive many other breeds (medium- to large-size canine groups), although he may seem more susceptible to cancer in his later years.
Cancer in the canine world comes in various forms, but many of them may be remedied by either chemotherapy or major surgery. The key is to identify the onset of disease at its early stage!
Regular diagnostic tests will allow your doctor to spot abnormalities in your Samoyed. This process is a must to prevent the disease from even progressing into more serious health problems.
Bleeding Disorders
Samoyed owners must know that too many canine blood anomalies are passed on from one Samoyed generation to another. The spectrum of their intensity would range from hardly noticeable to life-threatening.
The dog usually doesn’t show signs that it could bleed severely until after an accident. Or when a major procedure is performed on them, when the animal appears to be doing well. Samoyeds are also not immune to Von Willebrand’s disease. This is a condition that will induce their body to suffer from excessive bleeding.
Before undergoing a surgery procedure, blood clotting time and DNA tests must be carried out first. This will help in ruling out the possibility of Von Willebrand’s disease in a Samoyed pup.
How Do You Keep Samoyeds Healthy?
A central component of caring for a Samoyed is to ensure they are always on a salubrious diet that will promote their health. Depending on the dog’s age and special dietary requirements, the type of food you provide them can vary.
With regard to their size and activity level, they may need to receive different amounts of food. For this, you can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or clarifications if you have some doubts in mind. Do so if you are unsure of what kind of food or how much chow your dog needs.
To complement a balanced diet, Samoyeds also need regular exercise. Dog breeds like the Samoyed need frequent exercise because they are robust and high-energy dogs. It is a must for any Samoyed pup owner to provide these dogs with a good outlet for their excessive amounts of energy.
Make sure also that you take your Sammy on at least one or two walks of a modest length each day. They love to explore their surroundings, just like any other dog breed. Allow them to run around in an enclosed space, or you can just let them engage in some form of play either indoors or outdoors. This will ensure that your Sammie is and remains happy.
Some of the various sports that Samoyed dogs excel in are hiking, skijoring, agility trials, carting, mushing, and herding. The most important thing to remember here is to ensure that your dog gets plenty of physical activity daily. These dogs tend to develop disruptive behavior and may become unruly if they don’t have an outlet for their extra energy.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Samoyed?
Samoyeds often live 12 to 15 years on average. However, some of these dogs live much longer than that. Unknown to many, there is a secret to extending any dog’s life. First and foremost, you must know how to take care of their health.
If you want your Samoyed to live as long as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Like any other canine breed, the longevity of a Samoyed will largely depend on two things. One is the type of food you offer them, and the second is the amount of exercise they get daily.
Most pet owners don’t like to think about how long their animals will live. Often, it pains them to realize that their beloved pet or fur baby can only stay with them for a very limited time. The eventual demise of their pet dog or cat is something they dread and would rather not talk about.
But knowing how long a Samoyed typically lives and what you can do to help your dog live a long and healthy life will work to your advantage. It will help you save money on their medical care. Moreover, you’ll also be giving your pet a better quality of life.
Is There Anything You Can Do to Prolong the Average Life span of a Samoyed?
One of the best-kept secrets to extending the life of any dog beyond its average life span has something to do with its health. Get your Samoyed only from a reputable breeder. From that moment on, its health and well-being are your responsibility. You are now in charge of the dog’s health and well-being. This is a tremendous responsibility, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner.
The care, nourishment, and activities you will give your dog every day will determine its health and longevity or how long it will live.
Maintain a Social Life for Your Samoyed
A Samoyed that lacks social skills with both people and other dogs is the last thing you will want for your fur baby. This is bad for your health and also bad for your nerves.
Are you aware that Samoyeds are capable of taking socialization classes? If your Sammy is not adequately socialized, it might exhibit timidity just like any other dog. They’d be afraid or would be too anxious to be touched by other people. They’d be too wary of being close or in proximity to other dogs or cats.
Formal puppy training and dog obedience classes are sometimes all it takes to give your dog the socialization skills that it needs. After going through a socialization program, your dog will be ready to conquer the world. It may even prepare him to eat with the Queen herself.
Samoyed Care
The more space you have in your house, the more opportunities for your Samoyed to exercise or engage in various physical activities. Samoyeds are incredibly high-energy and love having a lot of space to run about. If you have a sizable backyard for them to play in, that’s an advantage.
Apartment living is not highly recommended for Samoyeds unless you can give them enough time for outdoor fun.
The main objective of any Samoyed owner should be to keep their fur baby preoccupied, which is easier said than done. A bored Samoyed may likely develop disruptive behavior in the long run. If you have a Sammy or will have one soon, make him take part in cognitively demanding activities, exercises, and sports.
Make sure you undertake all their extracurricular activities in a cooler environment. The thick fur these dogs have on their bodies will not fare well in the blistering sun. As much as possible, avoid exposing them to extreme heat, or risk them suffering from heatstroke.
If you want to keep your Sammy cool throughout a muggy afternoon, the most viable option is to do indoor exercise. Playing on hard surfaces like concrete could increase your Samoyed’s risk of developing hip dysplasia. If you engage them in a fetch game, see that they will do so on turf.
Finally, please wait until your Sammy is at least two years old before using it to pull sleds. A Sammy’s joints and bones would have fully developed at two years old.
Nutrition
A Samoyed should be fed 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dried food daily. You can split this into two separate meals. A bowl of food left out and within their reach will encourage overeating, so avoid doing this. These estimates are, however, subject to change based on the pup’s size and activity level.
Some Samoyeds tend to consume more food than others. An active Samoyed tends to have a more robust, more intense appetite. However, serving your dog with high-quality chow will keep your Sammy fuller for longer. Thus, saving you money in this aspect of Samoyed care.
A vital growth stage for Samoyeds lasts between four and seven months, so keep that in mind. At this point, the importance of their food to their health increases. It would be best to feed your Samoyed a diet of 12 to 15% fat and at least 22 to 24% protein.
Get Your Samoyed in Good Shape
To verify if your dog is gaining weight or not, you can perform an eye test on it. When you glance down at your Sammy, you should be able to see its waist. Otherwise, he is gaining an unnecessary amount of weight.
Alternatively, you can put your hands on its back and extend your fingers downward while moving your thumb along its spine. Without looking at them or exerting too much pressure, you should be able to feel its ribs. If you can’t sense its ribs, your dog may be gaining a lot of weight lately. So, it’s high time you put your Samoyed into a weight-loss program with lots of exercises if you can’t feel its ribs!
How Long Can a Samoyed Live?
Studies have shown that Samoyeds may live anywhere from 12 to 15 years with their humans. Knowing the Samoyed life span is essential for everyone who owns or plans to adopt a Samoyed.
A Samoyed’s longevity and health depend on many different factors. Its overall life span can be influenced by breed attributes, proper diet, and even spaying and neutering.
Scientific research has shown that the longevity of a dog’s life varies significantly with respect to its breed. The life span of medium- to big-size dogs is much shorter when compared to that of smaller dogs. For example, a Chihuahua may live up to 17 years, but a Great Dane dog may only live for about seven short years.
How Old Is the Oldest Samoyed Dog?
The Samoyed has been around for several millennia. Some Samoyeds lived up to 25 years old in good health before dying from natural causes. Dying from natural causes means these dogs were really old by dog standards when they passed away but are surprisingly still healthy. Only a handful of these dogs perished from some illness.
Senior Sammies that died from old age were fed a healthy diet by their owners. This demonstrates the need to provide your dog with the best health-promoting diet for them. Doing so will keep them in good shape and thus help extend their life beyond what was previously thought possible.
The said canines lived very long lives because they were fed a diet rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Salubrious food choices. Perhaps they were also served raw meat of chicken and beef on some occasions. (Word has it that occasional raw feeding is more beneficial to dogs than traditional canned dog food and kibbles).
Do Samoyeds Pant a Lot?
If the temperature in their surrounding environment is rising, a dog’s sole recourse to cool themselves is to “pant”. When dogs are hot, they put out their tongues to cool down. Panting in dogs is best classified as a form of their natural “thermoregulation” mechanism.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands on their skin. But some can be found on the nose and paw pads. When they pant, air passes quickly over their tongues. It causes the saliva in their mouths and nasal passages to evaporate fast. Hence, they cool off in no time, and thus their body temperature subsides, too.
But panting can only do so much for a Samoyed. A dog struggling from heat exhaustion or heat stroke will need more than just panting to regulate his body heat. This is why it’s crucial to provide your dog with other ways to cool themselves, mainly when the weather is hot.
There is nothing unusual when a dog pants a lot, especially on a muggy afternoon. They tend to do so when they are overly excited, hot, or stimulated. But it will be a different story if your Sammy is panting heavily, or manifesting labored breathing. It may indicate that your fur baby is dangerously overheated.
Another reason for heavy panting in dogs is that their bodies are trying to cope with a chronic health issue. It is also likely that they have been through a life-threatening injury. A qualified veterinarian may need to examine them. Whatever the reason is for your dog’s frequent panting, it may be a warning sign that you need to pay attention to their health.
Why Does My Samoyed Pant All the Time?
To effectively answer this question, taking a closer look and analyzing the physical makeup of the Samoyed, is important. You must understand that these dogs are biologically well adapted to survive in subzero temperatures. This is why they have a two-layer coat, with an inner coat and an exterior coat.
The first layer of the Samoyed coat traps heat when the surrounding temperature is cold. It also helps keep moisture out, so the skin surface stays dry. However, it works differently when it is humid or when the weather is hot. So, instead of trapping in heat on a muggy afternoon, their inner coat regulates air flow to keep the dog’s body temperature low.
But their coat can only do so much to keep the body temperature low and may not be enough to make the Samoyed feel comfy all the time. Hence, another cooling mechanism should be in place. This alternative cooling mechanism comes in the form of panting.
If the temperature rises to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), Samoyeds will begin to pant to cool themselves off. In light of this, a Samoyed is prone to suffer heat stroke if they remain in a hot environment or if you have them exposed to the scorching sun for an extended period. Incessant panting or labored breathing in a Samoyed indicates that they are on the verge of heatstroke.
As temperatures outside increase, the Samoyed’s panting will intensify with greater frequency. You will easily notice this if you are familiar with how your pooch pants on any regular day. For this reason, Samoyed owners living in temperate regions are advised not to bring their dogs out if it’s too hot outside. Remember that heatstroke can be fatal, and it might be too late for your dog to survive if it strikes him.
Dogs, with respect to their size, breathe anywhere from ten to thirty times every minute. So, you must be very familiar with your dog’s normal breathing and panting patterns. If you know what is normal and not normal for them, it will be much easier to spot if there are any unusual deviations.
Are There Any Other Reasons Why Samoyed Pant?
Other than overheating, there are other explanations why a Samoyed would pant every now and then. Because dogs lack an efficient system of sweat glands like humans, they must pant to cool themselves. Contrary to popular notion, panting is not the same as labored breathing.
Compiled below are some other reasons why Samoyeds, or double-coated dogs for that matter, would pant a lot in hot weather.
Your Dog Is Tuckered Out
Despite being very hardy dogs with high stamina, Sammies can get exhausted and pant a lot to lower their body temperature when they get heated up. A dog’s body can’t sweat out because they don’t have sweat glands. Therefore, they would pant to release the excess heat off their body.
Samoyed dogs are dead tired after playing and running around the house all day or after returning home from a long walk. These dogs will pant and salivate heavily when tuckered out. This should subside, though, after a while (around 15 to 30 minutes), there should be a decrease in their panting rate. Otherwise, you will want to call your veterinarian if you observe your pooch having labored breathing or would pant much longer than, say, half an hour.
Your Samoyed Needs to Drink Water
One of the canine instincts is to keep company with their humans. Your Sammy may thirst for water. But most of the time, they will choose to stay in your bedroom with you, even if they know that their water bowl is in the kitchen next to your room.
They will never be too far from their water bowl and would have their drink if they want to, but yes, they will delay doing so most of the time. Not because they are slacking off, but because they prefer to stay with you much longer. Hence, they pant to cool down their body heat.
Dogs who pant can lose significant amounts of water in their bodies in no time. But they need to remain hydrated all the time. But keep an eye on how they hydrate themselves and not allow them to drink from unclean water sources such as sidewalks, mud holes, or water drains. Always refill their water bowl with clean, potable water.
Dirty, soiled, and contaminated drinking water can be detrimental to their health. Besides, it may harbor organisms not easily seen by the naked eyes like microscopic worms. Once these parasites gain access or entry to your dog’s system, your dog’s health and well-being are at a greater risk.
Your Samoyed Is Experiencing Stress
Panting is a classic symptom of stress and anxiety in all dog breeds. It can be caused by a lot of things. Some of the leading causes are traveling, unfamiliar noise, and surroundings.
Samoyeds typically acclimate to car travel. Some of them may even enjoy it, but if your Samoyed is uneasy with shifting positions, try not to force them to it. Both of you will experience tension and anxiety as a result.
The same is true for loud sounds like those produced by massive speakers, the explosion of crackers, or the sudden honking of a car horn. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll see a pattern emerge and identify the things that can possibly stress out your Sammy. As much as possible, veer away from such situations or trigger elements and find another place, somewhere peaceful to take your Sammy to.
Your Samoyed Is in Extreme Pain
When they are in pain, dogs may shiver and pant a lot. When your dog is not feeling well or is sick, he may limp, struggle to walk, or run slowly. He would appear uninterested in doing any kind of activity, and would rather sleep than take part in anything.
Always pay careful attention to changes in their posture, demeanor, or physical appearance. They may be telltale signs that something is amiss in your dog, and you don’t want to miss out on that. Early detection of an illness in a dog can eventually save his life, and related medical expenditures will be minimal only.
Your Samoyed Is Ill
Dogs cannot articulate their pain or discomfort to humans, but you can read their body language to figure it out. You need to know how to identify drastic changes in urination frequency, weight loss, lethargy, and excessive napping.
When your dog keeps urinating constantly, there is something wrong with him. These Samoyeds may be suffering the initial stages of organ failure. It is also possible they may be having cardiovascular, renal, skin, and musculoskeletal problems. They may also have glaucoma, retinal atrophy, diabetes, or pulmonary issues.
Many illnesses and health problems specific to the Samoyed breed are hereditary. But this won’t mean that your pooch will have them all in his lifetime. This only suggests that these dogs are more likely to contract these ailments than any other dog breed.
But Samoyed owners should not always equate panting as something bad, something ominous. It is not always a foreboding of their incoming ailment. There are also instances where panting denotes something positive. For example, they would pant and run the house like crazy when you finally arrive home from work or school. You see it in their eyes, they will be bright and spritely when they finally see you stepping in at your doorstep.
A Sammy, panting and staring straight at you after you’ve come home, is synonymous with them saying, “I am so glad you are finally here again. Welcome back, my human!”.
Your Samoyed Has Eclampsia
Eclampsia, commonly known as milk fever, can cause heavy breathing or deep, intense panting in dogs and Sammies. Eclampsia is a severe illness that affects nursing dog moms. Low blood calcium levels make it difficult for the dog to stand up or walk. In addition, sudden tremors can also be observed. Allergies, infections, or inflammation inside your dog’s airways can induce wheezy, noisy breathing.
These changes in your dog may warrant a trip to your vet if your pup is panting excessively, coughing, or wheezing.
Your Samoyed Is Happy to See You
Their respiration may considerably increase when your dog sees you after a while. Sometimes Samoyeds will show their affection to their humans through excessive panting.
This usually happens when you get home from work, school, or grocery shopping. Seasoned pet owners know this far too well. It is because dogs are known for their explicit expressiveness when showing affection and love to their human families. They experience this all the time.
Samoyeds, and many other canine groups, always form strong bonds with their humans. Thus, they become even more devoted to them. Some of them will leap frantically around you as they run like crazy. You can tell by their actions that they are too excited to see you back. Their excitement is always accompanied by the strong wagging of their tail, barking loudly, running around the house, or leaping on you.
This behavior is comparable to how you catch up on your breath after meeting a celebrity or a high-profile personality. To these dogs, you, as their beloved human, have a status equivalent to that of someone worthy of high esteem. Do not confuse this for an ailment, please. Your dog may be OK, and the chances are high that you probably behave overly concerned.
What Should I Do if My Samoyed Is Panting Excessively?
Samoyeds are a highly energetic breed. They tend to pant heavily during and after exercise or after going through any kind of rigorous physical activity such as running or chasing a smaller critter. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes for their panting to subside and thus calm down his heated-up system.
The cool-down period might last up to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity and length of the exercise/activity your dog just had. Once they have calmed down, their normal breathing pattern should follow next.
And while they are also resting, some Samoyeds may still pant. This is normal and nothing to worry about, but the frequency of their panting should be from heavy to normal. Thus, you must know what your dog’s typical panting pattern is. Otherwise, you would hardly see any difference.
Is your Samoyed panting a lot also? Is it taking him more than 30 minutes to cool down after a strenuous physical activity like running or chasing a small critter? You should call a veterinarian and get your Sammy examined thoroughly if this is the case. A qualified vet can help determine your dog’s condition and what course of action you may take.
What to Do if Your Samoyed Pants So Much at Night?
Many factors can lead to nighttime panting. It would be best to determine whether the room is too toasty for your dog. Samoyeds are a Nordic canine breed. Thus, they come with a thick coat primarily intended for subzero temperatures.
At no time should the temperature in the room go above 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. Failure to keep the ideal temperature for Samoyeds at a safe level, your dog would pant a lot. Prolonged exposure to heat would render them susceptible to heatstroke.
You should also pay close attention to your Samoyed’s respiration pattern. This will include the sounds he makes when he breathes, such as faint murmurs, wheezing, or coughing. Sammy owners tend to ignore these external signs. Often, they think they are insignificant. But they need to be aware that these things can sometimes foretell severe cardiac problems in a dog.
To keep your Sammy healthy for longer, you need to learn how to identify these minor telltale signs of possible health issues early on.
Why Do Samoyeds Curl Their Tails?
All Samoyeds may trace their ancestry back to Siberia, where they were grown and raised in the harsh arctic climate. Their fluffy tails were ideal for covering their faces and keeping them toasty on a chilly night. So, these dogs eventually developed the habit of curling them when resting or sleeping at night.
A purebred Samoyed won’t have a tail that curls up like a flag or is firmly coiled. It should be slung over the back and slanted to one side.
When retiring for the night on a cold evening, Sammies will curl up their bodies into a ball. They will have their front paws tucked near their body and their tail curled against them. Samoyeds can keep their noses toasty by draping the tip of their tails over them.
Often, these dogs will let their tails down only when they are comfortable and at peace. If their tails curl back up again, know they’re on alert mode and wanted to be attentive to their surroundings.
What Does It Mean When the Samoyed Tail Is Down?
Sammies communicate with their humans primarily through their tails. When these dogs are happy, sad, scared, or even injured, they use their tails to tell their humans what they want. They also use their tails to express how they feel.
If you are a Samoyed owner and want to understand your fur baby on a deeper level, you must keep an eye on how high or low they set their tail. Doing so will give you a sense of how it’s feeling at any moment. Your dog feels happy and alert if his tail is up. It would be anxious or scary when they tuck their tails in.
But there would be a couple of other reasons if your Samoyed will have a drooping tail instead. Here are some of the possible reasons why they will have their tail down:
- Your Sammy is at ease in your company or feels relaxed in your presence.
- Your Sammy is enjoying his space and moment.
- Overexertion
- The weather is cold
- Lockup or confinement for some time
- Muscle injury
- Problems with their health
In almost all cases, when Samoyeds are comfortable and at peace or having their meals, they will let their tails droop. But when they sense the need to be attentive and alert, they would curl their tails back up again.
A Samoyed who tucks his tail between his legs may be a sign that your dog is fearing something or is anxious. It is also a sign of total submission. Doing so will help them hide their genitals and thus prevent other dogs from sniffing on them. This is synonymous with keeping their identity secret. So, in a way, tucking his tail is synonymous with a human covering his face to conceal his identity.
How Many Hours a Day Do Samoyeds Sleep?
The Samoyed is an active and energetic breed of dog. Their daily sleep pattern is between ten and fifteen hours, especially when they are tuckered out due to a good exercise or physical activity. Younger puppies less than a year old will need more shut-eye time. Generally, these dogs do not nap for long because they are so energetic, but they can take short naps for up to six hours each day.
A little laziness and slacking off is a common attribute among Samoyeds. So, owners must devise creative ways to keep them active and preoccupied. The best way to keep them active is to engage them in mentally stimulating activities. Sleeping 12 to 15 hours a day is considered healthy for a Samoyed if they exercise enough. As with any breed, they tend to sleep even more as they get older.
Samoyeds are similar to humans in many ways. One of which is they require adequate rest to remain healthy, active, and in a good mood. Dogs are among those animals that are gifted with heightened senses. This gift makes them more sensitive to background noise than the average human. So, while your Samoyed is sleeping/napping, keep the house as quiet as possible. Sudden and abrupt noises around them can disrupt their sleep.
Like humans, these dogs tend to grow restless throughout the day if they lack sleep and rest. If that scenario happens, one of the possible setbacks is possibly the outset of disruptive behavior.
Where Should Your Samoyed Sleep?
If you bought a Samoyed puppy, don’t try to crate-train it right away on the first night you bring him home. Otherwise, you will have to endure a night of intense vocalizations of distress from your pup. But if you should decide to go with it anyway, make sure you line your puppy’s crate with a blanket. Chuck in some toys, if you like. It will make it more inviting for your pup and may pacify him eventually. You should keep the puppy’s kennel in your bedroom and lower the lights.
Samoyeds prefer cool temperatures to warm ones. So if the house gets too toasty for your new fur baby, you may have them spend the night outside if you have a backyard.
But, some Samoyeds are incredibly gregarious and thrive on human company. It may not be a good idea to let Sammies of this kind go outside and spend the night alone. They would howl in protest. Sammies of this kind need proximity to their owners. Some Samoyed owners claim that their pets suffer separation anxiety even if they are just confined to a kennel in another room.
There is no better option than crate-train your Samoyed (but you need to know how to) and have them sleep inside the house.
Can Samoyeds Sleep Alone?
To thrive, Sammies need to be in the company of their humans most of the time. Even at night, they still need to see their beloved humans by their side when they need to be fast asleep. So, making some of these dogs sleep alone may not be good for their mental health.
Otherwise, you may need to train them to sleep alone while they are puppies. This way they will get used to being on their own when they need to doze off. They need to learn that it is okay to without anybody in sight.
If you have plans of buying a Samoyed pup anytime soon, train him to sleep alone as early as possible. Perhaps crate training your pup for this purpose will help. Once they are accustomed to sleeping on their own, there should be no trouble if you need to leave them in your house by themselves.
Remember this, Sammies can be left alone in your house for a maximum of four hours only. Beyond that length of time, their “alone” period would be highly intolerable for them.
These dogs are predisposed to become vocal and nasty chewers when left alone for a long time. It will be a very stressful time for them, but not all Sammies have this kind of separation anxiety issue. It is best not to leave your dog alone for more than four hours at a time, if at all possible.
Very few breeds of dogs can thrive in a literally tranquil and peaceful home, this includes the Samoyeds. Basically, these dogs can’t handle isolation from their humans very well, even if only for a short period of time.
Why Do Samoyeds Sleep Funny?
Try browsing the Internet today, and you’ll see that hundreds of thousands of Samoyeds are sleeping in the most bizarre or unusual ways.
Some Samoyed owners report that their fur baby intentionally sleeps in the corner of a room. They would do so even if they know they had their designated doggy bed. It would be comfy, soft, and all, but still their fur babies seem to have a high reluctance to even lay themselves on it.
Maybe these Samoyeds “refuse” to sleep on their dog bed just to cool off. They may have found a “cooler” spot inside the house or a corner in a room to doze off or sleep in. Because these dogs come in thick coats, they tend to overheat very quickly. They may find their doggy bed too hot for them to sleep on. So, their best recourse is to look for a “better” place to rest.
Scientists say that a Samoyed’s favorite sleeping position will likely change with respect to where they lay to sleep. Sometimes they will also change their sleeping position if they are in the company of their humans. So, their position will not always be the same and may change from time to time.
There is the so-called “Superman” position. This is one of the most popular sleeping positions for Samoyeds. They’ll lay on the floor with their arms and legs spread out and their bodies would be in a flat, unyielding position.
According to research, dogs sleep in the “Superman” position so they can return to their active lifestyle quickly when they’ve finally woken up. In the case of Samoyeds, this may be the case, especially after they’ve been physically active all day. There’s a chance they’re still eager to play, but exhaustion has compelled them to lie down and sleep to recharge their energy and stamina. They could doze off like this on any nearby flat surface to get back up and resume their game later.
