Sick puppy?

[KnR18]

I have a 4 year old Alaskan Malamute that has been sick (or at least to me) I think it may be depression as in Nov her mother had an accident and was at the hospital for a week then when she came home both my fiance and I were helping her all the time as she couldnt walk on her own.  We then went on vacation 2 weeks later and left the 2 pups home. My mother in law was staying at the house and taking care of them both.  When we came back from vacation my fiances son came to stay with us.  I think my pup may be depressed by all the changes that are going on.  She hasnt been eating so we changed her food a week ago thinking that it may have been the food (We fed them Blue Buffalo) She seems to want to sleep and be lethargic and not interested in much.  My fiance noticed she had a lump on her belly below her skin, by her ribs.  It felt hard and I thought maybe she was backed up.  Any one have any ideas of what this could be?  I havent taken her to the vet yet as we are still paying on her mothers bill.  She was such a happy puppy before all this happened.

[Margot49]

LOL, Jerry.  Love the math comment.

Yep, those dogs must love the snow and a bit of heaven for them, I'm sure. Ever feel their coats?  Ever felt a coat on a wolf?  I watch shows on TV and wonder how these dogs survive in Winter.  That mystery was solved when I went over a couple of wolves, tame and privately owned. :-).
Those breeds need exercise.  Don't think I would want one as a lap dog.

[Jerry_NJ]

Follow up, forgot to mention this testimony.  

Looking at your picture I see a sad dog that looks a lot like a Malamute that lives in my neighborhood.  I often see that dog on a walk with its owner, even in the past unusual cold weather we just went through in NJ.  I saw them on the road at about 5 degrees.  The woman was dressed in what would pass for ski cloths, including face mask, and the dog looked like it was for a "walk in the park in spring time".  I'll guess she walks that dog a mile or two every day, the dog looks to be in peak health and spirits.

[Jerry_NJ]

I agree and think the one-on-one quality time may be a great low cost money wise start.  Be sure she drinks water, that is a must.

Are you feeding Kibble and Canned, or just Kibble?  Wet food/canned is in my experience very popular with dogs, especially if they eat mainly Kibble.

If the dog doesn't have any problems with food allergies, yes some do, then buying a few flavors of low cost quality canned food my provide one that temps her.  Tractor Supply House Brand 4Health is very high quality according to "dogfoodadvisor"  and at $1 a can buying five flavors is only $5 (yea, I've had a lot of math training :  )   )))

[Margot49]

Well, it does sound like a lot has been going on and her routines were obviously disrupted.  Are things back to normal at home now?
Is she not eating at all?  Have you maybe tried boiling up some chicken and rice and see if she eats that?  Any vomiting or loose stool?  Is she drinking water?

Have you tried giving her some one on one quality time even if it is a daily walk or play time?

The lump concerns me but I see any lumps, I get them checked out and at least get a needle aspiration, if questionable.  Getting a Vet exam and some blood work done might not be a bad idea.  

Please keep us updated and good luck.