Skinny dog

[JUDY S]

I just took in another dog. She's a sweet lab cross and I couldn't say no, they were going to kill her. She is much too skinny for my liking. Just wondering how long it will take her to gain some weight so the ribs don't show anymore?

[Traci]

Has she been seen by a vet yet? If not, do so NOW, if undernourished, she could suffer some serious health conditions....vet now please, he will probably suggest a specific diet for her but her health needs evaluating thorougly.

[k9Karen]

Traci's right - you need to have her evaluated by a vet. Don't overfeed. While that's the natural instinct because you want her to gain weight, giving too much food can actually make her sick. Take it easy and follow your vet's advice.

[JUDY S]

Thanks guys. I don't know if I can take her to the vet right now. My co-worker just quit and the vet is half an hour away. I do need to take her in soon to get fixed and get her shots. I know that at her previous home there was another dominant dog that didn't let her eat until she was done. She was also alone at their property for almost a week because the owners had moved into town. I am taking it easy with her and keeping a close eye on her, but will get her to the vet as soon as I can.

[Traci]

Please don't undermine the significance of malnourishment, when a pup or adult dog is severely malnourished, chances are they will have developing organ disfunction, and very poor immune response. She may require deworming, antibiotics if infections are detected, fluid therapy if she's dehydrated, and a special diet that provides extra calories/protein, prescribed/recommended by your vet. If not treated promptly, secondary health issues can fast lead to problems, get her seen ASAP.

[JUDY S]

She's not that undernourished. I can see ribs when she turns her body, but when she stands straight you can't see them. However, I will get her in as soon as I can.