Expert: Shelley Davis - 11/6/2009

Question
hey we just found a small dog that is 10-12 years old who is very much malnutritioned. You can see all his bones and he limps and has a cateract. Were wanting to nurse him back to health but we are unaware of what to feed him and how to take care of him. He is really scared and needs help soon. Please tell me what to do.....

Answer
Hi Amanda,

Thank you for writing to me about your newly rescued dog with malnutrition.  

I first want to commend and thank you for rescuing this poor munchkin who desperately needs your love and protection.  This is a very beautiful act of love and kindness and this sweet baby will worship the ground you walk on for doing this.

It is my suggestion that you take your dog to a vet for a full checkup, including a blood panel.  What you see on the outside, is just a small part of what is going on inside after all the suffering and deprivation that he's had to experience.  

In the meantime, feed him very small meals throughout the day.  I would start with some boiled chicken with sweet potato, steamed broccoli, zuccini, carrots, occassional soft boiled egg etc.  No onions, no grapes, no raisins etc.   If you want to feed a dog food, find one like Orijen 6 Fish, or Solid Gold Fish and Potato.  You will want to speak with your vet about tweaking the diet to match the needs of a senior dog.

At age and condition that your dog is in, my strong suggestion is to not vaccinate him.  His immune system would probably not be able to handle it.  

Many good wishes for you and your new found family member.

Shelley Davis