I hate to be a downer here but has your vet run any bloodwork on him? Low weight, difficulty putting and keeping weight on a dog, and anorexia are early signs of Liver Shunt. LS is so prevalent throughout the breed that really all Yorkies should be tested for it, regardless of them showing any symptoms, as many do not show any indications of having it even when they do.
To put weight on a dog, start by feeding a regular diet, 2 -3 times daily. I leave kibble out too, but with regular mealtimes, they tend to look forward to it and may eat better, and just snack on the kibble as they want throughout the day and night. Also, find a nutritional treat to give him between meals. I can manage my older dog's weight by regulating treats alone. If that doesn't work, I would increase the amount of his meals by 20%-25%. If that doesn't work, I would decrease the amount of each meal, and feed an extra meal during the day. (go from 2-3 times to 3-4 times daily). You have to really play around with different methods to find out what's most effective for him, and still feasible for you to accomplish (depending on your personal schedule).
One of the best things anyone can do for their dog is to give them Probiotics with enzymes. These work in the intestines to break down the food consumed and turn it into more readily available nutrients that the body uses for replenishment and growth on the cellular level. It keeps the good bacteria in the intestines built up for optimum digestion, and prevents bad bacteria from taking over, which can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. It can also help to increase the dog's appetite.
Good Luck, and let us know how he does!
Last edited by kjc; 04-04-2010 at 08:08 AM.
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