Need advice on a mistreated baby.

[gracielove]

That poor little dog. Try to give him a good quality of can food or softened dry food. Not the stuff you find in the grocery store. That stuff is bad. I guess there is not much sense in trying to feed what they were feeding him since it was probably not a consistently proper diet

He could have skin issues from bad diet and environment but licking can also come from boredom and nervous anxiety. This guy has had an awful life so licking is probably the least of his issues. It is best to try to distract him when he starts licking obsessively. Sometimes you need to interrupt the brain from doing a pattern of repeat activities. Getting him to concentrate on something else helps a lot.

Certainly a bath in something soothing would be helpful. Since his diet has probably been bad an all natural shampoo and conditioner would be best. Sulfates at this point would only make his skin itch more.

If you can get a stool sample just before you take him to the vet it will make it easier for them to check for worms. Poor little guy. Thank you for giving this guy a home where he can get the love and attention he deserves for whatever time he has left on this earth.

[SophieKatesMom]

Good job, that poor little guy looks so scared and thin. I am glad you have him.

The licking could also be from stress or maybe even a food or flea allergy. I would let your Vet look at it and make a recommendation but in the mean time I would put a tee shirt on him.

I would start giving him three small meals a day but making sure you do not over feed him, get the weight on him slowly. You can also try feeding him some small bites kibble by hand, it is a great way to get a little extra food in them and to bond with the dog making him feel safe.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[docmartin]

Poor little fella, I'm sure the love and attention you impart him will eventually comfort him and a good probiotic may be of help too?

Thank goodness he found you and your kindness.

[jeane]

thank God that you took him// poor little guy/ I don't understand how someone could do that

[Patti]

Everyone has given great advice. I just wanted to say that was such a great thing you did. I hope he has many good years left with you enjoying the life he should have always had. You are an angel.

[Cherie6446]

He has that sad look you see in the ASPCA commercials. How people can be so cruel? Bless you for saving this little soul. Please keep us informed on his progress. What are you going to call him?

[dustinleephil]

I've been calling him Little Bit. He's so tiny! I was thinking about getting some NutraCal would that help him at all?

[JuliannaB]

WOW, what a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2014 you have given 'Little Bits'. Kudos to you for letting him into your heart and your home!!! He looks so forlorn in the pic I noticed that he seems to have some blue in his eyes. Wondering if he's going blind or perhaps cataracts?? I'm no expert, but thought I'd chime in with my observation. I'm sure in a short time he will have a smile on his face; as soon as he knows for sure that he has found a loving home... forever. I'm sure when he totally comes around that you will be showered with LOADS of kisses If you are not attached to a human already, he will make a good chick magnet. haha! Oh, and your story will steal their hearts for sure. Cheers to you both and sending positive thoughts your way for a long loving relationship. Thanks for sharing this great Christmas story.

[JuliannaB]

Oh, my manners - welcome to YT

[Juliealfies mum]

I'm so glad ,that you have taken this little one in. He may just be licking out of habit or he could have a flea allergy or something, its hard to tell.
Once you get him settled and a vet visit has been done you will have more idea what is going on. Good luck with everything and keep us posted.

[dustinleephil]

The sweater was a good idea! It's keeping him from licking his back. It's one of Macy's though and she's a hoss, so it swallows him. Haha.

[Deb1]

Oh my gosh, that is such a sad little face! Bless you!

[Lilah Charm]

Poor little guy I am so glad you took him in, welcome to yorkie talk I would definitely give him a bath as he may have fleas or come Into contact with something undesirable in the basement like exposed insulation or something awful. I think the sweater is a great idea and am supportive of the feeding little bits at a time throughout the day of canned food or something Similar and soft like honest kitchen. I ended up having a little papillon dropped n my arms many years ago who turned out to have severe anxiety and she needed constant supervision for years and was a danger to herself if left alone- crating was a no go for her too. I love the sling idea if he is comfortable with that. Good mum with your new little guy. I look forward to hearing the vets evaluation.

[Doodlebug]

He looks so sweet. Poor little thing. Now he will have the life that he has always deserved. I'm so glad he is with you now. I hope you will post lots of updates and pictures.

[dustinleephil]

Pictures are hard since my internet at home is down and only have my phone. But I'll try to get some ASAP. The people I got him from said the vet told them to keep him on dry food. He has no teeth. I bought a can of blue wilderness grain free food today and he gobbled it up and hasn't been licking as much. (I'm not sure if it is the sweater or the food). I can't see how dry food can be good for a dog with out teeth. They said the vet said it would harden his gums. To look at this little guy doesn't seem like he's been to the vet in a while. Thanks again for all the support and advice. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on him.