Need advice on a mistreated baby.

[dustinleephil]

During our Christmas get together I found out about a 12 year old Yorkie who was being badly mistreated, the people kept him locked in the basement for days, without social interaction and no telling what else. I told my brother in law (the one who was taking about him) that I would take him. Well he talked to the people and they agreed to give him up. I have him now and need advice on what to do. He's skin and bones, has no teeth and his hair is missing on his lower back. I'll take him to the vet next week, I just need to know what to do in the mean time. How much should I feed him and what should I feed him? I'm pretty sure he is malnourished.

[dustinleephil]

I'll try to add some photos of him. If I can from my phone.

[kjc]

My vet recommends feeding a normal maintenance type diet (19-23% protein), nothing way high in nutrients... he lost the weight gradually, best to put it back on gradually. Canned food has more nutrients and water in it, but you could also feed him soaked, softened kibble, occasional chicken and rice, chicken baby food to add to the food to entice him to eat. Just follow the instructions on the package and feed by his weight, adjust the amount as he gains his weight back.

So very kind of you to take him in.

[Marhcarter]

Poor baby! I can see his little bony back from that tiny photo! He looks so depressed!!!
BLESS YOU for taking him in! Does he have a name?
I get so mad when people have a pet & then don't care for them. What is the point of having him??? Breaks my heart. Have they had him his whole 12 years? It may take this baby a while to realize that his life of Hell is over.

[MarkFromSea]

That is so sad... The poor guy... I'd guess simpler is better. Moistened dog food or some rice to start.. see what his stool is like.. adjust... A warm bath if he seems mentally up to it... lots of snuggle time... ours is old but plump. How does he seem socially? Keep him warm.

[KeeganRiley]

Bless you for getting involved and taking in this innocent little neglected fellow. I wonder if he even knows he's safe yet.
I agree with the others that a bland, soft diet in small amounts until he's stabilized would be best. Without knowing his health issues, warmth, hydration, and calm reassurance may be the other main needs to be met initially. Your vet can offer more information after examining him.
I hope he adjusts well and that his health is restored as well as his trust in people.

[Harrysmum]

Oh my goodness, his poor, sad, pleading eyes and slight little body....


God bless you for taking him in, you're an angel to just get on with it, and thank goodness they agreed to just hand him over....


As others have asked - apart from diet etc. - how is he with you all? I think I'd just have to wrap him in a bit fat warm fleece and cuddle him forever more.... Sally + Harry x

[dustinleephil]

Thanks for the quick responses. His name is Sheldon but they call him Yoshi? They've had him probably three years. He was mistreated when they took him in. He seems to have really bad anxiety. He licks constantly there are wet spots all over the bed. I left him alone for a few minutes and when I came back he had been licking his back. I'm guessing that's why his hair is missing there some sort of separation anxiety?

[SWHouston]

Gees, hearing things like this really burns my buns !
Bless you for taking him in !
I think a lot of petting and love will get that little guy back to normal as quick as anything else.
Don't you think for a minute, he doesn't know what you're doing for him and so do we.
I've always thought there is a special place in Heaven, for people who rescue.

More pictures please !

[MarkFromSea]

If he's up to it... a bath, something to soothe his skin... warmth.

[Marhcarter]

Originally Posted by dustinleephil

Thanks for the quick responses. His name is Sheldon but they call him Yoshi? They've had him probably three years. He was mistreated when they took him in. He seems to have really bad anxiety. He licks constantly there are wet spots all over the bed. I left him alone for a few minutes and when I came back he had been licking his back. I'm guessing that's why his hair is missing there some sort of separation anxiety?

Why, why WHY would someone take a dog they knew had been mistreated and continue to mistreat it? AARRRGGHHHHH!!!!
I'm with Sally. Cuddle him up and take him around with you until he is more secure in his surroundings. I'm willing to bet that he is used to his humans leaving the room and then not returning for days, according to your original post. So sad...

[dustinleephil]

Originally Posted by Marhcarter

Why, why WHY would someone take a dog they knew had been mistreated and continue to mistreat it? AARRRGGHHHHH!!!!
I'm with Sally. Cuddle him up and take him around with you until he is more secure in his surroundings. I'm willing to bet that he is used to his humans leaving the room and then not returning for days, according to your original post. So sad...

I don't know that makes me so mad. He's so sweet I'll try to post more pictures. It's hard to take them because he wants to be right on top of me. I'm just glad they agreed to give him up. I've been worried sick since I found out about him on Christmas Eve.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by Marhcarter

Why, why WHY would someone take a dog they knew had been mistreated and continue to mistreat it? AARRRGGHHHHH!!!!

Oh exactly.....'humans'.....


I was wondering too if he might like a warm, gentle bath - and whether he might be up for wearing a little sweater - not just for warmth, but maybe to prevent some of the licking?


Poor little soul....he's very lucky to have found you Sally + Harry x

[Jellybaby]

Oh this poor little guy, how horrible that he was treated like that I'm so glad you came to his rescue and have him now.

It might be helpful to feed a number of small meals throughout the day. Just until he starts to put up weight and feel a bit better. His stomach might not be able to handle large amounts of food in one go if he wasn't fed much up until now.

If he has spent large amounts of time in the basement on his own then he might be easily stressed and startled by normal, everyday noises in the house such as radio,tv, pots and pans clashing, fans etc. Until he adjusts to his new home maybe you could see if a quiet-ish environment might help him relax and then gradually introduce more noise as he settles in? I don't know if that's possible for you to do or if it's even an issue with him but thought I'd mention it just in case. Bach flower rescue remedy might help with his anxiety.

The best of luck with him, I'm so happy this little sweetie is in your care now!

[barneysmommmy]

Thank you!!!! At least this baby will have a happily ever after. The sweater to prevent licking is a great idea. I would talk to your vet about his specific dietary needs.