Worried about my little Brodie! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Brodies Mommy · 08-03-2009, 06:12 AM

I'm new to YT and new to owning a yorkie as well. I just got little Brodie a week ago from a pet shop (I know not the best place to get a yorkie to begin with). He was three months old when we got him and quite wiggly and happy. I brought him to the vet and he was a little on the small side - 1lb 13oz but I think it was because he wasn't getting enough food, his little spine was protruding a bit more than I think it should have been. I already brought him to the vet and she said he was extremely healthy with the exception of a mild upper respiratory infection - he sniffs and sneezes once in a while. She sent me home giving him .3mL of cephalexin twice a day.
Brodie will not eat any hard food at all as the pet shop had him on canned food. I have tried mixing his can (Ceasar's for puppies) that they told me to give him with the dried food my vet recommended (Iams) but all he does is lick the canned food off the dry peices.
My concern is Brodie seems to have no energy. He sleeps all night long and I have to wake him up in the morning. He stumbles around when I wake him, then sleeps more on my lap and only after about an hour of sitting on my lap will he eat some food. He then immediately goes back to sleep for another two hours. When I have to go to work I put him in his crate and he throws a huge fuss but by the time I get home, he is sound asleep again and we repeat the process. He doesn't really play much, but likes to follow me around the house. He has already mastered the staircase and likes to adventure around his new home. But he never runs. He kind of walks/mosies around. Is this normal for a 3mo old yorkie or should I be concerned?
I probably sound really paranoid, but I love him to death and I don't want anything bad to happen to the little guy. He just seems too sleepy for a puppy!

dwerten · 08-03-2009, 06:18 AM

why not just feed canned food for now and leave out kibble for free feeding so he can munch on it when he wants this way he will not go hypoglycemic as he is small and maybe switch later when he is use to his surroundings and more settled. Also iams and little cesars are not real healthy foods and maybe some others can recommend some wet foods for you

kalina82 · 08-03-2009, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodies Mommy

I'm new to YT and new to owning a yorkie as well. I just got little Brodie a week ago from a pet shop (I know not the best place to get a yorkie to begin with). He was three months old when we got him and quite wiggly and happy. I brought him to the vet and he was a little on the small side - 1lb 13oz but I think it was because he wasn't getting enough food, his little spine was protruding a bit more than I think it should have been. I already brought him to the vet and she said he was extremely healthy with the exception of a mild upper respiratory infection - he sniffs and sneezes once in a while. She sent me home giving him .3mL of cephalexin twice a day.
Brodie will not eat any hard food at all as the pet shop had him on canned food. I have tried mixing his can (Ceasar's for puppies) that they told me to give him with the dried food my vet recommended (Iams) but all he does is lick the canned food off the dry peices.
My concern is Brodie seems to have no energy. He sleeps all night long and I have to wake him up in the morning. He stumbles around when I wake him, then sleeps more on my lap and only after about an hour of sitting on my lap will he eat some food. He then immediately goes back to sleep for another two hours. When I have to go to work I put him in his crate and he throws a huge fuss but by the time I get home, he is sound asleep again and we repeat the process. He doesn't really play much, but likes to follow me around the house. He has already mastered the staircase and likes to adventure around his new home. But he never runs. He kind of walks/mosies around. Is this normal for a 3mo old yorkie or should I be concerned?
I probably sound really paranoid, but I love him to death and I don't want anything bad to happen to the little guy. He just seems too sleepy for a puppy!

HI and welcome to YT!

Coming from a pet store with the sniffles you really need to keep an eye on that cold. It can be the beginning stages of kennel cough or it can turn into pneumonia real fast. Plus with him not eating its not helping him get better. What i would do is go to the pet store and buy him a better quality canned and dry puppy food. Neither of the ones the pet store or your vet recommended is very good. A lot of us here feed Wellness, Solid Gold, Natural Balance (these three can be found at petco), Innova, or California Natural (these last two can be found in smaller mom and pop type shops). The pet store you got him from gave him the cheapest and worst possible food for him. Its like eat McDonalds every meal. Feed him the canned mainly for now but leave the dry down all the time for him since he's not used to eating it.

Puppies do sleep a lot but they also get burst of energy when they are awake and usually want to play like crazy for a little bit before falling asleep again. It worries me a little that he does do this and would rather mope around. Have you checked his gums? Are they pink and moist all the time? If they are pale during the times he is just moseying around his sugar might be low from his lack of eating. In this case you need to give him some nutrical (which can also be purchased from the pet store) or a dab of karo syrup on his guns to get his sugar levels back up. He really needs to start eating so he can natural maintain his levels. I'm just worried for him since he came from the pet store, has a cold, isn't' eating very well, and mopes around.

Hopefully once you get him on a better quality food and he starts eating he will start acting more like a puppy and he will put on a few extra ounces.

Good luck

Brodies Mommy · 08-03-2009, 06:46 AM

Why would my vet recommend I put him on a food that isn't any good? That's frustrating!
Also, he does eat, he just doesn't eat the dry food. He eats 1 can - 1 1/4 cans of food a day of the Ceasar's. Should he be eating more than that? He is so little I figured maybe they just don't eat much. The Ceasar's puppy seems like it is okay? Corn isn't an ingredient in it at all and the main ingredient is chicken. What should I be looking for in a quality can food? Should he be eating more?

The sleeping all day really worries me. As a side note though - his ears are always up and alert, he never has them down. Also, his eyes are not runny they are bright and shiney like they should be. His coat is shiny as well, not dull.

Patti · 08-03-2009, 07:07 AM

I had a problem with Cali like you are having with Brodie. I fed her Cesars just because she would only eat that and she had already had episodes of hypoglycemia. I found that she would eat the quality canned food, so try and gradually mix some of the Wellness, or others Kalina mentioned. The main thing right now is that he eats frequently even during the night. Please keep us posted.

annamalyssa · 08-03-2009, 10:52 AM

First, I'd like to say that Hypoglycemia can easily lead to death and other problems so it is very important that you keep an eye on him and make sure he's eating something every 4 hours or so. Here is a link to some information on Hypoglycemia in Yorkies, this is always a danger for any puppy or dog (yorkie) when they are under 4 lbs.

Hypoglycemia often seen in tiny or underfed yorkie puppies and Yorkshire Terrier adults

I would go and get a tube of Nutri-cal and Rub a fingertip of it on his gums every 4 hours if he's not eaten or played alot or if you will be gone for a while.

You can also add some Karo Syrup to his water or Sugar so he will be getting some extra when he drinks but If you get the Nutri-Cal I'd only do one or the other. Nutri-Cal really is a MUST for a Yorkie Puppy.

Secondly, Sniffles can easily be Kennel Cough or lead to Pneumonia which is very serious for a baby so small. If he gets Pnemonia he will get lethargic and restless and not eat as much. His temp will rise and he can easily go downhill very fast. Please be sure to watch out for this. Also vomiting can be present as well. If he begins hacking (sounds like clearing his throat or a hairball) get him back to the vet as he may need a different antibiotic.

Also, It is imperative that you figure out how much is normal for him to eat and watch and make sure he eats this. I think that's why some are suggesting you just give him the SOFT FOOD that he enjoys eating for the moment. It is important he eats so if he's picky I would just put up with it for the moment. At least until he starts feeling all better and you get a feel for what is "normal" for him to eat etc. Be sure he keeps hydrated also with plenty of water to drink.

Lastly, The Ceasar's is not a quality dog food and I am not sure why your vet would recommend it. As for the Pet store, They are notorious for doing the bare minimum for their dogs and puppies so that doesn't surprise me at all. I would feed Innova Puppy (Has to be bought from a smaller pet store as Petsmart etc. Does Not carry it) from the can maybe 2/3's of a can a day broken into 3 servings and leave a bowl with 1/3 cup of dry food out all day ... maybe he will munch on it.

Other Brands you can look into:
Welness (PetSmart etc.)
Solid Gold (PetSmart etc.)
Halo
Natural Balance (PetSmart etc.)

Sorry I have put so much information, It would break my hear for something to happen to your little man. I have seen so much heartbreak here on YT. Over things that could have been avoided, or if only the new owners had been educated on the things that could go wrong with such a tiny baby. We don't mean to overload or worry you, we just want to make sure you know what can happen and what signs to watch for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodies Mommy

Why would my vet recommend I put him on a food that isn't any good? That's frustrating!

Also, he does eat, he just doesn't eat the dry food. He eats 1 can - 1 1/4 cans of food a day of the Ceasar's. Should he be eating more than that? He is so little I figured maybe they just don't eat much. The Ceasar's puppy seems like it is okay? Corn isn't an ingredient in it at all and the main ingredient is chicken. What should I be looking for in a quality can food? Should he be eating more?

The sleeping all day really worries me. As a side note though - his ears are always up and alert, he never has them down. Also, his eyes are not runny they are bright and shiney like they should be. His coat is shiny as well, not dull.

Jemma · 08-03-2009, 04:00 PM

I don't like the fact that you have to wake him up and he appears to stumble around. Sounds like the beginning of hypoglycemia. He eats one and one half cans of food a day? That's a lot of dog food for the little guy, lol. Please read up on hypoglycemia and do keep nutical on hand. Iams is definitely not a dog food any dog should have. Vets don't seem to know much about nutrition anyway

Brodies Mommy · 08-05-2009, 04:58 AM

I've read SO MUCH about puppy hypoglycemia. I think I'm driving my dog nuts. He has a nice pink tongue and his gums are pink with the exception of around his front baby teeth which looks to have a bit of brown tinge to them. I got him nutrical and when he seems to get particularly lethargic I give him a bit. He LOVES the stuff and would probably eat the whole bottle if I left it out, so administering it hasn't been an issue.

He still lays around all day and night and has no interest in playing. I'm at a complete loss. I got him a new food and he has no interest in eating it at all. He has started sleeping with me in my bed at night which has really improved his alertness. When I get up in the morning he licks my face and moves around to be as close to me as he can. He never wets the bed but waits for me to put him on his wee pad. He even wakes me up by being all fidgity when he really has to go.
I don't really think he has many signs of being a sick dog other than the sleeping nonstop. His ears are always straight up - never droopy. His eyes are not leaky. He walks around fine, just doesn't ever run.

I'm going to take him to the vet today to see what they think but I really feel as though she isn't going to tell me anything and its going to be a $100 visit for her to tell me to let him sleep. He's worth it, but if anyone else has had a similar issue and can give me some insight please do!!!

dwerten · 08-05-2009, 06:16 AM

is your dog 20 weeks old at least?

Brodies Mommy · 08-05-2009, 06:21 AM

Brodie is 14 weeks old. I've had him for a week now. Why?

dwerten · 08-05-2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodies Mommy

Brodie is 14 weeks old. I've had him for a week now. Why?

because i am thinking you may want to do a blood panel just to rule out any health issues and pre and post bile acid tests as well to test liver - just a thought

08-03-2009, 06:12 AM	#1
Brodies Mommy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Westbury, NY, USA Posts: 79	Worried about my little Brodie! I'm new to YT and new to owning a yorkie as well. I just got little Brodie a week ago from a pet shop (I know not the best place to get a yorkie to begin with). He was three months old when we got him and quite wiggly and happy. I brought him to the vet and he was a little on the small side - 1lb 13oz but I think it was because he wasn't getting enough food, his little spine was protruding a bit more than I think it should have been. I already brought him to the vet and she said he was extremely healthy with the exception of a mild upper respiratory infection - he sniffs and sneezes once in a while. She sent me home giving him .3mL of cephalexin twice a day. Brodie will not eat any hard food at all as the pet shop had him on canned food. I have tried mixing his can (Ceasar's for puppies) that they told me to give him with the dried food my vet recommended (Iams) but all he does is lick the canned food off the dry peices. My concern is Brodie seems to have no energy. He sleeps all night long and I have to wake him up in the morning. He stumbles around when I wake him, then sleeps more on my lap and only after about an hour of sitting on my lap will he eat some food. He then immediately goes back to sleep for another two hours. When I have to go to work I put him in his crate and he throws a huge fuss but by the time I get home, he is sound asleep again and we repeat the process. He doesn't really play much, but likes to follow me around the house. He has already mastered the staircase and likes to adventure around his new home. But he never runs. He kind of walks/mosies around. Is this normal for a 3mo old yorkie or should I be concerned? I probably sound really paranoid, but I love him to death and I don't want anything bad to happen to the little guy. He just seems too sleepy for a puppy!

08-03-2009, 07:07 AM	#5
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I had a problem with Cali like you are having with Brodie. I fed her Cesars just because she would only eat that and she had already had episodes of hypoglycemia. I found that she would eat the quality canned food, so try and gradually mix some of the Wellness, or others Kalina mentioned. The main thing right now is that he eats frequently even during the night. Please keep us posted. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

08-03-2009, 04:00 PM	#7
Jemma Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 838	I don't like the fact that you have to wake him up and he appears to stumble around. Sounds like the beginning of hypoglycemia. He eats one and one half cans of food a day? That's a lot of dog food for the little guy, lol. Please read up on hypoglycemia and do keep nutical on hand. Iams is definitely not a dog food any dog should have. Vets don't seem to know much about nutrition anyway __________________ Carol And Jemma Be Kinder Than Necessary, For Everyone You Meet Is Fighting Some Kind Of Battle

08-03-2009, 06:18 AM	#2
dwerten BANNED! Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA Posts: 11,073	why not just feed canned food for now and leave out kibble for free feeding so he can munch on it when he wants this way he will not go hypoglycemic as he is small and maybe switch later when he is use to his surroundings and more settled. Also iams and little cesars are not real healthy foods and maybe some others can recommend some wet foods for you

08-03-2009, 06:46 AM	#4
Brodies Mommy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Westbury, NY, USA Posts: 79	Why would my vet recommend I put him on a food that isn't any good? That's frustrating! Also, he does eat, he just doesn't eat the dry food. He eats 1 can - 1 1/4 cans of food a day of the Ceasar's. Should he be eating more than that? He is so little I figured maybe they just don't eat much. The Ceasar's puppy seems like it is okay? Corn isn't an ingredient in it at all and the main ingredient is chicken. What should I be looking for in a quality can food? Should he be eating more? The sleeping all day really worries me. As a side note though - his ears are always up and alert, he never has them down. Also, his eyes are not runny they are bright and shiney like they should be. His coat is shiny as well, not dull.

08-05-2009, 04:58 AM	#8
Brodies Mommy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Westbury, NY, USA Posts: 79	I've read SO MUCH about puppy hypoglycemia. I think I'm driving my dog nuts. He has a nice pink tongue and his gums are pink with the exception of around his front baby teeth which looks to have a bit of brown tinge to them. I got him nutrical and when he seems to get particularly lethargic I give him a bit. He LOVES the stuff and would probably eat the whole bottle if I left it out, so administering it hasn't been an issue. He still lays around all day and night and has no interest in playing. I'm at a complete loss. I got him a new food and he has no interest in eating it at all. He has started sleeping with me in my bed at night which has really improved his alertness. When I get up in the morning he licks my face and moves around to be as close to me as he can. He never wets the bed but waits for me to put him on his wee pad. He even wakes me up by being all fidgity when he really has to go. I don't really think he has many signs of being a sick dog other than the sleeping nonstop. His ears are always straight up - never droopy. His eyes are not leaky. He walks around fine, just doesn't ever run. I'm going to take him to the vet today to see what they think but I really feel as though she isn't going to tell me anything and its going to be a $100 visit for her to tell me to let him sleep. He's worth it, but if anyone else has had a similar issue and can give me some insight please do!!!

08-05-2009, 06:16 AM	#9
dwerten BANNED! Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA Posts: 11,073	is your dog 20 weeks old at least?

08-05-2009, 06:21 AM	#10
Brodies Mommy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Westbury, NY, USA Posts: 79	Brodie is 14 weeks old. I've had him for a week now. Why?