How to Care For a Malnourished Dog

How to Care For a Malnourished Dog

Malnutrition in dogs happens when their body suffers from a nutrient deficiency. This is common in homeless dogs, but sometimes even domesticated dogs can experience it. If your dog isn’t getting the required essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, he will become thin and weak.

But aside from your dog’s diet, malnutrition can also be caused by health problems. Thus, it is important that you take your dog to the vet when they are showing any sign of malnourishment. Remember that the sooner your dog gets treated, the faster he will become healthy and happy.

Signs of Malnutrition in Dogs

·         Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues

·         Visible bones

·         Weak immune system

·         Red, irritated, patchy or flaky skin

·         Generalized weakness

You can easily tell if your dog is nutrient deficient, especially when it is already in its severe stage. So always monitor any changes in your dog’s appearance, coat health, and behavior.

Treating a Malnourished Dog

1. Visit a vet

To make sure that your malnourished furry friend is properly treated, vet care must be a priority. The vet will perform a thorough examination, estimate a healthy weight, and check his temperature and mouth.

Furthermore, the dog will be examined for any presence of dehydration and parasite infestation. A diet will only be prescribed if there are no major health issues detected. But if dehydration is severe, intravenous feeding will be used.

After your initial visit, you will be advised to bring your dog back to the vet clinic regularly. This is an excellent way to determine if your pet is gaining his optimal body weight and if he is adapting to the nutritional treatment.

2. Feed him properly

Once you notice that your dog becomes skinny, you may think of feeding him with a lot of food. But this can do more harm than good. His digestive system can’t process the excess food, leading to different gastrointestinal problems or even death.

Instead of giving lots of food, you must give him small meals of vet-recommended food for up to four times a day. The use of high-end, quality pet food may be advised for dogs of all ages because this food contains plenty of nutrients and calories.

Don’t forget to have clean, fresh water always readily available.

3. Give him a warm space

Due to the fact that malnourished dogs lack the insulating fat to keep their body warm, you must provide your canine with a warm, comfortable space. You can let him rest in a soft bed with several blankets until he recovers.

Malnutrition in dogs is not a joke. When left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage or death. So as soon as you notice any of the abovementioned signs of malnutrition, bring him immediately to the vet.

As he starts to recover, continue to schedule vet visits. Working hand-in-hand with the vet is the best thing you can do to make sure that your furry friend receives the care he needs.

Along with getting him great veterinary care, make sure to visit Pet’s Delight for all your pet’s food, fun dog toys and other essentials. He will definitely be back to his healthy, happy life in no time!