[Sushie]

Hi,

I don't think my mongrel puppy is gaining weight. She's about 3 months old. I'm thinking that the reason for this is that she was weaned at a very early age. We adopted her actually. We found her wandering in the streets. We looked for the owner and he gave her to us. I think I'm giving her the right amount of food. Her tummy becomes "bloated" when fed but that's it. When I stroke her back, it's too much bony. I can even feel her rib cage up to the bones near her tail. She seems happy though. She is quite active and loves to play around. And is it true that dogs' growth slows down when carried and played with to much?

Any advice? No hate replies please. I love my dog so much.



thanks.

[MrAndrew]

What kind of food are your feeding? Make sure you're feeding a high protein puppy food. For my pups I use Blue Buffalo, it has much better ingredients (meat is #1!) and a higher protein amount than other foods.

[Lara's mom]

Have you had your puppy checked for parasites?

[Sushie]

Okay thanks. Will give her high protein puppy food. Yes, she has been checked for parasites and have recently been de-wormed (shots, not oral). White curly worms came out.. totally gross actually :mrgreen: but I'm glad they're gone. I'm comparing her with my 7-month old beagle. They are eating the same kind of food but the beagle looks much lean healthier.

[mrandrei]

You can feed your pup a supplement of vitamins, iron, and minerals for dogs. It's red cell liquid that has been shown to increase red blood cells and increase stamina. Usual dosage is 1 to 2 teaspoons per day depending on body weight.

[pinsnpugs]

How many times a day do you feed her?
Puppies burn calories at a higher rate than older dogs so need higher calories. its not unusual for an active puppy to eat more than an adult dog.
Feeding 2-3 times a day is a normal feeding for a puppy.

Also, how long ago did the vet worm her? You should repeat the worming at 2 week intervals for at lest a few doses. Meds kill the adult worms, but once the eggs shed/hatch then you have new worms. The meds do not affect the eggs, so that is why you reworm.
You can purchase wormer over the counter at any pet store or feed store. It is in a box, comes as a powder that you mix in food and give for 3 days in a row, wait 2 weeks and repeat. It is Panacur. Very safe and most universal of all the wormers out there.

Also consider adding some can food to the dry feedings to add extra calories and help with weight. Keep in mind too, puppies go through a stage when they are in what we call their 'lanky' stage and it is common for them to look gangly, a bit thin or out of proportion.

As long as your vet cleared him health wise, just increase his intake and do more wormings......he'll be chubby in no time!

Good for you for taking this poor baby in!