Found a stray that is rather thin-i have questions

[Janedizzle]

I have a lab/rottie mix already and yesterday a stray boxer mix pup wandered up in the yard looking rather skinny...so I fed her. She has stuck around and she has had the runs all day yesterday and today. She drinks ALOT of water and just lays around the house. Do you think there is something seriously wrong with her that I need to get her to the vet immediately or is there something I can do to make her feel better and get rid of the diarrhea?

[BenMax]

Hi JanDizzle,

You should be commended for stepping up to the plate and for refusing to look the other ways as so many would. Welcome to the forum.

Firstly worms come to mind. Also, do not overfeed the dog as this may cause further complications. Our first instinct is to let them eat as much as they want but this is not a good idea. You must feed a little quantity at a time throughout the day. Also, the change of food will also cause diarrhea.

Please do not mix this pup in with your dog. Keep them apart.

To give you the best possible advice - go to a vet. A full examination is in order. They will check for parasites, worms, and general overall health. Many things can cause this condition. Please consult with a vet and also thank you for being this dogs angel.. Somewhere down the road you will be rewarded.

[cell]

If she is skinny and has not had good meals then giving her food will upset her digestive tract causing diarreah. Since she is a stray if you feel you want to take her on as your responsibility then I reccomend going to the vet otherwise it would be best to find her a shelter or adoption agency to care for her and find her a suitable home so shes not loose.

[Janedizzle]

Thanks for the reply. I figured that giving her the food was causing this problem. My husband wanted to keep feeding her and feeding but I told him that would not be any kind of good for her. I feed Ozzy twice a day so I just feed her at the same time. I was just concerned about the diarrhea and her being so lethargic. I plan to get them both to the vet soon(Ozzy needs his rabies updated) I just wasn't sure if the problem needed immediate attention.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by Janedizzle

Thanks for the reply. I figured that giving her the food was causing this problem. My husband wanted to keep feeding her and feeding but I told him that would not be any kind of good for her. I feed Ozzy twice a day so I just feed her at the same time. I was just concerned about the diarrhea and her being so lethargic. I plan to get them both to the vet soon(Ozzy needs his rabies updated) I just wasn't sure if the problem needed immediate attention.

This is a situation for immediate attention. I would be seeing a vet today infact. This pup may suffer from many different things. I would not be allowing this dog anywhere near the healthy dog until the pup is clear of any viruses or diseases. Please make the appointment as early as possible.

Remember that a lethargic pup is a seriously ill pup.

[lm9012]

Since she's been out on the street..who knows what she's eating, and what she's encountered. Thank you for trying to help her!

The diarrhea could be a reaction to some garbage she got her paws on...or the switch to better food from you. I'm definetely thinking worms could be a culprit! Normally, with heavier infestations, you can actually see them in the stool! if you see long stringy things or what looks like grains of rice..that's probably it. Depends on how long she's been out, and the quality of her life so far.

I would really want to take her to the vet..they can scan her to see if she's microchipped and maybe her owner is out there looking for her! At the very least you can get her all checked out so that you can maybe foster her for a while until you figure out if a shelter/rescue group can take her in. Being that she's part boxer, I bet you'd have no problem finding her a home! Maybe your vet can cut you a deal on the bill since you are trying to help..or you can contact your local SPCA to see if they can or know a clinic that would check her out at minimal cost. many rescue groups will foot the bill if you help them with fostering her.

But you'd need to get her checked for parasites, fleas, etc. before allowing her contact with your dog. Where is she eliminating? Is she having the diarrhea in your yard? You want to make sure you are cleaning up after her if she is eliminating anywhere near your dog hangs out..to not risk infecting your dog as well.

The fact that she drinks a lot of water can be a cause of concern too. She may be really dehydrated in which case a couple of hours of IV fluids may be beneficial.

When I would get parasite ridden, skinny fosters...I would give them puppy food to get more calories and nutrients in. I would supplement it with bland things..like ground beef, white rice (to help bind the poop), pumpkin purree (not pumpkin pie mix), yogurt, etc.

These things will help greatly if all she's got is a bad tummy...but if there are parasites in her you'd want to get her dewormed so that she isn't in further danger. You'd also want to test for heartworm too...that parasite is very difficult to cure.

The laying around could be all tied to her being ill...and it could also be her being shy and unsure of her surroundings. I've had fosters that took a week to let me pet them..and once they saw that I gave them good food, and attention and that I wasn't going to hurt them..their true colors and personality came shining through and they were like a totally different dog!

Good luck and please keep us posted!!

[Janedizzle]

She is pooping in the yard...the same place Ozzy poops. My husband is usually on poopy duty as far as cleaning up goes. The two dogs have been together for a little more than 24 hours now and I'm not really sure of how I would keep them separated. If I try to leave the stray outside alone she jumps on the door and cries and howls til I let her in. Our dog usually jumps the fence and does his business elsewhere to be quite honest. I really think she had a home at one point and I think she may have been abused a bit...if I pick something up and walk towards her she runs but overall she is very friendly. She just needs plenty of some tender loving care, which she deserves!

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by Janedizzle

She is pooping in the yard...the same place Ozzy poops. My husband is usually on poopy duty as far as cleaning up goes. The two dogs have been together for a little more than 24 hours now and I'm not really sure of how I would keep them separated. If I try to leave the stray outside alone she jumps on the door and cries and howls til I let her in. Our dog usually jumps the fence and does his business elsewhere to be quite honest. I really think she had a home at one point and I think she may have been abused a bit...if I pick something up and walk towards her she runs but overall she is very friendly. She just needs plenty of some tender loving care, which she deserves!

And an immediate vet attention.....

[t.pettet]

As much as you want to help this stray, you are putting your own dog at risk of catching something from the stray by not keeping them separate which is why it is imperative to have the stray checked out at the vets to treat her for whatever ails her a.s.a.p. to protect your dog from worm infestations, parvo, distemper, etc. etc. or whatever else the pup is carrying.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by t.pettet

As much as you want to help this stray, you are putting your own dog at risk of catching something from the stray by not keeping them separate which is why it is imperative to have the stray checked out at the vets to treat her for whatever ails her a.s.a.p. to protect your dog from worm infestations, parvo, distemper, etc. etc. or whatever else the pup is carrying.

Great and very sound advice.

[Janedizzle]

I have some decent news about the stray! She seems to be feeling much better now. She is having much more solid poops and is running around and playing and wagging her tail now. I am taking both dogs to the vet on Saturday to get whatever they need. My ex has connections to Habitat for Horses, who also help in getting other animals adopted out, and if we decide not to keep her he is going to get her profile and pic up on their website to find her a good home. I just want to make sure this little sweetie gets a great loving family and all the love she deserves!

[BenMax]

JaneDizzle - best to you and your wonderful heart.

[Winston]

Bless you for taking in this stray! I just wanted to ask this question and hopefully I dont upset too many people but have you tried to find out if she is owned by anyone?

I realise she may be in poor shape and you may suspect abuse BUT what if this poor thing has been wondering around for a long time surviving as she can and her real owners cant find her? I mean she could cower away from you because she has been scared off by people or any number of things. The fact that she is skinny makes me wonder? I know there are people out there that will starve an animal but its not always that way in the majority of cases?

What keeps going through my mind is what if she has travelled so far from home? perhaps her true owners have been looking and not found her? We have so many people on this site that have lost a beloved pet and can sympathize with what I am saying!

I hope all goes well! How about a picture of this pupper?