Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, we just brought home these two italian greyhound pups..Im not sure how old they are, maybe 4-6mnths..As you can see the smallest is very skinny and needs some high quality nutrition..What can I do?

BTW The lady we got these two from kept all 6 of them outside only with a truck topper for a house, no hay just plain dirt in -6 degree snowy weather.frozen water, giant chunk food.The other ones looked really bad too, actually the bigger one in the back of this pic was the healthiest....I wanted them all...

Also please ignore the mess its a temporary holding place on my very mess back porch with hay bits everywhere, these guys arent potty trained..I think its probably the first time these two have ever been warm..
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Hello! First of all I would like to thank you for rescuing these two little pups.
Is it possible for you to report the lady who had these pups to the authorities so the other 4 pups can also be rescued?
I think your first course of action would be to take the two you have to a veterinarian to be fully examined and have their health assesed before starting them on a high quality food. They may be in some need of medical attention Those poor dogs don't have any body fat in a healthy IG let alone in the condition they are in with below zero weather. They are very lucky to be with you!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

We live way out in the middle of nowhere and there is no humane society in our county so I wouldnt know who to report them too...On a better note Ive noticed that althought they are underfed, they have no fleas, they have very clear eyes and no nasal discharge..They ate like pigs last night and had regular bowel movements, no diarrea. I did read one article that said to feed them at least 4 times a day until they regain some wieght so I am doing that...I cant get a vet till Monday, like I said we live in the country and the vets just not around till then.Im pretty sure they do have worms they have pot bellies.

That's to bad you live so far out. The other pups could use the help. Would that lady be upset if you got the others some food? Glad to see that while they are undernourished they have no other medical conditions. Maybe when you get to your vet he can contact someone about the others. Thanks again for taking in these two!! You're one of the good guys.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

The *Italian Greyhound Club of America*
or IGCA has rescue reps in almost every state - in emergencies they will aarrange transportation to almost anywhere.

they also have a system to pay for emergency vet care.

Please try to contact someone from your area - you can link onto the rescue from the site above & get a name/e-mail list.

If you will tell me what state you are in/or adjoining state if you are near a state line, I will get the name for you.

the state dept of agriculture is where ithe animal protection act/rules etc are made & enforced. If you do report her (which sounds as If the dogs do not have adequate care) they might be able to stop her from ?breeding?, but

it is also possible that the state will confiscate the pups & often they will not do much better at caring for them - often placing them in the nearest 'shelter' & they have to stay there until the 'case' is prosecuted.

I'd think too, that the nearest large city's humane society would be interested to know & could offer assistance through a network of some folks closer to you.

It was so great of you to get these pups - it could be that an IG rescue rep would want you to try to get the others until someone would get there - they would reimburse you. You could even tell the lady that a friend saw yours & wanted 1 or 2.

I would get it in writing, just a simple 'bill of 'sale' or 'transfer' ownership.

I have rescued/adopted etc IGs in Georgia, so I am really seriously wanting these pups to get help.

You'd be suprised what a nationally funded/pure-bred rescue will do, so please make contact.

tell me what state you are in & I'll be glad to help in any way I can. Lynn

BTW - when you do go to vet, these dogs are major escape risks, they can spook in a heart-beat & push away with their long-strong legs & leap from whatever no matter how high & zip away to a great distance in a flash. So use crates or wrap in blanket completely - they can also get out of many collars & harnesses - very squirmy.

They are very pretty babies - hope all works out - let us hear.

she isnt a breeder she is just some very young girl who lives with her boyfriend and accidentally had a litter, since she also accidentally ran over the mom because the two parent dogs are free roaming(amazing no coyote has eaten them) I dont think she will have anymore litters....I hesitate because I dont think this is really a cruelty case, just a stupid person that doesnt know any better...I really should have taken them all but she does have ads up and wants them gone by christmas so maybe they will all be taken.I will look into this more...She does live a good 45 minutes out in the country.

Bless you for helping these IGs!
For my own rescues with weight issues I've always used Pro Plan Turkey & Barley. It works like a charm and the dogs do not have to eat massive amounts ... its very calorie dense. Its also ehlpful for improving coats. I use Pro Plan for all my show dogs.

Ill look around for the ProPlan..Im currently giving them puppy dry from RiverRun and pedigree puppy wet food 3x a day.

I was also given this recipe site for dogs, with some recipes for "fat balls" that give highfat nutrient dense treats...
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/diet4.htm

I dont do the raw thing but can improvise by cooking the meat..

I appreciate all the info..I have been looking them up on the internet..Im not too worried about potty training.I have a doggy door that I hope they will start using eventually..I do have a chihuahua so Im pretty familiar with potty training difficulties..My chi is mostly potty trained but if its cold or rainy she does the laundry room thing...Im currently trying to train her to go on potty pads in the laundry room if its too cold to go out..I also work at home so Im always here..