Caring for lost dog till holiday is over.

Question
Its a Federal Holiday here in the US, and so all non-emergency animal related services are suspended. I've taken in a lost dog found wandering the fence line in the back yard. Based on the fuzziness and (white with gray patches) color pattern I think she might be at least  part Shih Tzu. She has a collar, but no tags. She's a bit dirty and has some clumpy fur around her mouth and ears, doesn't seem to be starving or have any cuts, burrs, or ticks, but I've not been able to really inspect her mouth etc.  

She must not see very well since she was following the back fence and turns only when she comes snout-on an object. I can't tell if thats due to the horrible Beatles-like hair cut or not. Her eyes look clear if a bit dull. We leashed her, and tried to walk her around to see if the neighbors were missing her, but she's not a fan of the leash.

My concern is primarily with what I can do for her until the holiday is over. She hasn't really taken a lot of water since we found her, and wont eat the wet dog food I set out. She's been kind of hacking or sneezing when she drinks and in her sleep, but I can't tell if thats what passes for normal in this kind of lap dog. Any information would be welcomed.

~Will

Answer
Hi Will - How nice of you to help this girl...
How about some canned pumpkin - give her a few teaspoons of this - good calories and will help her blood sugar levels.

You can also offer her some human Tuna Fish - put a few teaspoons on a flat plate, ( like a bread plate)


As for the cough or sneeze.... she could have snorted up something from wandering around town.  Give her a small amount of Benadryl, if she will allow it - About 25 mg tablet in some cheese?
You can try the Benadryl liquid....she may like the tablet better in cheese.

Good luck with this and Thanks for being a good person!!!!

Marie Peppers