My puppy has been sick and wont eat

Question
Hi Marie,
I have a 14 week Maltipoo that I got 3 weeks ago from a rescue shelter and she has been very sick.  She was spayed 2 days before I got her and when I brought her home she wasn't eating and had diarrhea.  I took her to the vet and they determined that she had giardia and we treated that.  She didn't get better so I took her to another vet who found that she also had coccidia.  She is on her last day of medication and her diarrhea has stopped and she is having normal stools. She also has Pneumonia and is being treated with antibiotics.  The cough is still there but it is sounding a little better.  The problem is that she still has no appetite. I have tried many different foods and she is not interested in anything.  When I got her she was 2 pounds now she is 1.7 pounds. Her protein levels are extremely low and the vet wants me to get at least 4 oz of food in her a day.  So right now I am actully feeding her 1 to 1.5 oz every 3 to 4 hours. I am using a syringe and putting the food (canned) into her mouth to make her eat. Is this enough food for a puppy this size (or too much?) and do you have any suggestions on what food I could give her that would entice her?  I am ready to do anything (I've tried baby food, dry food and several canned foods) I talk to the vet on a daily basis and he has been very helpful but I was wondering if you have any additional suggestions?  Thank you so much for any help you can give me!

Answer

NuVET for Pups Wow Natalie! That was so nice of you to adopt this Maltipoo from the Shelter!!! Glad you have the money to get all this vet care.  I am sure it is adding up $$$$$.

Yes, I have some ideas for your baby:
Please get some puppy formula - the kind in cans-
Place this formula in a bowl and see if she will drink it up.
If not, you can syringe feed this formula ever 4 hrs - ( 3 x per day ) about 20 cc , as tolerated.
This is a good brand; Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer Liquid 8 oz.


Next - I bet this baby will love the Innova Puppy food / Can -
Place a few teaspoons on a plate.... See if she will eat it.
Also, some other good brands are Wellness Puppy ( canned) or Solid Gold canned.
YOU can try some dry food in a few weeks - Right now I would stick with the WET canned foods.

You can even give some Boiled chicken and mix that ontop of the WET dog food.  ( White meat chicken)

As far as how much to feed, Just offer every 2-3 hrs 3-5 ounces of something, while awake.


I would also like to see if you can get this pup to take the NuVET wafer - Just 1/2 per day ( you can break up this 1/2 into 1/4 size bites ) VERY tastey...
Will help to re-build the immune system and helps with healing the body systems.
Call 1-800-474-7044  ( tell them pet Nurse marie peppers sent you for a 60 count of the NuVET Plus )  Remember, you only need 1/2 per day ( 1/4 in the am and 1/4 in the pm )
Hide in food or cheese or she may just eat it.  MOST dogs love the taste of the NuVET wafers.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
order code 81098 ( referring Pet Pro : pet nurse Marie)


Good luck !  Sounds like you are doing a great job with this little maltipoo kid.
She is lucky to have you!!!! She would have died in the shelter.

BEST wishes
Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net