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thin hair all over, and very skinny Yorkie/bichon

20 11:39:03

Question
I adopted a 13 mo.old dog that had pups when she was young, she was obviously neglected by previous owners that claimed to love her, but caged her all day then put her on a chain outside. They even admitted to only feeding her once a day. Now she inhales her food, and is very timid. Will her hair thicken up if I keep feeding her good? Will she always be timid, and scared? Why are her legs so boney, and long, and her lower back is up higher than the rest of her when she walks. What should I do now with this poor dog?. Is it too late for her to change, is this just who she is now?.

Answer
Crystal,

First off let me say God Bless You for rescuing this dog from what was obviously an abusive home.  She should start to get a fuller coat with good nutrition and a little time.  Some yorkies have naturally thin hair but I believe from your description that hers is related to poor nutrition.  She will probably always inhale her food because she has been programmed to eat as much as possible because there won't be any more for a while.  My suggestion would be to keep food down for her 24/7 no matter how much she eats and hopefully this will recondition her so she nolonger inhales her food.  As far as being timid that would depend on if it is related to abuse or if that is her normal personality.  I have had yorkies that were very active and playful and I have had some that were timid.  With her being abused for so long I suspect that her personality is not going to change very much.  As far as her being bony etc. I would highly recommend a trip to the vet just to have her checked out.  The hunched back could be from malnutrition and the damage could be permanent.  If however, there is a chance that it could be reversed you probably would have to act right away.  Good luck with your poor little baby and again God Bless You for rescuing her.

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