I have a 4-month-old rescue puppy that came from a bad situation who arrived sick and malnourished. She is happy and healthy now, with a good appetite and clean bill from her vet. She is tiny for her breed, still building strength, and her adult teeth started coming in early (possibly before 3 mos). Does anyone know what effects malnourishment and early illness can have on a puppy's growth and maturation process? (Incidentally, she was spayed at 12 weeks by the rescuers.)
2006-07-31 14:04:30 · 5 answers · asked by M L 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dog. The vet has her on a special diet with supplements to protect her joints and we have regular follow-ups with the vet. And, yes, she is in puppy school now. Thanks for the concern.
2006-07-31 14:19:20 · update #1
And, her personality is stellar--kind, gentle, affectionate, eager, smart, happy to hand over treats and toys (and shoes), and adores small children.
2006-07-31 14:23:04 · update #2
As with a child, malnutrition can cause issues with every part of the body... especially bones and joints. I would talk to the vet about possibly giving her a multi-vitamin to help her body fully recover. She may be small now, but it's very likely that with time she'll catch up. I've had some 'special needs' puppies in my litters (boston terriers are a tough breed to raise), but they have all caught up to their littermates. Some have even ended up being the largest of the litter. One turned out to be bigger than either of her parents and the most incredible companion ever.
2006-07-31 14:12:37 · answer #1 · answered by craftygirl001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok the growth procsess may be a little stunted in other words she might be a bit smaller than usual however the size of the dog is unimportant is long as she has a clean bill of health if you breed her there should be no problem her gene pull should be strong enough to have normal size pups
2006-07-31 14:11:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you just give it lots of love and train her she will be a fine dog. Also I would put a little bacon grease on her food once a week and never let children near her when she is eating.
As far as effects go she may be harder to train and she may have troubles with her bones or hips.
Good Luck and way to go for rescuing.
2006-07-31 14:13:03 · answer #3 · answered by minnesotafrozen2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you didnt mention the breed (big breed or small)
joint health would be my main concern - make sure the food she is on is a good one preferably with glucosamine/chondroitin added for joint health
assuming the vet gave her a clean bill of health you shouldnt have problems - if you think she was abused mentally it will be very important to take her to Obedicence for proper socialization and to build her self esteme
2006-07-31 14:11:05 · answer #4 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking, as long as her diet has improved, the dogs growth will resume at a normal rate. Even runts do not stay runts forever.
2006-08-07 06:57:19 · answer #5 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋