Italian Greyhound -Injured - Need Help?

Question

I just found an Italian Greyhound. He looks very underweight and he has obviously been out in the elements for a while.

His Foot Pads are very torn - one is hanging from the foot and several others are missing entirely.

He has just eaten an entire 12 oz can of food -

Here is where I need some advice -
I plan on taking him to the Vet tommarrow morning - They are all closed here now.
However, what can I do to make him more comfortable?
He is having a very hard time getting around...
How much should I let him Eat? I dont want him to get sick - it looks like he hasn't eaten in a while either....
Thanks a lot

Answer 1

Make sure he has water as he's likely dehydrated, but be careful not to let him eat too much at a time - he'll only throw it up and you don't want him to have an upset stomach on top of everything else.

If you have vaseline, you can put a little on his sore foot pads. If you have an antibiotic like Neosporin that would be even better until he can get to the vet. Let him just lie down somewhere soft and warm - best to keep him off his feet.

And bless you for taking him in!!!

Answer 2

You can feed him very often, but feed him small amounts. I would stick with dry food if he will eat it, it is less likely to upset his stomach. You can wet it with warm water to keep him from eating it too fast. Give him at least an hour between each feeding to digest his food. As far as his pads go, there's not a whole lot that you can do. No tylenol or advil, both could make him sick. You can clean up his pads if there are open wounds, just to help with any infection. And get him to the vet first thing tomorrow. Good luck!

Answer 3

First, kudos for helping him!!

Feed small amounts about every 2-4 hours. Italian Greyhounds should look underweight, as that is their body type, but from what you describe, he needs to put on a few pounds.

Put a blanket down somewhere near you for him to lay on, and let him rest quietly. For the moment that's the best you can do....food, water, and a comfy bed. The vet can take care of his pads.

Answer 4

Wow...sounds like you've got a really big heart! A lot of people would feel sorry for the dog, but not sorry enough to take it in and get it veterinary care. Good for you!

Don't let him eat too much at one time, but give him as much water as he wants. I'd do small portions of food every few hours.

As for the pain from his feet, half of a baby aspirin (NOT TYLENOL/ACETEMENIPHINE) might help to dull the pain some.

And trust me, you've already made him much more comfortable than he would be running around outside! Good luck at the vet's tomorrow!

Answer 5

As someone who volunteers at a shelter that is Open Door and takes in many abandoned dogs - THANK YOU for caring for this dog.
Since you can't get him to a vet tonight - try Boiled Chicken and Rice, it's nice and bland. Lowfat yogurt is also great for their digestion, and you can add a tbsp of honey which calms some dogs. If he can't keep the food down, you can give him Pedialite.
Petco also sells dog aspirin which may help.

The poor thing is probably terrified. Try not to overwhelm him. Put a blanket in a quiet area and let him come to you for attention. He may be very undersocialized and afraid.

Best of luck to you. Thanks for being that dogs hero.

Answer 6

don't give him much food at once, otherwise he will get sick and vomit or get diarrhea- his stomach was empty for long time.
Better give him small portions every 2 hours.
I understand he ate already a lot, so probably will need to go to toilet soon :)

Put him also a bowl with water - no milk

Put an old blanket at a corner of a room/kitchen where is possible warm and let him sleep there.

take him to vet tommorow morning.

if you have more questions, i will be online for some time.

Answer 7

You know this will be costly when you take him to the vet? He will need a full check up plus meds.
You can call animal control and they will take care of him. If you do trust they wont put him to sleep. (Im not sure I would because most states dont like to spend money on strays.)

I like using Dawn anti bact. dish soup on scratches. It is easy to rinse off.
Then put triple antibiotic on the pads. If you have bandages to wrap around his paws to keep dirt out that will help. I bet he will try to pull them off but it is worth trying.

The one that is hanging Im not so sure about. But dont pull it off! Just try to wrap it after you cleaned him and be careful he may bite you. If he does they hold them for 10 days in Iowa and you pay the bill. (Each state maybe diff) My son resued a stray cat and she bit him and since we brought her in the house it was our bill.
Good luck

Answer 8

greyhounds normally look very under weight that is how they are breed... as for eating i think probley you have fed him enough, as for the feet have you got any corn starch.....baking powder either one will work wonders with a little bit of water make a paste and apply it to the area that is bleeding... it will stop the bleeding. hope this helps just give him a comfortable place to lay his head tonight all should be ok tomorrow. good luck.

Answer 9

He really needs to be warm. Definitely cover him with a blanket, preferably in front of a heater. That's the most important thing with these skinny dogs.

Answer 10

try to bandage his pads with maybe some non stick pads and medical tape and put neosporin on them before bandaging and let him get a good nights sleep . god bless you for helping him . god love em cause somebody sure did not care for him . and god bless you and good luck with him .