Time and care are crucial elements in recovery and it’s not just about physical recovery? When an animal arrives in a malnourished state, the least advisable course of action is to simply heap food and water upon it. If an emaciated and starved dog is suddenly overfed serious consequences, such as refeeding syndrome, can occur. This is because a sudden load of carbohydrates in a large meal can create serious shifts in potassium and phosphorus concentrations in all body cells. Signs of refeeding syndrome are muscle weakness, muscle cramps, heart muscle damage and rhythm irregularities, seizures, red blood cell rupture and respiratory failure.
It is crucial to provide small, intermittent amounts of food during the initial days. For an emaciated dog, it is more beneficial to have small meals every six hours (four times a day) rather than having one or two larger meals. Ensuring unrestricted access to water is also essential. It is imperative to ‘Never’ allow the dog, particularly in the early stages of the recovery feeding process, to consume a large meal all at once and it is typical to observe occasional vomiting or loose stool during the initial recovery period of a malnourished dog.
We need to consider their mental and emotional well-being too. The care provided is not just about administering medication and providing food. Spending time with the animals, observing their behaviour, and creating a positive environment contribute to their overall rehabilitation. It’s building trust, and that takes time. This is what we are all about.
Xena is now ready to find her forever home.
This is what our trainer SymmetryK9 has to say on her
Xena’s old pictures still make me want to cry, how someone could be so cruel to starve a dog to almost death. (When I say old I mean weeks old and a different world from where she was and never to return)
Symmetry K9
Tests, X-rays and scans at the vets found no abnormalities or illnesses that would account for her horrendous condition. Just pure and utter cruelty.
Her microchip details lead nowhere, so no one will ever be held responsible for her suffering.
- 1-2 years old
- Female
- Can live with other dogs
- Very sociable
- Highly trainable
- High food & Toy drive
- 100% handler/owner focused
- Crate trained/Travels quietly
- NO Cats – Unless prepared to train this out
- Older children only
Rescue back up and free training for life if you’re local to SymmetryK9 or prepared to travel.
Viewings, Meet and greets welcome.
Great article! I really appreciate the clear and detailed insights you’ve provided on this topic. It’s always refreshing to read content that breaks things down so well, making it easy for readers to grasp even complex ideas. I also found the practical tips you’ve shared to be very helpful. Looking forward to more informative posts like this! Keep up the good work!