My dog is underweight, bones showing. How can I help him gain weight?

Question

I saved a deer headed chihuahua that someone dropped off behind a building. Looking at him he would not have made it another night. He's nurtured and i gave him worm medication. He's got plenty of energy and he eats. I can't get him to gain no weight. He is beyond skinny. U can see almost all his bones what can I do? Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 2 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Smokey! If he is that skinny and he hasn't gained in your care it's time for a Vet exam. I would have a stool sample checked to be sure he doesn't still have worms or a different kind that needs a specific treatment. He should have blood work and his urine tested to be sure he doesn't have something serious metabolically going on like liver or kidney disease. He may have food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease that makes it hard for him to absorb nutrients. You can increase his food volume or change him to a performance breed brand of food that is more calorically dense to see if he will put on weight. But if he is a senior dog and you don't know if he has normal blood work that could be detrimental. I wish you the best!

My dog is underweight, bones showing. How can I help him gain weight?

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