Found puppy... advise needed.

[CarolinaFilly]

I found a puppy... She is about 2 months old. I figured I'd post and get some more advise. She's got to find a new home, but I want to help her on her way.

I found her about to be killed by a bull. (He was chasing her down.) I don't think she's ever been handled in her life, she's VERY shy and timid. About 2 months old. Med/large size breed hound mix. (Keep the shy and timid part in mind when suggesting things to do. I don't think baths are a good idea because it would seriously hurt how far I've come with getting her used to people.)

What is wrong: She has very nasty ears, I'm thinking mites. She has fleas. Her belly, above her bum, around her tail, on her head and other places are scabby and nasty. She has bloody sores between her toes. She is pretty skinny, but has a pot belly from worms (would be my guess.)

What I have done: I put some flea and tick spray on her, rubbed it in. I gave her a small amount of worming medicine that is safe for any age dog or cat. I put a little mite medicine in her ears.

Any suggestions would be nice. We are also going to give her shots tomorrow.

Also, food. What is the best to feed her? I've been giving her little portions in morning and night of soft rounds and 'worms'. And sometimes some canned food.

Her stool is runny, I am petrified of parvo so that scares me alot. We have 5 other dogs and I've been careful with cleaning/washing hands so that nothing will be transmitted from her to them.

Her stool was at first hard Saturday when we got her, and yesterday it was about average. This morning she had a runny pile and some normal ones... and today she had a semi-runny pile. (lol)

Is that the change of diet? I wormed her and everything else today. No blood in stool.

Sorry for a long post! Any ideas/tips will be appreciated! Thanks! (BTW.. if someone wants a free puppy... )

[SalemWitchChild]

aw she's cute.

The runny stool could be change in diet or the worm medicine. Keep an eye on it and if you see blood take her to the vet asap.

You may want to consider taking her to the vet anyway for the mites. They can give you a medicine to flush her ears out with.

Food recommendations can be found on www.dogfoodannalysis.com

Check with your local shelter. A lot of times they have people waiting for a certain breed or they can find a foster for you.

[Dax]

Bathing might be traumatic but a warm damp washcloth should be ok. It is like momma's warm tongue and should be a comfort.

Any cuts and scratchs should be washed with mild antibacterial and a little polysporin put on to fight off infection.

I would think the poop issue is exactly like SalemWitchchild suggests. However, it should not go on more than 24 hours and should not have any blood in it. Vomiting is a bad sign. Make sure the pup has lots of fresh water and is not dehydrated.

There is a recipe for home make ear wash here on this forum. Let me see if I can find the link for you.

BTW - Good on you. You saved a life.

[Dax]

Here's the ear wash formula. It sounds harsh to me. I would probably just buy some wash at the vets.

Originally Posted by Dogs of Romance

blue powder ear wash
Note: The originator of this recipe is unknown. At this point it is a widely cited "folk remedy" which is highly effective in treating ear infections.

1 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol (pour off an inch to make some room)
8 to 16 drops Gentian violet (it's real cheap, but hard to find - try next to the Iodine at a Mom & Pop Pharmacy or ask someone to order it)
4 Tbs. Boric Acid Powder (also cheap and found at the pharmacy)
Shake well and for convenience transfer some to a small (4 ounce) "spout" bottle. Each time you use it, shake the bottle well to make sure the powder is in suspension.

The Gentian Violet will stain, so be careful where you mix it and where you apply it to the dog's ears.

If you're treating an infection, you want to clean the ears with this mixture on a daily basis. Otherwise from once a week to once a month is usually enough to keep the ears healthy.

[bernicesmama]

wow, she is a pretty girl. I agree that it's probably the change in diet causing the runs. Is she otherwise active and playful for a puppy?

I woudl also try the warm wet washcloth. it will be a great way to show her that people are good. You also may want to try feeding her from your hands to show her how good some people can be.

good luck and thank you for saving her.

[CarolinaFilly]

Thanks alot for all the responces. I was going to give her to a no-kill shelter thats near us. But when I called they said they were overrun already and being that she's not very sociable she could be there awhile... Then I called 2 other shelters and they said about the same thing. So I figured I'd try to find a home.

The mite medicine I used is a herbel thing.. I don't know if its any good. But I figured I'd give it a try. I'll see what that does and then go from there.

She hasn't been to playful since I've got her. I think the only time's a human has messed with her wasn't good for her. She used to tremor when I pet her, but now I can get her to wag her tail. She is petrified when I go to lift her up. I don't see how people can be so stupid. She doesn't come to me yet, but I did get her to take a couple of steps to me with food today. Yay.

She has a very good apitite and i change her water frequently throughout the day. I will defiently wash her with a warm rag tomorrow. Hopefully the flea and tick stuff workes.

I'm trying to hold off on a vet, but as soon as she really needs one I'll take her. And just drop her off if I have to. If I see blood then off she'll go.

Thanks for all the tips so far!

[Bosley Slave]

I've found massage to help greatly with timid or fearful dogs. It really helps build a bond and you do it on their level.

[BabyElephant]

She certainly is a cutie - good for you for taking her in. I would take her to the vet to get checked out. Over here you can buy mite treatment in the pet shops but vet strength stuff would be better.

Keep us posted on how she's doing

[agilitydog]

She is extremely cute and is now in good hands. Keep us posted