Underweight- over feeding ok? Also- pneumonia

[Robinelli]

I have a yorkie who is a few days away from being 16 weeks old. She weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces and is underweight per the vet. She also has pneumonia which complicates my question. Anyway, somwdays she will hardly eat and then days like today she acts like she's starving and wants to eat all day. I don't mind feeding her as much as she wants/needs but sometimes she throws up! So I'm not sure if I should let her eat as much as she wants.

Ok so with all of that info at your disposal... What should I do? Limit her portions to want is recommended or let the sick dog eat as much as she can even if it means she throws some up later???

[KazzyK810]

What does your vet say to do?

Personally, I would feed small portions every 3-4 hours. The acids from vomiting aren't good for anyone.

[BabyChance]

Are you giving Nutridrops? We had him on them until 12 weeks...and now occasionally-

[Cat2861]

Originally Posted by Robinelli

I have a yorkie who is a few days away from being 16 weeks old. She weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces and is underweight per the vet. She also has pneumonia which complicates my question. Anyway, somwdays she will hardly eat and then days like today she acts like she's starving and wants to eat all day. I don't mind feeding her as much as she wants/needs but sometimes she throws up! So I'm not sure if I should let her eat as much as she wants.

Ok so with all of that info at your disposal... What should I do? Limit her portions to want is recommended or let the sick dog eat as much as she can even if it means she throws some up later???

Make sure you have Nutrical or Karo syrup on hand just in case her sugar drops. Esp. since she is not eating much and also is vomiting. My Remy is 2 1/2 lbs and a year old and he is not underweight for his size. I remember at 16 weeks he was 1 lb 6 ounces. He was just the runt of the litter and he so far is very healthy. Usually with puppies you do want to free feed them to make sure they are eating properly and getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. What is the vet doing for her pneumonia?

[Yorkiemom1]

Did you explore high calorie foods for this baby? With her underweight and not eating well, I personally would be free feeding the most dense calorie puppy food I could find. Hopefully, when her pneumonia is cleared up, she will start feeling better, and her appetite will improve/stabilize. Perhaps it is the antibiotic that is making her vomit??? Of course, you MUST have something like NutraCal....I personally prefer Dr.Millers Pet NutraDrops....in case her bloodsugar drops.

[Robinelli]

Originally Posted by Cat2861

Make sure you have Nutrical or Karo syrup on hand just in case her sugar drops. Esp. since she is not eating much and also is vomiting. My Remy is 2 1/2 lbs and a year old and he is not underweight for his size. I remember at 16 weeks he was 1 lb 6 ounces. He was just the runt of the litter and he so far is very healthy. Usually with puppies you do want to free feed them to make sure they are eating properly and getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. What is the vet doing for her pneumonia?

For the pneumonia: She is getting 4 antibiotics a day (doxycycline, metronidazole, gentacin, and I forget the other) and 3 nebulizer treatments a day, and 4 coupages a day.

She's eating really good today. I've been fed her four times but limited the portions to 1/4 cup each time so she would throw up. Surprisingly she's eaten 1 whole cup today! Usually she eats 1/4 cup a day total.

[Lilah Charm]

How is your little babe doing?

[BorderKelpie]

How is she doing?

Just a little side note: metronidazole is great at ruining appetite.

What are you feeding her? Maybe something that tastes/smells better may help her appetite. Also, sometimes warming up her food may help make it more appealing to her.

Best wishes.