Adding weight to a sick mastiff

[Hawk Eye Tom]

My dog is in his second week of a bout with KENNEL COUGH . In the first week he did not eat for two and a half days . So far he has lost about 10 pounds and looks like a dog that has been neglected . His ribs are showing and his stomach is sucked in , ( he was very lean before he got sick but the vet said he is perfect . I would like to know if anyone has an idea or two to help him gain some weight back . Before he got sick he weighed 135 at 11 months . Now he is under 126 . I am kind of embraced to walk him because he is so skinny .

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Slowly.......after an ordeal like that his body needs to readjust. Once he recovers he'll be back to "normal" weight.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Yup, slowly. If he'll eat it an extra half cup of kibble a day would be ok. If it won't cause him digestive issues you can give him a hardboiled or scrambled egg a day. Don't mix it in with his kibble, make it a snack or a treat.

 

[NeSaxena]

Slow and steady, he'll gain the weight and muscle back when his body is ready to. Considering he's still sick, it might take a while for him to look like he did before, but that's okay. Better this than overloading his system for a relapse of some sort?
I love Ruth's egg idea. If his tummy accepts it, nothing like it. I've heard cottage cheese also helps, but it might be too heavy for him while he's sick. Maybe once he is over the KC completely, you could try that.
Shorter, slower walks should also help. Is he excited to go for a walk or still lethargic? Him being happy will be a great contributor to his overall health, including weight gain.
Oh! And in case it hasn't happened so far, do a quick check for worms as well. Better safe overall, eh?

And that's my preachy rant...

 

[Sadies Mom]

Like others have said, slow and steady. How is he feeling now? Does he have an appetite? I would start feeding him 5-6 small meals per day. You do not want him to get sick and throw up by giving him too much food at once if he has not wanted to eat for a while. Poor guy . Hope he feels better soon.

 

[Hawk Eye Tom]

Like others have said, slow and steady. How is he feeling now? Does he have an appetite? I would start feeding him 5-6 small meals per day. You do not want him to get sick and throw up by giving him too much food at once if he has not wanted to eat for a while. Poor guy . Hope he feels better soon.

He is feeling a little bit better each day , but not no where back to 100% . His appetite gets a little better each day . I have been feeding him canned Blue Buffalo for two reasons . One , he seams to eat it better because it is not hard on his throat . Two , I use it to hide his MEDS in it . Peanut butter in not working like it use to . In all , I heard that it takes 3 to 6 weeks for it to pass and he is on his second week. The forth and fifth day were bad . I think he is on the upswing now .. \

AGAIN A BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE .