weak rescue dog

I just adopted an adorable little pomeranian mix 4 days ago from K-9 Lifesavers and he is extremely weak and timid.  He has very little appetite, which worries me because he is extremely thin.  He also has been coughing a little lately, which also concerns me because he has tested positive for heartworm.  The adoption agency told me he can't start any heartworm treatment until he gets rid of this sinus infection he is currently on antibiotics for (he is really good about taking his medicine if I stick it in a tiny piece of american cheese).  I am so worried about the little guy I just want him to get better.  I'm looking for any feedback from anyone who has adopted a rescue dog or has experience with rescue dogs regarding how I should go about making him feel comfortable in his new environment and also with getting him to eat his dog food.  Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[chasha33]

You can add a little chicken broth to his food that might help to get him to eat more.As far helping him  get use to his new surroundings try to get him involved in alot of your daily routine.When you are gone leave the tv or radio on that way he feels as if there is someone home with him.It is going to take him a little time,But he will come around.Has your vet checked him for kennel cough?You can also get some high calorie paste and that will help with getting his strength back and help him gain a little weight most furbabies like the taste of it so it is very easy to get them to take.Your vet should carry it,If not then most Pet stores do.Please keep us posted.Good Luck and Take care

[Sandra_G]

Hi...I pray that your adorable baby gets better soon. The personality of your breed is usually energetic & alert. The Heartworm is known to weaken dogs.  Why don't u just take him to your own Vet & have the rescue pay for your Vet & Heartworm treatment.
Hopefully, his sinuses are better now.
I feel your stress & fear. Your love & support will carrry him through. He'll get better in time.

[have 2 kids]

I work with a rescue group.  Did they give you any previous vet records?  Have you taken him to your own vet?  Our rescue group doesn't adopt out dogs until they have completed the heartworm treatment (if positive)  Helping a pet adjust to a new enviroment is hard and with him not feeling well it will be even more difficult.  I would definately have him seen by the vet.

[ginger899]

A vet visit would be a good thing. If he has been in Rescue kennels, he could have contracted Kennel Cough. This, on top of everything else will be dragging his immune system down, and making him feel tired and rotten.
But he has a good loving home now, and he will start to adjust, and I hope get his strength up. The chicken broth is a good idea. or the jelly which forms after chicken has been boiled in a little water, and then it cools. That is very nutritious, and tempting, even for a sick dog. It is also possible the antibiotics (which he needs badly right now) could be giving him a slight nauseous feeling, and that could be putting him off eating a bit.
I know some people don't believe in giving dogs wheat products, as some dogs can be wheat/gluten intolerant, but I always find a little dry wholemeal toast, cooked slowly so it's crunchy (but not too browned) will tempt a dog to eat. And that is good too. It is something my dog loves if she feels a little 'off'.

[angielozano]

Wellness brand has canned ""98% chicken" food..,my sick animals always respond to that.  I will keep your little one in my thoughts.

[merlin11]

The rescue group gave me previous vet records from a vet in Georgia where he got neutered, his rabies shot, and tested positive for heartworm.  They have a partner vet which I have scheduled his first heartworm treatment with next Thursday.  However, I feel that his heartworm is farther along than the adoption agency led me to believe, and I feel he needs immediate care.  I'm taking him in to see a vet closer to where I live to figure out exactly what's going on.  He has made very little progress since coming home with me on Saturday.  I am so worried.. :-(

[ginger899]

Take him in. Don't wait. He is very tiny, and if you feel he isn't 'holding his own' your feelings may be right.
I do hope he is OK. He is a sweet little dog. God bless him.

[chasha33]

How is your little guy feeling now.I just wanted to check and see how things where going and if he is feeling any better.Take care and May God Bless both of you

[merlin11]

Thank you to all of you who responded to my post and have kept Merlin in your prayers.  Unfortunately I found out this morning that he has been diagnosed with distemper, which is untreatable in Merlin's case.  We will most likely be relieving him from his pain and suffering later today.  I cannot express enough how much sorrow I feel for him.  If only someone took the time to give him the necessary shots earlier in his life this could have all been prevented.  Thanks again to everyone for your advice and prayers.

[have 2 kids]

I'm very sorry to hear about Merlin.  Distemper is so easily preventable if the previous owners had vaccinated him.   The rescue group I work with had 4 dogs come in last year with distemper and they all had to be euthanized.   You did a wonderful thing adopting from a rescue group and I hope this doesn't discourage you too much from doing it again when you are ready.  

[chasha33]

I am so sorry to hear of Merlin having distemper.One thing that you can take comfort in is knowing that you have loved him and took care of him in the time that you two have had together,I am sure that he has felt more love in the time that he has had with you then any other time in his life.Just try to take comfort in knowing that you have done everything you could for him and i know that he loves you for that.You will be in my prayers.May God Bless You.

[ginger899]

Yes he had your love and your care, even if only for those few days. It must have meant a lot to him, to be so sick, and have a place to rest, and be cared for and helped, and loved.
I am so sad to hear of this. Poor little thing. You did your best for him.