Six seven-month-old underweight German shepherd mix puppies were surrendered to BC SPCA animal protection officers from a property in the Thompson-Nicola regional district on June 10.
“The owner had been trying to rehome the puppies from an accidental litter,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA. When BC SPCA animal protection officers contacted the owner, they acknowledged they needed help and immediately surrendered the puppies to the BC SPCA’s care. “We appreciate that the owner of these puppies did the right thing and surrendered them, however, there is no denying that these animals were suffering. We strongly recommend that anyone having difficulty caring for their animals calls the BC SPCA Animal Helpline well before their animals’ condition reaches this state to see what support is available to them. Not reaching out for support and allowing the animals to suffer could mean facing charges.”
Drever emphasizes that all the puppies were severely underweight and dehydrated, with three in particularly critical condition. “The veterinarian who assessed them noted that the most affected were at 7 per cent dehydration – a dangerous level, as the body begins shutting down at 10 per cent.” To aid their recovery, all puppies were prescribed five days of subcutaneous fluids to restore hydration. The most affected are still receiving fluids. Additionally, all the puppies are following a carefully monitored refeeding plan designed to help them regain weight safely and prevent refeeding syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by introducing food too quickly to malnourished animals.
Meranda Dussault, manager of the BC SPCA Shuswap, describes the puppies’ concerning condition: “They were extremely thin, yet their bloated stomachs indicated the presence of internal parasites, which we treated here at the animal centre.” She adds that despite being only seven months old, the puppies have unusually poor dental health, with severe tartar buildup and retained baby teeth.
Dussault says the puppies are sweet. “These young dogs have been through a lot, but it doesn’t show. They love people, love playing with each and in the pool in the centre’s yard,” she says.
Checkers, the smallest, skinniest, most dehydrated and weakest of the puppies, has stolen everyone’s heart. “She is super shy, but has started to stroll up to staff, tail wagging looking for a cuddle,” says Dussault. “She is still tired and weak, but she is getting stronger every day.”
In addition to the vet care the puppies have already received, each will require spay and neuter surgery. The puppies will be available for adoption in two to four weeks.
When Petsecure Pet Health Insurance* learned about the puppies’ story, the company generously offered to match all medical donations up to $3,500 to help with their care and other animals who need urgent medical help.
*Supported by a grant from Definity Financial Corporation, Petline Insurance Company.