Six underweight German Shepard mix puppies are now in the care of the BC SPCA after their owner surrendered the dogs to animal protection officers on June 10.
The owner of the seven-month-old puppies had been trying to rehome the animals following an accidental litter, according to Eileen Drever, senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA.
When animal protection officers contacted the owner of a Thompson-Nicola Regional District property they acknowledged they needed help and immediately surrendered the puppies to the BC SPCA’s care, said Drever.
“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 call 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,” explained Drever.
All of 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 seven per cent dehydration - a dangerous level, as the body begins shutting down at 10 per cent,” she said.
The dogs were all placed on fluids, with the three in critical condition still receiving the care. The pups are also on a 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, said Drever.
Now under the care of the Shuswap SPCA, manager Meranda Dussault said while the puppies are all very sweet they were extremely thin.
“Their bloated stomachs indicated the presence of internal parasites, which we treated here at the animal centre,” said Dussault.
She added that despite being only seven months old, the puppies have unusually poor dental health, with severe tartar buildup and retained baby teeth.
One particular pup named Checkers, who is the smallest, skinniest, most dehydrated and weakest of the dogs, has stolen everyone’s heart.
“She is super shy, but has started to stroll up to staff, tail wagging looking for a cuddle,” said Dussault. “She is still tired and weak, but she is getting stronger every day.”
While all of these pooches have been through a lot, they aren’t letting it show said Dussault, as they love playing with each and in the pool in the centre’s yard.
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.
Petsecure Pet Health Insurance has offered to match all medical donations up to $3,500 to help with the puppies' care and other animals who need urgent medical help.
If you can help these puppies and other animals in the BC SPCA’s care, visit medical.spca.bc.ca.
