Malnourished dog found near a pet dumping site prompts his rescuer to ask the online canine community for help, and the comment section delivers a step-by-step guide to nursing him back to health

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Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor
Jul 4, 2026 9:00 AM EDT

We love that dog people come together to rescue a pup in need.

If there are people you can always count on, these are dog people. They have an unwavering dedication to dogs, and they know they can always count on the collective knowledge base of the online canine community to get advice on anything dog-related, really. There's just something special about loving dogs like that, and when people know the other that's in front of them is a dog person too, they can click in less than a minute. Dogs bring us closer together as humans.

That's exactly why one person who found a malnourished stray dog turned to the r/rescuedogs community, seeking advice on the situation. This person lives next to a pet dumping site, which is already a not-so-great start to any dog's story. Being a dog person and knowing people think they can just get rid of their dog, and right next to where you live, is a horrible thought to hold. We know we wouldn't be able to witness dogs being dumped again and again, knowing we can't help them all.

But regardless of this specific situation, we want to go back and focus on our pure love for the worldwide dog lovers community. Their collective knowledge combined with the fact that they are so willing to help dogs, results in a wholesome help center that's available to anyone. That's why dog people are the best - they will always make sure other dog people have whatever they need to care for dogs. Because we all care for dogs that much.

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  • 01
    Need advice for malnourished dog!! Found in woods Advice
    via autumndamonkey
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    Hi, this dog recently came up to us. We have a lot of dogs dumped in this area so it's not surprising.
    via autumndamonkey
  • 04
    An extremely well behaved dog around cats, people and other dogs and is well trained. The
    via autumndamonkey
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    problem is, he's malnourished to the point I'm not sure what I should do or how much to feed.
    via autumndamonkey
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    Cheezburger Image 10643806208
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  • Honestly, seeing pictures of a dog in such a state makes us very sad. If a dog reaches a level of being this thin, they are in danger, full stop. This is a dog in need of attention, and the faster - the better. At least the person who rescued this precious pup has a vet appointment set up already. But the best thing is that they knew to turn to the collective consciousness of the online canine community - knowing you have a worldwide network of dog lovers who are willing to help is a good piece of information to keep in the back of your mind. And oh boy, they did deliver.

  • 07
    The vet can't see him till next weekend. I do plan on keeping him has he's a sweet boy.
    via autumndamonkey
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    Cheezburger Image 10643805696
    via autumndamonkey
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    What I need advice on is, 1 can I give him capstar/oral flea and tick ki er? He's approximately 10-15 pounds, maybe 30ish pounds underweight? (Not
    via autumndamonkey
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    sure the breed.) and also a regular flea ki er (one to put on his neck not sure what it's called lol). 2
    via autumndamonkey
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    how much should I be feeding him? He obviously just eats and eats. This is my first time using Reddit so hopefully this is the right
    via autumndamonkey
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    group. I just need advice on what the next steps should be before he goes to a vet. Looks like sorta a boxer mix? Not sure. Fairly large dog
    via autumndamonkey
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    tho u cant tell looks like he's supposed to 40-60ibs and seems young if that helps. Thank you for any advice!
    via autumndamonkey
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    Waist size
    via autumndamonkey
  • 15
    moniemoe Not a professional, but this is what my vet said when I adopted an extremely malnourished pet, feed him only the amount prescribed
    via moniemoe
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    for his ideal weight. Don't feed him as much as he wants because it's really dangerous if they gain weight too fast so if the food you have says one cup for the rough estimate of what his weight SHOULD
    via moniemoe
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    be, give that one cup. Thanks for taking them in and giving him food. What a sweet boy.
    via moniemoe
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    I would hold off on flea meds since you don't know what amount he should take because of how underweight he is. If he is amenable, a flea bath.
    via moniemoe
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    Wonderful_Till8122 This is good advice. Thank you for caring for that poor pup. He is lucky you found him.
    via Wonderful_Till8122
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    Germanmaedl Please do not over feed this dog, he can get refeeding syndrome. He needs multiple small meals throughout the day,
    via Germanmaedl
  • 21
    initially totaling less than what he should be eating if he was healthy, going up by 1/4 cup total every few days. Maybe ask on r/askvet for a refeeding schedule.
    via Germanmaedl
  • 22
    autumndamonkey OP I haven't! We only have dog food specifically for each of our dogs. The first day he got small amounts of chicken. I'm going to see if there is any food ideal for underweight dogs today. I'll make a post there has well. Thank you!
    via autumndamonkey
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    TheGreenGoatess420 Rescue Parent This is our rescue girl
    via TheGreenGoatess420
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    autumndamonkey OP She's looks to around his starting weight what Brand did u specifically use? If u remember? And she's a cutie pie
    via autumndamonkey
  • 25
    TheGreenGoatess420 Rescue Parent I think it was just the hills stuff most vets recommend. I know she had been eating whatever she could find on the streets so I figure any brand of puppy food would be golden compared to what she was finding.
    via TheGreenGoatess420

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wholesome dogs adoption heartwarming kindness abandoned adopted advice happy ending health
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