But hair growth can be slow.
The skin itself may improve first.
Less redness.
Less crusting.
Less scratching.
Fewer new lesions.
Better comfort.
Meanwhile, Waffles may still look nearly bald.
His Bedding Needs Extra Attention
Without a healthy coat and with very little body fat, Waffles has less protection between his skin and the surface beneath him.
He spends a great deal of time lying down.
That creates pressure and friction concerns.
His bedding should remain clean, dry, supportive, and gentle against diseased skin.
Temperature matters too.
A frail, poorly insulated little dog may have difficulty staying comfortable.
One Morning, Waffles Tries to Stand at the Bowl
He smells breakfast.
His front legs push beneath him.
His chest rises.
Then his hindquarters follow.
For several seconds, Waffles is standing.
He takes a bite.
Another.
His legs begin trembling.
Before they completely fail, Waffles lowers himself back onto the pad.
He continues eating from there.
He did not finish the meal standing.
But standing for part of it is something he could not do before.
The Goal Is Not Necessarily a Perfect Feeding Posture Tomorrow
First, Waffles needs safe intake.
Then endurance.
Then strength.
Eventually, eating can become ordinary again.
He should not have to spend nearly everything he has just keeping his face above dinner.
His Progress Begins Appearing Outside Mealtimes
Waffles starts lifting his head when someone enters the room.
Previously, he might only move his eyes.
Later, he pushes onto his chest.
Then he remains there.
He begins repositioning himself without immediately needing to rest.
Each change suggests a little more usable energy.
His Walk to the Bowl Changes Too
At first, Waffles crawls.
His belly remains against the floor.
The front paws pull.
The rear legs contribute little.
Then one day, his abdomen lifts for several steps.
Waffles walks.
Slowly.
His back is slightly hunched.
His legs are not strong.
But his body is off the floor.
He reaches the bowl.
Then lies down to eat.
That is still progress.
A Few Days Later, He Makes the Entire Trip Standing
The distance is short.
That does not make it meaningless.
Waffles takes several careful steps.
Stops once.
Continues.
His nose reaches the food.
He remains standing for the first few bites.
Then the familiar tremor returns.
His head lowers.
This time, before his chin reaches the bowl, Waffles steps backward.