A Staghound is undergoing a miracle recovery after he was found starved and dumped on hard rubbish in Melbourne.

The five-year-old dog, named Atticus, was found last week in the western suburbs, weighing just 12kg — less than half what he should have been.

He was taken to the Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne, unable to stand or lift his head.

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“We suspect he hasn’t had proper food or nutrition for at least four to six weeks,” Dr Jessica Wilde told 7NEWS.

Since his rescue, Atticus has been fed every 1.5 hours — and he watches peaceful nature videos on an iPad at the shelter.

Each night, he goes home with his carer Jamie Nichols who says his needs are similar to that of a newborn baby.

“Atticus doesn’t cope with being left alone,” she said.

“The other night I slept on the floor beside his bed and gave him all the love and attention he deserves.”

The Staghound has no microchip and police are searching for his owner.

The Lost Dogs Home has said the number of animals dumped over the past two years has risen by almost 50 per cent because of the cost of living crisis.

Atticus will stay at the shelter for at least three months.

When he is walking and recovered there will be a search for a permanent home.

“We will wait until it’s a perfect match as he deserves the best home,” Wilde said.