My buddy Hank has lost wieght and I cant seem to get any back on him. Ive took him to vet twice. Vet says we will watch for month. He had me put him on puppy chow. He is going on 3 yrs. He is blue tick & Great Dane. He is very active and runs hard. He is a house dog but when out he is running hard we have lots of property. He is getting pretty bony & im concerned about waiting that long. I really want to trust the vet we have used him for 5 yrs. This is the first time i ever had doubts.Any Ideas to help him gain ? Or what could be wrong greatfully appreciated. He eats fine & Acts normal but just loosing weight.
2006-06-15 16:01:55 · 8 answers · asked by southernbelle 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hopefully, you took a stool sample to the vet and had it checked for intestinal worms? Did the vet check his blood for a thyroid problem or a pancreas problem that keeps him from properly digesting and absorbing his food? If not, you might need another vet. Wait-and-see is not a good treatment plan.
If he's just very active, you have to increase his calories with a food like Eukanuba. Make sure you feed him three or four smaller meals a day and don't let him out running for at least an hour after he eats. Great Danes are very prone to a fatal condition called bloat.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/bloat.html
2006-06-16 08:26:17 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as a life long pet owner(mostly dogs) a few things come to mind.
first the season its getting hot and most dogs will lose there winter fat. next is are you really checking his input and export has he really started to use the yard ao is it the norm. if its the norm he may be just using more energy since he runs alot. if you really get concerned that he is losing alot of weight check for worms, if its negative and you want to put some meat on his bones start giving him some can or semi moist dog food with his kibble. this will make him go more but will also pack on weight, a good meat add for kibble is Bil Jack its sold in most major pet stores and is in the frozen food section. but remember with large breed dogs it is better for there joints to be on the lighter side rather than heavy. Hope this helps
2006-06-15 16:15:22 · answer #2 · answered by bamm m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should trust the vet, but if he is perfectly healthy, you shouldn't be that worried, unless he starts getting really skinny. If it becomes a major issue, you should give him extra treats or table food or you might give him some extra puppy chow. But if he is active and eats good then you shouldn't be worried.
2006-06-15 16:32:58 · answer #3 · answered by Tony B. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion the dog food Eagle Pack, Power Formula 30/20 will do the trick. Check out their web site at eaglepack.com or use their 800 number listed on their website and talk to the nutritionist.
2006-06-15 16:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think i would take the dog to a new vet and get a second opinions my vet would have that dog on a special formula dog food to help him gain weight.
2006-06-15 19:30:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trust the vet....give extra treats and there are several kinds of dog food supplements you can give. Let me know how it works out with him.
2006-06-15 16:06:51 · answer #6 · answered by Judy72649 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we had a handsome male great dane, he got really bad breathe and started losing weight , he died of kindey failure. have him tested for worms. have him tested for kidney function. if he runs all that much he will stay thin. good luck!
2006-06-15 16:19:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think he will be fine if there looks like any dirastic weight lose start feeding him table scraps it my not be the healthyist but it will work but right know he is fine
2006-06-15 16:05:31 · answer #8 · answered by Spacer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋