my labrador is 2 yrs old. he is still young but he is sooooo big. whats a good exercise plan for him. and about the diet, he doesn't eat much, only one meal a night.
help please...
2006-08-08 21:00:19 · 6 answers · asked by angelic_beauty 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My dog got overweight too, and I started him on weight control formulated food. I use Science Diet, but there are quite a few good brands.
I also give him a half meal in the morning, we walk a lot, mid afternoon he has the rest of his meal, and chases sticks etc, round the garden, and for supper, a meaty bone.
As he's 14 years old, which is very old for a British Bulldog, I don't worry about him doing too much excercise, but a young Lab. can do as much as you can let him......
You could try LOTS of walks and runs, do you have parks where dogs can run free, but are safely fenced in?
Also dog competition clubs where the dogs learn routines that involve lots of activity.
If time is your problem, there are always people who walk animals as a job, you could check them out too...
good luck....
2006-08-08 21:11:23 · answer #1 · answered by maggie rose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not that he just eats one meal that counts - it is what he eats in that meal.
Get your vet to recommend a good diet food - I would say something like Hill's W/d or perhaps even r/d. Start feeding him twice a day, but look at the recommendations on the foodbag and only give him the required daily amount for the weight you want him to be (if he is very overweight he need to loose weight i a slow and controlled manner - ask your vet to help set up a program)
Start giving him more exercise - a great idea is to let him find one meal himself by spreading it all over the lawn. Or start clickertraining, just remember that the treats are a part of his daily food amount (see www.clickertraining.com for more info on clickertraining) Or go to agility classes with him, or do tracking.
A rule of thumb is that you measure out the daily amount of food in the morning (all treats included) and let him have 1/3 in a bowl - but let him work for the rest in one way or another. (finding it on the lawn, or hidden around to house, or as training treats)
good luck
2006-08-09 04:12:05 · answer #2 · answered by snowwings 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with many of the answers, especially asking your vet. May I add that large dogs should never be fed one meal a day. It increases the chances of them developing "bloat" which is one of the most serious medical emergencies seen in dogs. Feeding two meals a day, not exercising your pet two hours before or after a meal, will help to prevent it.
2006-08-09 09:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by GSDoxie3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an overweight large dog of my own. My agility trainer had me switch to large breed weight mgmt food. I gave her (always had) 1 c of food in the a.m. and 1 c. in p.m. Her weight was normal in a very fast time when I also (as she directed) shorted that cup approx. 1/4c and added cut up raw carrots or some green beans or some canned pumpkin. This helps them feel fuller. She's kept the correct weight for 2 yrs. since. A border collie, in class just did this, and got in great shape with the same fast results. We also exercise our dogs---lots of walks, frisbee, retrieving and agility runs.
2006-08-09 04:22:22 · answer #4 · answered by dogfrenzied 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
watch out how big the portions of food given to dog and try at least walk your dog everyday. if these don't work, ask /contact your vet for some advice.
2006-08-09 04:06:17 · answer #5 · answered by agent_starfire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Donot worry about dogs.Be worried about suffering humanity and try to solve their problems. Let these creattures at God's risk. However, we ourslelf should not harm them and feed if they are hungry.
2006-08-09 04:24:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋