She's a beagle, she's 10, she used to be a great companion, but now she only seems to care about food. She couldn't care less about playing, being petted, anything really. Just food, food, food. She's even figured out how to open doors to get to food in cabinets and in the trash. She's actually a bit overweight and we feed her plenty of dog food, so she's not starved and she's parasite free.
2006-09-18 05:40:37 · 9 answers · asked by Poppies_rule 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
LMAO
Ever hear the term "Chow Hound",,, now you know where it came from ;)
I have had Beagles for many years, and believe me, it is perfectly normal.
If you pick up the guy in my avatar, he will lean over your shoulder saying "Hold-me, hold-me, hold me a little closer to the food on the counter",,,
like ya he wants loves,,,,, NOT
2006-09-18 05:45:57 · answer #1 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She might feel hungry for a majority of reasons.
She may have parasites, even though you think she is parasite free. When is the last time she had a fecal test? They are about $5.
If it's not parasites, then it 's the brand of food you are using. She needs to be on a diet that is made, nutritionally, for older dogs. Senior dogs require nutrients not found in regular dog food, and cheap dog foods don't give them enough nutrients, so they tend to eat 4 times the normal amount to get enough to feel satisfied.
I did a test a home. I bought Old Roy from Wal Mart, and I bought Kirkland brand, from COSTCO, which is a higher grade dog food. We bought the chicken brand, incase you want to try it out.
One month, I fed my dog the Old Roy. I went through a bag and a half! He's just one little Labrador Retriever and he ate almost 2 bags! I was stunned.
I then put him back on the Kirkland (which is what he normally eats), and he eats about 3/4 a bag per month. (These are 40lb bags, by the way.)
My dog's intake for food literally DOUBLED using the Old Roy, compared to a better brand that had more nutrients and does not use fillers. My dog eats at will. He is not overweight, and he only eats what he needs to feel full. He is living proof that it is worth it ot buy a better brand.
Let's look at the monetary levels. My Old Roy cost around $10. My Kirkland cost around $16. Okay, you save a buck in the beginning, however you use twice the amount, costing a total of nearly $20, compared to only $16.
The other reason your little dog may be eating more is because she's emotional. Sometimes us women just drown our sorrows in food, or we use it to make ourselves feel good. We get similar endorphin releases that atheletes get, when we eat.
Your special little doggy may be using food for pleasure or to compensate for something else. Sometimes if they are not drinking enough, they will overeat thinking they are hungry, when in fact, they are thirsty.
I really hope this helps you out. She sounds adorable.
:o)
2006-09-18 05:57:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a beagle, too. She's 13 and she's a food freak, as well - sometimes not eating and sometimes being utterly famished. She definitely, though, has an obsession with human food over her own food. Sometimes, she just hangs around in the kitchen, whining and scratching at the pantry door for treats. It makes me crazy, but I've just tried to ignore it. I have bumped up her exercise, which has helped. It tires her out and makes her less apt to linger in the kitchen. Maybe try this with your dog, especially if she is overwieght. It couldn't hurt. Good luck!
2006-09-18 06:01:04 · answer #3 · answered by Shelley L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that you are feeding her a high-quality food that is especially formulated for senior dogs. She may be obsessed about food because she is not getting enough nutrition.
The amoutn of food isn't really a factor in the dog's nutrition, it is the quality and amount of nutrients in the food. A dog that is on a quality brabd of dog food will eat less.
Try feeding her nutro or chicken soup for the dog lover's soul. Make sure that you buy a senior formula. Don't get anything that you can buy from the supermarket...pedigree, dad's, etc.
Make sure that you don't feed her any people food, not only is it not healthy for her but it will fuel her desire to eat more food.
If her weight becomes a problem, their are foods that you can buy to manage a dog's weight....diet food.
Good luck
2006-09-18 06:24:13 · answer #4 · answered by andicohoon707 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's time puchy was tied to the back of the vehicle and given a drive around the block a few times a week.
2006-09-18 05:49:10 · answer #5 · answered by Kris 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You may want her to get checked out by a vet. She may be depressed or have other underlying problems causing her to overeat.
2006-09-18 05:45:02 · answer #6 · answered by Sarah H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have her checked by a vet. May have a Hyper Thyroid.
2006-09-18 05:49:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
indicative of depression/anxiety which could indeed be related to aging.
2006-09-18 05:50:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Q
2006-09-18 05:50:45 · answer #9 · answered by G. B. 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋