she just had a litter 4 months ago so I don't know if that has to do with anything. How do I get her to loose weight? what should I feed her? she's currently eating Eukanuba but doesn't like that too much. She's shedding a lot too.
2007-06-06 13:03:48 · 14 answers · asked by Sara 6 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
thanks. I took her to her vet and 2 different ones and they all said she needed her anal glands done. We've done that once a month and she's still rubbing her butt. So maybe it is a tyroid problem. we're taking her to the vet again this weekend. She's also already spayed. so she couldn't be pregnant again.
2007-06-07 05:43:27 · update #1
Where's your vet?
Make an appointment and get her checked out.
2007-06-06 13:06:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to rule out is a thyroid condition. Dogs that gain weight quickly and are shedding heavily often have this problem. If your dog does, then it's easily controlled with a daily medication. However, she should have been checked for this condition BEFORE she had puppies since it's often hereditary. If she's hypo- or hyperthyroid, her pups will most likely develop the condition as well and you should inform their new owners. A thyroid test is done by taking a blood sample, which your vet will either run 'in house' or send off to a certified lab depending on what equipment your clinic has available.
If she's not suffering from a thyroid problem, she may be getting too much food. Her metabolism probably changed due to her pregnancy, and she may need less food. Cut back on her food, and if needed, mix in some fresh or frozen green beans to help her feel full without adding calories.
She's also not on a good food. Eukanuba is full of low-quality ingredients and she may be having problems getting the nutrients she needs so she's eating too much. If you want to feed a dry kibble, I would suggest Canidae, Blue Buffalo, or Eagle Pack Holistics. Much better ingredients and dogs do SO much better on these foods.
Her shedding may also be hormone related, but females usually shed out around 7 - 10 weeks postpartum. At four months post-partum, I would not expect her to be shedding.
Check with your vet to rule out a problem, then address the feeding issue. Good luck with your dog. If you are planning on spaying her, 4 months after the birth of pups is a good time to do so; her hormones have leveled off, and she should still have a couple of months before they rise for her next season. Your vet can 'kill two birds with one stone" and draw her bloodwork a few days before her spay appointment to make sure she's healthy before surgery.
2007-06-06 13:14:17 · answer #2 · answered by Beth K 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well if she is almost going bald I would be concerned and take her to the vet but other wise her weight and the summer heat are probably the reason she is shedding so much. Make sure she drinks lots of water. Maybe its time to change her food. Do it slowly and mix in the new stuff with the old stuff so her body can get used to it. If she gets worse take her to the vet.
2007-06-06 13:41:11 · answer #3 · answered by IThinkIKnowEverything 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it is the time of year MOL for coats to blow, also gestation and nursing takes a lot out of her system so she may be sheddin due to that as well. A double whammy. My hair always grew great when I was pregnant then started falling out about 2-3 months later.
Try switching her to Canidae all life stages and daily brushing.
Feed less, exercise more.
The pups pulled a lot from her and she needs to rebuild her system.
Do her yet another favor and get her spayed.
A thyroid imbalance should be ruled out as well.
http://www.canidae.com/dogs/all_life_stages/dry.html
2007-06-06 13:13:49 · answer #4 · answered by Karen W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she may actually be pregnant again. she may be shedding out form having teh pups which some dogs is normal/
The onnly way tto be sure is to take her to the vets and make sure there isn't any underlying problems causing any and all of this.
Yo may want to consider getting her spayed
2007-06-06 13:13:57 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Craig L. It sounds like a thyroid problem, or at least get her hormones checked. They may be out of whack because of having a litter. Don't wait, she needs professional help.
2007-06-06 13:48:52 · answer #6 · answered by D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get her to a vet, it could be serious. It almost sounds like she has a thyroid condition.
2007-06-06 13:10:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
take her to a vet first. for a check up. lose weight, long walks go out side and play with her.
2007-06-06 13:19:07 · answer #8 · answered by walterscotthorne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would feed your dog Science Diet lite, it comes in small bites, so is easy to eat. It can be expensive, so find it on sale and buy the economy 40 pound bag, it is cheaper. Our dog has lost weight. Best Wishes for a Happy and healthy dog!
2007-06-06 13:15:58 · answer #9 · answered by Janice 10 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
take her to a vet. it does really sound like thyroid.
2007-06-06 13:12:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋