My dog is apx 6 years old (we adopted her so we arent sure of her real age). she is pretty over weight but not because we over feed her. she does not like to play! walking her isnt very easy because i have 3 1/2 yr old daughter and an almost 7 month old son to tend to. we always have her outside w/ us. we try to get her to play ball and run around but she only does it for about 3 mins tops! we buy her toys... does nothing to help. she is a "sitter" as our groomer says. she doesnt jump around she just sits! its been over a year since we got her and her vet says she is healthy, just over weight. any suggestions?
2007-07-02 15:47:04 · 8 answers · asked by moms_lil_bugs 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Wellness Super 5 Mix Weight Management food. It is THE best diet food on the market- it's high quality, all natural, and has the lowest fat and calorie count of any food I've found so far (and I've looked hard!) I used the cat formula on my 2 obese kitties, and they dropped weight very quickly and without any form of exercise in addition to the diet. DO NOT buy diet food from your vet! Hill's Science Diet pays vets to sell their food, but that doesn't make it good food. My family has used it twice, and both times it made the animals even sicker than their original problem! If you read the ingredients it's not even good food, it's full of corn and wheat and other fillers that most dogs are allergic too.
You might also consider hiring a dog-walker- there are lots of pet sitters around these days who offer daily walks as one of their services. Labs are supposed to be active dogs, so a nice long walk would be good for her both physically and mentally. If money is an issue perhaps you could just pay for two or three walks per week, at least so she gets something.
Labs suffer a lot of health problems from being overweight, so it's important you deal with this ASAP- most older labs I see have severe hip problems, calloused skin on their belly and legs from laying down with so much pressure, fatty tumors that must either be removed or you'll just have a bumpy looking dog, etc.
Good luck!
2007-07-02 15:54:08 · answer #1 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer to pet weight loss is the same as for human. You have to reduce intake and increase energy used.
Cut back the food the dog is receiving.
Even if you are giving what the company suggests dogs can be being over feed. Different animals have different food needs and the information on the food is an average that can not take into account the individual metabolism or details of the dogs lifestyle.
If the dogs gets any treats other than the regular food (ie cleans floor up from under where your son eats) then the food has to be reduced to allow for those calories.
Dogs can be "fooled" into felling like hey are still getting the amount of food they are use to by including in there diet foods that are high in moisture and low in calories - some that are often used include canned pumpkin, and canned low sodium green beans.
While I understand that walking her is not easy try making it a family event. have you daughter walk along with you and help push your son in the stroller while you take dog for walk. The exercise will help raise the dog's metabolism. It will also be helping to get your daughter and Son some fresh air and help them develop good lifelong habit.
2007-07-02 16:15:18 · answer #2 · answered by keezy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they'll accept him - but get him 'done'! you don't want any over-zealous and inappropriate behaviour! I've done this several times with German Shepherds and have found that puppies give older dogs a new lease of life - with dogs in their prime, say about 5-7 years old, there could well be jealousy and bossing, so keep a close eye on them, and don't give the puppy extra attention - in fact, lavish even more on the ones you've already got. I dive right in - not neutral ground - sit with the puppy on your knee and have someone else let the dogs in - they'll have smelled him by now anyway - just give them time, don't try to force things - every time I've done it all has gone well - apart from some bossing! Good Luck!
2016-05-17 05:04:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed her a low-fat prescription food from your vet twice a day. Do not give her any dog treats as one of them equals one candy bar for us. Instead use veggies like carrots and green beans. Also you can reduce the amount of food you feed her and add mopre veggies.
She is not working out cause she is over weight and feels sluggish...once we reduce her calorie intake you will notice a difference in her excerise tolerance...hence she will begin to excerise more which will really help her. Good luck.
2007-07-02 15:51:33 · answer #4 · answered by Jennifer B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Before trying all of these super diet foods for dogs, consider what may be going on in her body. She could have thyroid problems! Consult your vet about this, and ask for a T4 to check her thyroid. Also, if she doesn't have anything serious, ask about a new medication called Slentrol- this could help your dog lose weight.
2007-07-02 16:22:14 · answer #5 · answered by Fiveohfive 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get some weight control type food from the same dog food brand. Pay somebody to walk your dog, it's usually cheap from local children in your neighborhood. There are some prescriptions that will help your dog loose weight too.
2007-07-02 15:52:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow! A dog that does not want to play ball 24-7! How unique! my German Shepherd puppy never gives it up. it's non- stop with the ball!Maybe if you know someone with a younger puppy they could bring for a doggie play date?Sometimes that will get the older, slower dog going.
2007-07-02 15:57:54 · answer #7 · answered by Kt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
walk her a lot this well help
2007-07-02 15:50:44 · answer #8 · answered by fawneyblue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋