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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Old and Overweight Dog

14 replies

FooffyShmoofer · 16/02/2011 09:40

I'm hoping that one of you might be able to advise me as to what to do for the best.

Our Dog who is roughly 12/13 is overweight and I think it affecting her being able to bear her weight for any length of time on her back legs.

She has a regular tin of dog food a day split over two meals with mixer biscuits. She doesn't get out for walks .
This is since DD came along two years ago and less still since DH went back to full time work in Oct '10.

I am making a concerted effort to get her out for a short walk everyday and am thinking of starting her on a diet food.

Does this sound like the right way to go about it?
Can anybody recommend a good diet food?

Sorry if this all sounds a bit self explanatory it's just I feel so guilty her getting this way and would be distraught were she to have a heart attack or something due to her weight.

OP posts:

DooinMeCleanin · 16/02/2011 09:44

Two short walks a day getting longer as she gets fitter. If you can't manage this you need to hire a dog walker.

What food is she on? You should only be feeding her the reccomended amount for the weight she should be. Diet food isn't neccessary though.

If her legs are getting bad you need to see a vet. Dogs are very good at hiding pain, unless they are Whippets

Original poster

FooffyShmoofer · 16/02/2011 09:54

Thanks

To be honest she is eating slightly less than she should for her size. She is roughly the size of a lurcher probably classed as medium sized. So she isn't overfed. (the DCs will give her bits of stuff but not enough to contribute to over eating).

I can do 2 short walks a day I just don't factor it into the day which will have to change.

She got out yesterday and made her way to my mums which is 5 mins away. She has never got out before and I was frantic which I think is what has made me wake up and realize she isn't getting the attention she needs. When mum brought her back poor dog was exhausted and a bit in shock.

OP posts:

Eleison · 16/02/2011 09:58

Even ten mins twice a day will make a big difference to her, and perhaps it will be easier than you fear to work that into your routine. An MOT at the vet first, perhaps, to talk about weight and any joint probs; and s/he can advise on best way to build up fitness in an older dog.

GrimmaTheNome · 16/02/2011 10:06

IME the feeding guides on dog food packs are usually way too high!

If she's fat on the recommended amount, then she needs a bit less. Better chuck a spoonful or two of dogfood in the bin than give her the whole can if its a little bit much for her.

Original poster

FooffyShmoofer · 16/02/2011 10:25

Thankyou for answering.

I'll be honest and say I am worried about taking her to the vets as I will get a telling off I'm sure. Rightly so.

The cost is worrying the heck out of me too.
However she definitely needs a check over.

I will cut her food down a little and the walks are imperative. I just feel guilty even looking at her.

OP posts:

Eleison · 16/02/2011 10:32

If the worry about going to the vet is getting in the way of taking action, then just get stuck in with the two walks a day for now, but be extra careful not to overdo it. And remember that even the shortest walk is going to help her loads, so enjoy it and feel good about it. I know that feeling guilty about something can make you more likely to turn away from it and do nothing; so don't expect loads from yourself -- just choose a very small and manageable daily target and stick to it. Then you can very quickly help her and start for feel really positive.

It doesn't matter if the weight only goes slowly. She will be happier right from the beginning. And you never know, you might feel able to build up the time spent walking a little bit as time goes on.

DooinMeCleanin · 16/02/2011 10:32

We took our dog for his joints and it wasn't that expensive he got Glacausamine and Chrodium (???) or something along those lines. You can just get a presciption from your vet and buy the meds elsewhere. PetMeds online is usually competitive with their prices.

They will more than likely try and sell you Hills food. But you don't have to buy it and if you decide you want it again you don't have to get it there.

DooinMeCleanin · 16/02/2011 10:35

Oh and with the amount of overweight pets there are today your vet will have seen worse than your dog.

Original poster

FooffyShmoofer · 16/02/2011 10:52

Thanks so much for your advice. It's really appreciated. I feel a bit better about it now. Will definitely start straight away with the walks.

OP posts:

Eleison · 16/02/2011 11:07

Hope you enjoy them. We are coming up to spring now. A great time to be hitting the parks/footpaths.

walesblackbird · 16/02/2011 11:11

I have an old doggie as well. He's approaching 13 now and his back legs are very wobbly. He also is a little overweight but, having taken him to the vet, it's not because he's a porker - more that with old age the muscles in his back legs are wasting and that's why he can't do the things he used to.

Have you checked whether it could be arthritis? You can get medication for that from the vet - didn't help our dog though.

Ours can now just about manage to get out to do his business but really struggles on walks. He can just about get to the end of the road but then sits down and has to be persuaded to get up and come home.

He can still just about manage to climb on the sofas and with a bit of a helping hand can get up the stairs and onto my bed!

Ephiny · 16/02/2011 12:01

We take ours to hydrotherapy/swimming . He's not so old as yours but has a bit of arthritis, so it's a good way for him to do some intensive exercise without putting stress on his joints. It's supposedly really good for building up the muscle strength in their legs and keeping them mobile for longer as they get older, especially if there's arthritis or other joint problems.

I would definitely take her to the vet straight away though. Don't worry about it, lots of dogs get a bit overweight and I know how hard it is when you've got one who loves their food!

Original poster

FooffyShmoofer · 16/02/2011 13:25

OP posts:

beautifulgirls · 16/02/2011 20:17

I'd say if you go to the vet and ask for help with the weight loss, then they really should not be telling you off but instead should welcome the chance to help you to help your dog. Don't be afraid to go please as your dog could really get some good help here that could make all the difference for her mobility.

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