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The doghouse

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

Urgent problem please advise

22 replies

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 20:07

A year ago I gave my male dog to my sister. He's a sweet dog but I'd moved to a rural location and him and his sister constantly barked while running wildly in the garden. He's now 7. I've had him and his sister since pups. Sister has three boys and they've given him a wonderful, happy home.
In the past two weeks sis has been on holiday and dog looked after by my parents. They visited and I am absolutely horrified by how obese he is. He can hardly walk and it appears sis has changed his food to some generic Wilkos type crap despite me being clear that he needed to be kept on the food I'd specified. He's a breed prone to obesity and I'd worked so hard with diet and exercise to prevent this for six years.
Parents no nothing about dogs but were embarrassed that everywhere they took him people commented about how overweight he is.
I suggested they leave him with me as they are tbh exhausted. He's very demanding( always has been) and was waking them up at 5 am.
In the past week I've had neighbours be astounded that this is this the same dog they knew a year ago
I just don't know what to do
Male dog is clearly being overfed and maybe not exercised enough. His hair is far too long and matted.
Parents are suggesting I keep him.
I'd be happy to do so but I've officially given him to my sister. He is a pedigree dog and quite valuable.
My main concern is my sisters boys who adore the dog. They would be heartbroken if he was to just not come home.

I'm due to return him tomorrow to my parents as sis will collect him from there on Sunday. I'm in turmoil. If I keep him I think I may be breaking the law. He's not officially my dog anymore. If I let him go back to her I think he will have a heart attack.
Sister is not somebody who will take kindly to advise or I'd make suggestions
Please can people advise

OP posts:
PandorasXbox · 25/08/2017 20:13

Could you take him to the groomers for a trim/bath before you take him back? And buy him the food he used to eat whilst with you?

Personally I think you need to have a gentle word with your sister about the dogs well being and bring up his weight gain and unkempt coat.

Hard I know as it's your sister and you won't want to upset her but I think it's it needs talking about.

SparklingRaspberry · 25/08/2017 20:14

I would keep the dog

If she asks why, tell her. If she truly cared for the dog she wouldn't allow him to become so overweight. That is neglect! She's either 1) over feeding him 2) not walking him enough 3) both. Which ever one of those it is, she's mistreating him and setting him up for health problems and an early death.

Tell her you'll be keeping the dog. If she kicks up a fuss hand him back over but explain you'll be contacting the vets asap.

It doesn't matter that the boys love the dog. Love alone isn't gunna help him lose weight and save the poor boy from heart failure, dental problems, joint issues, liver problems etc

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 20:17

Pandoras ive phoned my groomer and they don't have any slots. He should be hand stripped every four months. He's been groomed once in a year. His weight with the horrendous coat combines to make his life horrible in this heat

OP posts:
notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 20:18

I've put him back on decent food but a few dYs won't make any difference to hos overall well being I don't think

OP posts:
PandorasXbox · 25/08/2017 20:19

Poor boy. Is keeping him a viable option now for you?

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 20:22

Yes I'd keep him. Just don't want to be arrested!!

OP posts:
CornflakeHomunculus · 25/08/2017 20:22

How do you think she'd react if you refused to give him back?

I believe you're right in that legally he's her dog now but if she's not likely to kick up a fuss over you keeping him then I'd probably do it. It would be very sad for your nephews but presumably they'd still be able to see him and if he's as bad as you say then he's going to have a (potentially drastically) reduced lifespan with your sister. Better a fit and healthy dog they see sometimes than a dead one.

It could be worth clarifying the legalities of the situation and maybe getting advice from someone like the solicitors at Dog Law. They specialise in the law as it applies to dogs and custody disputes is one of the things they cover.

CornflakeHomunculus · 25/08/2017 20:24

Depending on what breed he is his weight may put him at greater risk of certain health issues aside from those normally linked with obesity. Things like IVDD, if he's a breed that can be prone to it the risk is greatly increased for overweight dogs, is that a route you could use to talk to your sister about him?

PandorasXbox · 25/08/2017 20:24

Your sister might be relived? It sounds like she isn't coping well looking after him after all.

Have a chat with her. At the end of the day the dog has to come first. Could you say that the boys would still be able to see him often?

MrsJayy · 25/08/2017 20:28

Your sister obviously isn't coping talk to her maybe the boys are feeding him treats and rubbish and maybe offer to have the dog groomed every so often for her.

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 20:38

Thanks so much for the responses.
It's clear he's being overfed and yes probably treats from the boys. It's hard to describe just hoe obese he is. He's always been overweight. He's totally food obsessed and a bit like a Lab. his life is spent nose down sniffing for food!
Three sweet boys will probably be giving him 'treats' but that's beside the point. The adult needs to be in charge and ensure this lovely dog isn't going to die.
I've looked at the website suggested
I signed over the KC ownership papers to my sister. The dog is hers. I didn't sell him but I don't think that makes any difference.
Fuck. If I hand him over tomorrow I won't live with myself

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 25/08/2017 20:48

You really need to say something to her about him if he is obese it will as you know be detrimental to his health and he is middle aged so it will be affecting him. Will your Sister get huffy and defensive .

hesterton · 25/08/2017 20:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 21:21

Ok I've just messaged sister. She's devastated. I'm hoping she will let me keep him fir a month to get his weight down and get him groomed

OP posts:
hesterton · 25/08/2017 21:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 21:33

Sister has refused. Says she will get him back on decent food and get him to a vet next week. Also says he was groomed a couple of months ago, not true.
I think I'm going to have to hand him back.
maybe this will be a wake up call for her though

OP posts:
AfunaMbatata · 25/08/2017 21:33

Poor dog Sad . Do her and the children atleast know what foods are poisonous to dogs?

I hope she lets you keep him!

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 22:03

AfunaMbatata Sis knows everything there is to know. Clearly the dog has been loved but neglected. Sadly I've agreed to returning him tomorrow though it's breaking my heart.
You know when you're doing something that is wrong but is the easy option....?

OP posts:
PandorasXbox · 25/08/2017 22:03

Oh dear. What breed is he OP?

notarehearsal · 25/08/2017 22:12

I'd rather not say Pandora as it's not mainstream breed

OP posts:
MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 27/08/2017 12:24

All you can do is warn her that you will be keeping an eye on him and if you don't see that weight come off and his coat improve you'll be reporting her. Arrest you indeed. Is your sister normally such a twat?

PandorasXbox · 27/08/2017 12:43

I understand OP. I was just curious by how you described him and hoped he isn't my favoured breed who is also prone to weight gain and needs stripping and isn't a mainstream dog.

How's it gone with your sis?

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