Emmitts thyroid tests...

lee · 12-23-2007, 02:08 PM

came back negative!! You all were right!! I just have a FAT dog!!! I went to a new vet, she did blood tests, and he is fine except for the fat part, soooo I got some new food, "tast of the wild" with NO fillers and he is eating it! I just give him one third of a cup,15 min. down then take it away!! We started walking him longer (no deep snow here YET) She want's me to give him prescription food. I'm not sure what "brand" I think she said "RD" it comes in wet and dry. And also fish oil pills for his dry skin. I'm not sure about the food she want's to give him, if it is full of fillers, is it worth it? How long could it take for a Doxie to loose about 6 pounds? In the winter it is hard to walk in the snow with short legs!! I am going to do this if it kills me!!! I just want him to be healthy!!!
Thank you all for the help and tough love!! It's my fault he got fat!!!
lee

briteday · 12-23-2007, 02:29 PM

It has taken my 10-pound papillon 6 months to lose one pound. But she only had less than 2 pounds total excess. She walks about 2-3 miles per day. However at 8 years old she is pretty sedentary around the house. So we have added in some fetch and other games since the cold weather prevents her from chasing birds in the pasture.

R/D is Science Diet. It would not be my choice. My dog was in the same situation and the most drastic improvement came when we eliminated all carbohydrates (grain, potato) from her diet. (Taste of the Wild looks pretty good, but still has potato in it) First we switched to Evo red meat and then to raw. Don't forget to eliminate all treats. Just don't buy them and donate the ones you have to your local shelter. No extra food between meals and measure out every meal.

I think the fish oil caps are fine. You could eliminate the need for adding omega oils by switching to something like Solid Gold, Barking at the Moon. They carry it at Petco. It still has potatoes (carbs) but is fish based and has added oils as well.

You will be amazed at the difference that one pound makes in your dog. Our dog went from being a total sluggo to having bouncy energy and her youthful spirit back.