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Weight loss strategy for dog

1440 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  DaySleepers
I've developed some bad habits with my dog that have resulted in her gaining a lot of weight. I was really surprised how much weight she has packed on but I should have realized it was happening. I would like to get the excess weight off of her as quickly as possible but without stressing her out. She has a deformed hind leg from a break that healed on it's own (no I was not in the picture at that point) and I'd like to take pressure off of those joints. She also has a recessed vulva that is getting infected because of the extra weight.

I used to play frisbee with her as a younger dog and stopped because her reactivity was so extreme. I thought that the intense exercise was amplifying her reactivity. I put her on a vacation that has lasted a few years now. She's been on Prozac for a couple of years and I guess that is probably part of the problem as well. I don't think she can manage without the drug however.

She has become accustomed to laying next to me while I eat dinner and I always throw her little morsels of food. Should I taper away from this behavior slowly or feed her something low in calories that will prevent her from getting frustrated. These bad habits started off well intentioned in rewarding a place and relaxed position but have slid into thoughtless patterns.

Even walking is a challenge because triggers will quickly stack and before you know it, her tail is tucked and she can barely respond to me. I'm thinking some activity in the backyard combined with a feeding strategy would work. I'm open to any suggestions. Does anyone have experience in taking weight off of a dog?

Thanks,
Dan
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Thanks a lot for the reply LeoRose!

I just had her at the vet and wish I would have requested a blood draw. Taking her to the vet is incredibly stressful for me. I have to muzzle her and give her trazadone and it's not a pleasant experience. I'll get her back in.

I'm sure she will still play with a ball or disc. I guess I'll switch to some low calorie food. I feed her canned blue buffalo and I know they make a more expensive weight loss variety. Thanks for the green bean idea.
Can you recommend a brand of food? Do you recommend canned or kibble?

Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for all of the helpful advice.
Shell, now that you mention it, my dog does frequently exhibit behaviors that indicate problems with digestion. She will lip lick like she's going to vomit or cry and push me to take her outside so that she can eat grass. Normally I discourage her from eating grass, but I'm guessing she is eating it to trigger vomiting or calm her stomach. I guess I trusted too much in a brand name and assumed that the cost meant quality.

I'll try to post her weight loss journey, if anyone wants to see it.
Thanks a lot for all of the thoughtful responses. I've gained a lot of valuable information from this post.

Her leg never presented a noticeable problem for her in her youth. Now, with 20lbs extra weight I imagine it could. When I was ignorant about dog behavior and training I would throw discs for her in a field and admire her speed and intensity and then wonder why she had diarrhea after we played. I became informed that the exercise was too much and contributing to her reactivity and aggression and stopped all together. She was really lean and muscular but completely out of control psychologically.

Nowadays she's found her safe, fat , happier place but it's also heading towards an unhealthy direction. I'll implement these
suggested activities and see how quickly I can get her back down.

Thanks again,
Dan
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