Doggie Boot Camp Tips?

[rapunzel]

My pug is not just chubby anymore, he's obese. My other dog has to eat four small meals a day, and the pug looks at me like I'm a monster when he doesn't get a brunch and a lunch.

He snores, he has sleep apnea. He can't walk 20 yards without huffing and puffing. He's got arthritis. He has to lose weight.

I put him on a strict diet, I felt like it was a deprivation diet -- major guilt. He lost a whopping .6 lbs. in a month. I know I have to find a way to exercise him, but between the fat and the arthritis, I'm at a loss. Has anyone ever found themselves in a similar situation with a senior pet? I'd love any tips!

 

[kathydwells]

My pug is not just chubby anymore, he's obese. My other dog has to eat four small meals a day, and the pug looks at me like I'm a monster when he doesn't get a brunch and a lunch.

He snores, he has sleep apnea. He can't walk 20 yards without huffing and puffing. He's got arthritis. He has to lose weight.

I put him on a strict diet, I felt like it was a deprivation diet -- major guilt. He lost a whopping .6 lbs. in a month. I know I have to find a way to exercise him, but between the fat and the arthritis, I'm at a loss. Has anyone ever found themselves in a similar situation with a senior pet? I'd love any tips!

Just a thought, could you maybe break up his regular meal into 4 smaller meals. Take what he usually eats in one meal and then just divide it up, and he could eat when the other doggie does?

Good luck Punzy!!!!!

 

[scooterbug44]

Does he like to swim? Might be a way to exercise him with less joint stress.

As far as his eating - you just HAVE to keep him on his diet - whether it's by giving a tiny treat when the other dog eats or splitting up his meals so he doesn't feel deprived.

I'd ask the vet for pointers/tricks too.

 

[ktschris]

I too have a pug. I got him when he was 9 months old. I was warned that they do like to sleep 15 hours a day, and eat the rest.

From the very start, we cut his food servings into 2, sometimes 3 portions. He is still only getting 1 serving a day, but eating more often. So far, knock on wood, we have keep him to a svelte 18 pounds, but that seems to be creeping up a pound or 2 a year.

Also, check with your vet, I know there are a number of "weight control" pet foods on the market right now. Avoid high cereal filler foods.

Good luck, there is nothing harder than helping a pet loose weight.

 

[bluemtnrunner]

I wish someone would walk me and cut my portions (break my beer up into three or four servings a day). I'd be back to competitive shape in no time. :funn:

 

[Alicia Leonard]

I'd try the weight control kibble and more short walks. Shyann actually prefers the new kibble over the old. Maybe you and Pat can go for a short walk when it's time for the other pup to eat. That way he's distracted and tired when he comes back in.

 

[Matt J]

My cat is now almost 14 years old (I know different animal), but at his age I prefer him to just be happy, if that means a little fat so be it. If it is a health issue then I would speak with the vet. Perhaps a food substitute that doesn't have as many calories? Kinda like doggy rice cakes? He might like those too.

Just please no doggy gastric bypass:

 

[elgordoboy]

Canine electric muscle stimulation. If anyone makes $ off the idea you know where to find me. I'm a Visionary not an implementation guy.

 

[DD]

I wish someone would walk me and cut my portions (break my beer up into three or four servings a day). I'd be back to competitive shape in no time. :funn:

I'm with ya, bmr.

Canine electric muscle stimulation. If anyone makes $ off the idea you know where to find me. I'm a Visionary not an implementation guy.

 

[Matt J]

Canine electric muscle stimulation. If anyone makes $ off the idea you know where to find me. I'm a Visionary not an implementation guy.

That would probably require shaving and boy is it not pretty.