Carrying the weight of a thyroid problem

Does any one have a dog with a thyroid problem and on medication prescribed by a vet, who has had success with weight loss for their dog? It’s been a year now and my dog has not lost one pound.

I need to hear that someone out there had the same problem and that the medicine and diet worked!

Thank you, I have a very fat dog.

Pricilla O'Della

Weight on my mind

Hi

My Bichon, Bruno, is two years old and overweight.

He has been unwell and on steroids for an allergy which hasn't helped. He is also a very bad sleeper since bonfire night last year. All has resulted in weight gain. He needs to lose approx 2kgs.

We've asked the vet, who wasn't helpful - stating that he needs to lose weight but when asked the best way I was just told to feed less! I had thought of that! I've tried increasing exercise and my vet tells me Bruno's well apart from a nasty skin allergy to grass pollen.

I'd appreciate any advice. I work 3-4 days a week but he is walked twice a day, everyday. Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks,

Delyth, by email

Weight on my mind

Hi Dogs Today,

My family and I have recently inherited my late great aunt’s Bichon Frise. She’s seven years old and is very sweet, but has a sweet tooth, and my dear aunt, being a sweet lady, used to feed her sweet things, meaning Bella is rather rotund.

We’re first-time dog owners and don’t have much of a clue I’m afraid, so any guidance as to how we can help get Bella down a dress size or two would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you.

Lynne O’Connor, by email

Skinny Labbie

Hi,

I know this is unusual considering the breed, but one of my Labradors struggles to maintain her weight, even if I feed her larger meals than my other girl. My vet is keeping an eye on her and says he doesn’t think there’s anything physically wrong with her.

Please could you advise what it could be and how I can help to keep her healthy?

E. Hall, by email


Please note: veterinary advice should always be sought if you are worried about your dog’s health

Weight off my mind

Hi,

I find it hard to know if my dog's weight is right or not. It's my first dog and I don't know yet what is too thin or just right. He's a Lab and I know they're prone to putting on weight.

Is there a way of telling just by looking at him if he's too big?

Is there anyone I can get to just keep an eye on me without paying the vet for a consultation fee every time?

Pam Bass, by email 


Alison Logan, vet, says...

Let me start by asking you to contact your veterinary practice to find out if there is a weight clinic, often run by a veterinary nurse and if not free-of-charge then at a reduced price. Indeed, I am sure my practice is not unusual in having scales in the waiting room which you can use to simply weigh your dog and then have the weight entered on his record.

To address your query more fully: it is great that you have appreciated the need to avoid your dog becoming overweight. It is not, as you mention, a question of the actual weight in pounds or kilogrammes but how your dog is carrying the weight. A breed’s bodyweight average is meaningless if your dog is a particularly small or large individual. The weight of a dog who has stopped growing and developing (around fifteen months for a Labbie) can be recorded and provide a quantitative guide to change over time. Photographs will give you a qualitative guide to any change.

Body condition score is a numerical expression of how an individual dog is carrying his weight. The ideal is three out of five, able to feel ribs and a distinct waistline, with five being an obese dog (a footstool!). It does also depend on personal preference – some people like their labbies to carry a little more on the waist than I like and think my labbies could carry a little more.

Do remember that your vet will be happy to advise on bodyweight, exercise and diet at a routine appointment such as the annual health check.

I think all dogs are prone to putting on weight if they are allowed to have all the titbits they would like!