Obese Lab

When Snowie started epilepsy meds, he became obsessed with food. Apparently the meds affect the satiety centre in the brain. And we felt so bad for him being diagnosed with epilepsy that we gave into his “starving” eyes. He put on 5 kg. When I was told by a dog physio who was in our dog dancing class that he needed to lose weight, I was in such denial that I said he only weighed 36 kg. He actually weighed 39 kg—when we had him weighed at the vet. Yes, there’s a lot going on psychologically behind it. Thankfully we managed to see through all our issues and be honest with what we knew already and we got his weight down. It coincided with going on diet ourselves—less treats all round! I must confess I am not sympathetic to obese people at all!! It requires discipline and healthy eating habits, dogs and people alike. Difficult yes, but not impossible.
 
I hate to see fat dogs, we are in charge of their food. Poor Rourke with restricted exercise will surely put on weight, so already I have reduced his food and he is hungry. I, on the other hand, have lost 11bs and despite stuffing myself with food, cannot put any weight on. Yet years ago, I only had to look at a biscuit and the weight piled on. I lost weight when Mike had his heart attack and bypass surgery 8 years ago and losing more now that he is showing signs of dementia, he is very bad today.
 

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
I’m the first to admit that Harley is a bit overweight, but she’s definitely not obese. She is extremely fit. It is a struggle with her having so many injuries, but we do try. She was down to 30kg, but has crept up in past few weeks to 31kg. As soon as she back to being able to walk off lead and go on decent walks I know we will get it down a bit again. She still has a waist, but she’s not as small / light as she should be. I know everyone says it’s easy to keep a dogs weight down and we manage their food, but when you cut their food to 50g kibble and 50g raw per day with a small frozen fish/natural yoghurt frozen filled bone and they still put on weight, what are you supposed to do?
I know not everyone cares about their dogs weight, but please do realise that when you are saying it’s the owners fault, that not everyone is like that and some of us are constantly battling with injuries and other health issues.
 
I found it difficult keeping their weight down when they got older and their exercise and their dietary requirements changed. In the end when moo was ill and couldn't eat I gave up it wasn't being overweight that would kill her. It's very hard when they are on restricted exercise
 
what are you supposed to do?
We find raw veg is useful for when Snowie wants to chomp on something. Raw carrot. Raw broccoli and cauliflower—we give him all the offcuts when we’re cooking. Cucumbers. Green beans. Tomatoes. He loves it all. He also loves papaya, so when we’re prepping the papaya, he gets all the seeds that are scooped out with some flesh. His poo thereafter is rather amusing!

Wow, 100gm is very little, that must be very difficult for you all. Have you had her thyroid tested?
 
We find raw veg is useful for when Snowie wants to chomp on something. Raw carrot. Raw broccoli and cauliflower—we give him all the offcuts when we’re cooking. Cucumbers. Green beans. Tomatoes. He loves it all. He also loves papaya, so when we’re prepping the papaya, he gets all the seeds that are scooped out with some flesh. His poo thereafter is rather amusing!

Wow, 100gm is very little, that must be very difficult for you all. Have you had her thyroid tested?
That’s what we do too! Yesterday Finn got paprika, carrot and zucchini. He gets daily a large carrot. In the morning some fruit, strawberry, blueberries and apple pieces. We cut his food to 1/3 less. Despite this he gained weight. I think he is overweight. We tested his thyroid, results came back normal.
With giving him less you have to be on the same level with all living in the house....I just found out that when my oh goes to work he gets a treat, a large one. We give him salmon with sheep fat once a day so I thought...But no, my oh is giving him this too when he leaves...
 
Makes me angry when I see a fat dog who isn't supposed to be on restricted exercise or isn't on meds. I understand how difficult that is @M.F.

When our epileptic lab BJ was on meds for years, it was suggested he was fed little and often to try to avoid the inevitable stomach bleeds he was getting from the meds. You can't explain to a peckish Labrador that you can only give him a handful of grub each time and no, he can't bolt down the dish full he SO wants to do.

I have had 'honest' words with one person in our village about her hefty lab. When I first met her I thought the dog was an oldie, she was so slow moving and panting but she was only 4 :eek: I told her without any nastiness that the dog was overweight and it was causing her problems. Amazingly she accepted that but blamed her husband who can't resist the pleading eyes.
When I saw her a few months later, she told me her husband had said to her that we are underfeeding Molly and she is horribly skinny :rofl: Revenge I guess.
 
I’m still upset Nathan’s cousin called Stanley fat.

I try really hard to keep Stanley from eating too much (I.e being fed too much by OH) and he’s not as svelte as he could be but he’s certainly not fat. He’s still got a nice waist and tuck.
 
I’m still upset Nathan’s cousin called Stanley fat.

I try really hard to keep Stanley from eating too much (I.e being fed too much by OH) and he’s not as svelte as he could be but he’s certainly not fat. He’s still got a nice waist and tuck.
Stanley is fine. Do you think Nathan's cousin knows more about dogs than you? Do you respect his opinion? What are his qualifications?
 
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