[rmd20004]

Hi, I'm new here RMD.. I hope I'm going about this in the right way. I have several questions. I have a beautiful 7 year old bouvier des flanders who is very much overweight. first question I feed her 2cups a day of nutro senior dog food plus a small amount of meat, veggies. I would like to change her dog food to a better quality but have no idea what. Also she had surgery last year for a tear in her knee so she still has some difficulty getting up and down and WILL NOT go for a walk which she needs to do to lose weight. Help, help help.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by rmd20004

Hi, I'm new here RMD.. I hope I'm going about this in the right way. I have several questions. I have a beautiful 7 year old bouvier des flanders who is very much overweight. first question I feed her 2cups a day of nutro senior dog food plus a small amount of meat, veggies. I would like to change her dog food to a better quality but have no idea what. Also she had surgery last year for a tear in her knee so she still has some difficulty getting up and down and WILL NOT go for a walk which she needs to do to lose weight. Help, help help.

I have a book that shows 100 different breeds but not that one! Never heard of it --Do you have pics you can show? I am very curious. How big a breed is this? Must be a small breed as that doesn't sound like that much food for a very big dog. Why don't you try home-cooking (or raw feeding)!? Sounds like you have a good start on doing it anyhow! You can get pointers on how to do this on the web--Just put home-cooking/dogs or/and raw feeding/dogs in your browser. There are a lot of tips in this forum too. Look under the heading/forum titled Dog Health and Nutrition or can try putting words like home cooking or raw feeding in the search box---located in blue strip across top of pages in this forum--just click on white word Search and try threads 1st and then posts next.
LARA'S MOM has a lot of good tips for home cooking for sure.
----I'm not an expert on dog training or behavior (lol, my main concern is health and nutrition) but was wondering if you had another dog (not to go get one to keep--unless you wanted another) But just 'borrow' a neighbor's or friend's dog to take on walks with you and your dog--Would that get her to 'move?!' By the way --what is her name?
----Also if you do get interested in home-cooking or raw feeding---Check out thread I did on 'Foods that are Hazardous to Your Dog--Go to the blue strip I mentioned above and put hazardous foods in the search box-find threads. Lol, check it out anyway--lot of good stuff to know and if you know of any yourself, please feel free to add to the list. We all need to know these things!
---Here is a good site if you are interested in raw feeding: http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm You will also find other sites to click on in the Dog Health and Nutrition section in the posts members have shared.
---Just realized you titled this with the word 'large'--So how large?

[rmd20004]

I sent a long reply but don't know if I entered it correctly or if you received it please let me know.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by rmd20004

I sent a long reply but don't know if I entered it correctly or if you received it please let me know.

Sorry, I see no reply---Did you try posting it here or in a message on my profile page

Hey Yogi---Do you have any idea what happened here? Do you know if it 'is being held up?' :???:

[shepherdgal]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

I have a book that shows 100 different breeds but not that one! Never heard of it --Do you have pics you can show? I am very curious. How big a breed is this? Must be a small breed as that doesn't sound like that much food for a very big dog. Why don't you try home-cooking (or raw feeding)!? Sounds like you have a good start on doing it anyhow! You can get pointers on how to do this on the web--Just put home-cooking/dogs or/and raw feeding/dogs in your browser. There are a lot of tips in this forum too. Look under the heading/forum titled Dog Health and Nutrition or can try putting words like home cooking or raw feeding in the search box---located in blue strip across top of pages in this forum--just click on white word Search and try threads 1st and then posts next.
LARA'S MOM has a lot of good tips for home cooking for sure.
----I'm not an expert on dog training or behavior (lol, my main concern is health and nutrition) but was wondering if you had another dog (not to go get one to keep--unless you wanted another) But just 'borrow' a neighbor's or friend's dog to take on walks with you and your dog--Would that get her to 'move?!' By the way --what is her name?
----Also if you do get interested in home-cooking or raw feeding---Check out thread I did on 'Foods that are Hazardous to Your Dog--Go to the blue strip I mentioned above and put hazardous foods in the search box-find threads. Lol, check it out anyway--lot of good stuff to know and if you know of any yourself, please feel free to add to the list. We all need to know these things!
---Here is a good site if you are interested in raw feeding: BARF for Beginners - Most Frequently Asked Questions You will also find other sites to click on in the Dog Health and Nutrition section in the posts members have shared.
---Just realized you titled this with the word 'large'--So how large?

A high animal protein dog food either commercial or homemade is best dog are carnivorous. I use a supplement with my dog food. DINOVITE Stops Excessive Shedding! they have different kinds to meet your dog's needs cm service is great they helped me pick the right one helped my doggie dog with his weight too. He trim down to just the right size for his frame when I raised the animal protein and lowered the carbs added the supplement. good luck with your search hope you find the right combo for your dog. I would love to see a pic I have not heard of that breed before.

[lil mutt]

i think you should gradually change your pet's diet and do a little excercise like playing with him can help a lot improve your pet's health.

[rmd20004]

Originally Posted by lil mutt

i think you should gradually change your pet's diet and do a little excercise like playing with him can help a lot improve your pet's health.

This is what I'm trying to do but the problem is I don't know what food to feed and how much. I'm slowing working on the exercise but because of surgery on hind leg a year ago exercise is difficult. Thanks for your reply. If you have any suggestions on what brand of food. I'd appreciate it. My dog is a bouvier des flanders, 6yrs old and is 110 lbs. (should weigh about 90 lbs tops. ) Any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks rmd.

[rmd20004]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Sorry, I see no reply---Did you try posting it here or in a message on my profile page

Hey Yogi---Do you have any idea what happened here? Do you know if it 'is being held up?' :???:

Hi,

I'm sure I must have entered something incorrectly the first time. I'll try again.

First I'll give you a little information about my dog. She is a 6 yr old bouvier des flanders. Very large dog. She is 110 lbs. She should weigh 90 lbs tops. Not active in part because of leg surgery last year. She looks like a bear. I will try to send photo when I figure out how to do that. (one thing at a time lol) I appreciate all your suggestions and will look up some of the information you gave me.
I was thinking about cooking for her. I am a senior and home all day so this is not a problem. Problem is how much to feed and what so she gets the proper nutrician. I feed her Nutro senior now. two cups one in the morning one at night. I put a little chicken or beef in the morning meal and some in the evening meat along with brocc, let, tom. sometimes a little apple. I didn't know if I should increase amount of dry dog food and stop people food so that's why I cut back on dry dog food to two cups which as you say is very little for a large dog. As you can see I am very confused. I want to do the right thing for her. I know it's not healthy for her to be this heavy for so many reasons.
Hope you get this and I will try to find out how to post a picture since she is not one of the most common dogs around. Thanks again for your response. rmd

[rmd20004]

This is the only place I know to post replies. Haven't check out how this whole thing works yet. Sorry.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by rmd20004

This is what I'm trying to do but the problem is I don't know what food to feed and how much. I'm slowing working on the exercise but because of surgery on hind leg a year ago exercise is difficult. Thanks for your reply. If you have any suggestions on what brand of food. I'd appreciate it. My dog is a bouvier des flanders, 6yrs old and is 110 lbs. (should weigh about 90 lbs tops. ) Any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks rmd.

This is a big mystery to me---How in the world can a dog that size not be thin instead of overweight if only eating 2 cups of dog food a day??!!
You mentioned you give a little human food?? How much and what do you give?
----By the way, I do have that breed in my book----must of overlooked the spelling in the index! Will quote a little: EXERCISE & FEEDING---Energetic and active, the Bouvier needs plenty of exercise. There are no special feeding requirements. HEALTH PROBLEMS---These hardy dogs are used to harsh conditions and are rarely ill. However, some dogs may suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems, such as cataracts.

[Lara's mom]

I think you'd be better off getting a good quality food that is designed for dogs who are overweight. That way the dog would get more to eat and wouldn't feel hungry all the time. Skinless boneless chicken breast and lots of veggies would help too.

[rmd20004]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. That sounds like the easiest and best thing to do. My problem seems to be what is the best dry dog food for her. I feed her Nutro senior now. I cut down on the amount but I guess that wasn't a good idea. Do you have any suggestions for a better dog food that has a high quality of ingrediance? Are you familiar with Bouvier des flanders? rmd

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by rmd20004

Hi,

I'm sure I must have entered something incorrectly the first time. I'll try again.

First I'll give you a little information about my dog. She is a 6 yr old bouvier des flanders. Very large dog. She is 110 lbs. She should weigh 90 lbs tops. Not active in part because of leg surgery last year. She looks like a bear. I will try to send photo when I figure out how to do that. (one thing at a time lol) I appreciate all your suggestions and will look up some of the information you gave me.
I was thinking about cooking for her. I am a senior and home all day so this is not a problem. Problem is how much to feed and what so she gets the proper nutrician. I feed her Nutro senior now. two cups one in the morning one at night. I put a little chicken or beef in the morning meal and some in the evening meat along with brocc, let, tom. sometimes a little apple. I didn't know if I should increase amount of dry dog food and stop people food so that's why I cut back on dry dog food to two cups which as you say is very little for a large dog. As you can see I am very confused. I want to do the right thing for her. I know it's not healthy for her to be this heavy for so many reasons.
Hope you get this and I will try to find out how to post a picture since she is not one of the most common dogs around. Thanks again for your response. rmd

Sorry--I didn't see this post before I entered that last post above to you! I am in a bit of a hurry right now but have you checked out on the web---Put words in your browser on the order of: Home-cooking/dogs and other words that pertain. (Dog needs to lose weight--You might try also). I will try to find some links for you later (maybe tonight or tomorrow) I have a garden and everything is ready at once it seems and I have a lot of things that need doing. Lara's Mom does home-cooking for her dogs--maybe she can help you out!

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I think you'd be better off getting a good quality food that is designed for dogs who are overweight. That way the dog would get more to eat and wouldn't feel hungry all the time. Skinless boneless chicken breast and lots of veggies would help too.

As I just posted above---Same thing--Didn't see your post until after submitting the last post I did!! Well, at least on the same wave length!

[rmd20004]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

This is a big mystery to me---How in the world can a dog that size not be thin instead of overweight if only eating 2 cups of dog food a day??!!
You mentioned you give a little human food?? How much and what do you give?
----By the way, I do have that breed in my book----must of overlooked the spelling in the index! Will quote a little: EXERCISE & FEEDING---Energetic and active, the Bouvier needs plenty of exercise. There are no special feeding requirements. HEALTH PROBLEMS---These hardy dogs are used to harsh conditions and are rarely ill. However, some dogs may suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems, such as cataracts.

All you say is true so you see my problem.

Abby is very stuborn (a breed trait) so getting her to walk or exercise especially after leg surgery is not easy.

This is what she is fed daily. Morning 1 cup dry food. (nutro senior) About 2 ounces of some kind of meat (chicken or beef) 5 yogurt drops, 3 lite biscuits. Evening...
1 cup dry dog food. 2ounces of meat, cup of broc, cup of let and tom, 1 petite greenie.

She will only go out to do her business. I have to drag her to go for a short walk. Only time she will run is if it is to chase some animal. OK what am I doing wrong? I have so much time to spend with her she just wants to sleep all day.

[rmd20004]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Sorry--I didn't see this post before I entered that last post above to you! I am in a bit of a hurry right now but have you checked out on the web---Put words in your browser on the order of: Home-cooking/dogs and other words that pertain. (Dog needs to lose weight--You might try also). I will try to find some links for you later (maybe tonight or tomorrow) I have a garden and everything is ready at once it seems and I have a lot of things that need doing. Lara's Mom does home-cooking for her dogs--maybe she can help you out!

Thanks will do. Have to run now.

[UnderDog]

On the exercise front - Have you tried putting her in the car and taking her to a strange field, putting her on a long leash (NOT a flexi-lead!) and jogging away from her? fact is, she wont want to lose you in a strange place, so she will follow you eventually. Only go slow with her as you don't want to over-do it at first, a good 5-10 minute walk off leash or long leashed would be a good starting point, also, get her *obsessed* with a toy, I find Nylabone frisbees or the air Kong good if you can get them, but a ball does just as good. When you take her out throw it for her to retrieve and keep her interested in you and walking, she probably associates walking with pain, so she wont be happy walking too much but you have to keep the firm hand up on her and make her walk for her own health.


What dog foods do you have available to you? Can you get Orijen? Have you tried BARF?

I have a feeling BARF would be the best and easiest way to control her nutrition and calories/fat but at the same time not starve her. I would feed her a mix of chicken, beef, tripe, lamb ribs/head, green beans, carrots, eggs, cucumber and other plain high-protein vegetables, making it up to about 1lbs 6oz daily to start with and adjust as needed, but you can give frozen carrots, raw beef marrow bones (not the kind you get in pet shops that are cooked!) etc to her and they carry little-to-no fat/calories so are easily digested and will keep her occupied and top her getting hungry. BARF will also stop her building up fat and will build up muscle tone instead.

[rmd20004]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I think you'd be better off getting a good quality food that is designed for dogs who are overweight. That way the dog would get more to eat and wouldn't feel hungry all the time. Skinless boneless chicken breast and lots of veggies would help too.

Hi,

She does love chicken and veggies so I feed her that in addition to 2 cups of utro for senior dogs. I think I really need to change her food and this is running out so it is a good time to start mixing with new food. I hear so many different things about dog food I really am trying to find the BEST quality of ingrediences to change her to. I would like to see her have some energy again. I know she is getting older (almost 7 yrs) but she is still young enough to stay healthy with the right food and exercise. I'd appreciate your opinion on a good dog food or cooking for her which I'd do in a minute. Just need to know what to cook and how much to feed her so she get all the nutrician she needs. Any advise in this department would be greatly appreciated. I will look on the web but have been a little busy last few days to do so. Thanks again for your reply rmd

[rmd20004]

Originally Posted by UnderDog

On the exercise front - Have you tried putting her in the car and taking her to a strange field, putting her on a long leash (NOT a flexi-lead!) and jogging away from her? fact is, she wont want to lose you in a strange place, so she will follow you eventually. Only go slow with her as you don't want to over-do it at first, a good 5-10 minute walk off leash or long leashed would be a good starting point, also, get her *obsessed* with a toy, I find Nylabone frisbees or the air Kong good if you can get them, but a ball does just as good. When you take her out throw it for her to retrieve and keep her interested in you and walking, she probably associates walking with pain, so she wont be happy walking too much but you have to keep the firm hand up on her and make her walk for her own health.


What dog foods do you have available to you? Can you get Orijen? Have you tried BARF?

I have a feeling BARF would be the best and easiest way to control her nutrition and calories/fat but at the same time not starve her. I would feed her a mix of chicken, beef, tripe, lamb ribs/head, green beans, carrots, eggs, cucumber and other plain high-protein vegetables, making it up to about 1lbs 6oz daily to start with and adjust as needed, but you can give frozen carrots, raw beef marrow bones (not the kind you get in pet shops that are cooked!) etc to her and they carry little-to-no fat/calories so are easily digested and will keep her occupied and top her getting hungry. BARF will also stop her building up fat and will build up muscle tone instead.

hi thanks for the reply. I never heard of Orijen. Is the BARF diet all raw meats and Veggies? I will see about Orijen but not sure if I could deal with a raw meat diet if that is what BARF is.

Your suggestion about a strange place sounds like a good idea. Once we were on vacation in Fl. and were at a doggie park and she was off leash and would not run and play with the other dogs she just stayed by my side. So maybe that is a place to start. I just feel sorry for her after she walks because she seems in so much pain. I'll give it a try. Thanks

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by rmd20004

Abby is very stuborn (a breed trait) so getting her to walk or exercise especially after leg surgery is not easy. It was a year ago that she had this leg surgery-right? I would think that would not be an issue now as should be healed by now! Have you had her to the vet since then--lately? I am wondering if she has something else wrong with her--like Hypothyroidism! Will quote from my vet book: The disease occurs most often in middle-aged dogs of the medium and large breeds. Signs of hypothyroidism: Poor hair growth and skin problems. Other signs--includeweight gain, intolerance to cold, a slow heart rate, absence of heat cycles,lethargy, and a variety of nonspecific symptoms that could be due to a number of other diseases. At least 2/3 of hypothyroid dogs have high serum cholesterol levels. Finding elevated serum cholesterol on routine blood screening warrants a workup for hypothyroidism.


She will only go out to do her business. I have to drag her to go for a short walk. Only time she will run is if it is to chase some animal. OK what am I doing wrong? I have so much time to spend with her she just wants to sleep all day.

Another thing I am thinking about---In that quote I gave you in other post about this breed's health problems (which weren't many!)--about some of them being prone to hip dysplasia---Maybe she has hip problems/arthritis since that leg operation---Could that operation get her movements off (like a person with a longer leg than the other one wouldn't walk right)---maybe cause the hip joint to be stressed, etc?? Having extra weight on her is going to possibly cause hip dysplasia or arthritis---which in turn might bother her when she walks, so doesn't want to walk!!

Wouldn't it be a good idea to take her to the vet for a wellness exam for hip problems/arthritis and other possible problems and blood tests to find out about hypothyroidism and other things that might show up in a blood test? That operation is a trauma ---which could trigger other things to happen--like diabetes for one! Some symptoms for that could be weight gain --the lethargy----Things she is showing now. I have diabetes so know a little about it. And it is true that it can be triggered by some kind of trauma!

This breed is suppose to be energetic and active--needs plenty of exercise! Suppose to be a hardy dog!---Says all this in my book on breeds! Doesn't it sound like something is just not right with your dog (beyond being overweight)!?

Have not had time to look up those web sites I mentioned to you in my other post! May be a couple days at the most!

Anyway, what do you think about the problem possibly being something I have mentioned above? :?: