*LabLoverKEB*
01-15-2010, 11:55 PM
I am taking care of my neighbors dog, (Beau, 3year old male english cream Golden Retriever), while they are out of town. I have always taken care of their pets while they are away, for as long as I can remember!
Anyway, Beau is an absolutely gorgeous dog, he's extremely light blonde, almost a white Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, they tend to 'love their dogs a little too much' and go way overboard with the treats.:( He's significantly heavier then the last time I watched him. I can't feel his ribs at all, so obviously he's overweight. The question it, how do I go about telling them?? They are a couple in their mid 50's-60. Very nice people. They are so proud of me for pursuing my dreams, going into the veterinary field. So I'm thinking they might want to know they aren't doing Beau and good by feeding to many treats?
Since I've started watching him this week, (Tuesday) I have given him a total of 1 biscuit. I can't give into his sweet face, and big brown eyes.... I do NOT want to contribute to his weight issue, and possibly have him go down the road of hip issues (like goldens are prone too), sorry, no way!
Another thing, like I said I've watched him many times before. Throughout all these times, I've seen about 4 different brands of dog foods: Pedigree (yuck), Nutro, Royal Canine (Golden Retriever 30 or whatever), and now Iams. Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn't a dog be fed ONE brand of dog food? And not a different brand every time you run out and have to buy more??:confused:
So, in a nutshell, HOW do I tell them in the most compassionate, caring way that they NEED to cut back on the treats? And stick to one brand of dry dog food, and a GOOD one?
Just for reference, he is about this color:
http://www.magnifyinggoldenretrievers.com/images/img_0106.jpg
Anyway, Beau is an absolutely gorgeous dog, he's extremely light blonde, almost a white Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, they tend to 'love their dogs a little too much' and go way overboard with the treats.:( He's significantly heavier then the last time I watched him. I can't feel his ribs at all, so obviously he's overweight. The question it, how do I go about telling them?? They are a couple in their mid 50's-60. Very nice people. They are so proud of me for pursuing my dreams, going into the veterinary field. So I'm thinking they might want to know they aren't doing Beau and good by feeding to many treats?
Since I've started watching him this week, (Tuesday) I have given him a total of 1 biscuit. I can't give into his sweet face, and big brown eyes.... I do NOT want to contribute to his weight issue, and possibly have him go down the road of hip issues (like goldens are prone too), sorry, no way!
Another thing, like I said I've watched him many times before. Throughout all these times, I've seen about 4 different brands of dog foods: Pedigree (yuck), Nutro, Royal Canine (Golden Retriever 30 or whatever), and now Iams. Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn't a dog be fed ONE brand of dog food? And not a different brand every time you run out and have to buy more??:confused:
So, in a nutshell, HOW do I tell them in the most compassionate, caring way that they NEED to cut back on the treats? And stick to one brand of dry dog food, and a GOOD one?
Just for reference, he is about this color:
http://www.magnifyinggoldenretrievers.com/images/img_0106.jpg