Two Subjects I have questions about

[Dogz]

1. I know that Digger is getting over and everything, but, he is gaining some weight. I am not exactly sure how much. I think it might be because he isn't quite as active. Should I excerise him more? Should I feed him a little less food?

2. Otis had just a little hole on his neck from a rough playing with Prince. It could have healed up very quickly. He has gotten these before, and we have brought him to the vet. All he did was rip out the fur around the wound. He also gave us some medication, and a shot. He taught us how to do that. But, now as it was healing, he starting scratching and scratching. He rips in open, and it bleeds. We put some sauve on there, and clean him up. I don't known what else to do. Help?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[tatsxxx11]

For Digger, I would definitely try more exercise. Not too strenous, but more frequent, shorter session. And you might want to look into a good senior formula food; they generally contain fewer calories, plus supplement those nutrients essential for seniors! If that doesn't do the trick, you might try cutting back his portions but only in very small increments, gradulally. I'd consutl my vet re: amounts.


For Otis, I hate to say it but...c-o-n-e??? That might be a final option if he won't keep scratching at it. You need to be careful about infection. Keep it clean and perhaps apply a topical antibiotic like neosporin. If it shows any sign of infection such as pussy discharge, swelling, etc., definitley call your vet.

Hope this helps! Hugs to you Digger and Otis!

[Dogz]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11
For Digger, I would definitely try more exercise. Not too strenous, but more frequent, shorter session. And you might want to look into a good senior formula food; they generally contain fewer calories, plus supplement those nutrients essential for seniors! If that doesn't do the trick, you might try cutting back his portions but only in very small increments, gradulally. I'd consutl my vet re: amounts.


For Otis, I hate to say it but...c-o-n-e??? That might be a final option if he won't keep scratching at it. You need to be careful about infection. Keep it clean and perhaps apply a topical antibiotic like neosporin. If it shows any sign of infection such as pussy discharge, swelling, etc., definitley call your vet.

Hope this helps! Hugs to you Digger and Otis!

Thank you for all of the information, Sandra! Hugs to you and your furkids too!

Yes, Digger has a Senior Dog formula already. I'll try exercising a little more; daily.

For Otis, I think we will be calling the vet. When Otis went to the veteranarin last, the vet said something about the coine, but my mom doesn't remember. We did have some spray, but we borrowed it to our other furry friend, so we will have it again. It really helped with the scratching.

When we bring Otis to the vet, he will probably get another shot, and medication. We will figure out what he said about the cone.

Thanks again!

[bsherman]

My Tawny (lab) was once called Tubby, but we changed her diet to a Lite dog food, the seniors was too high in protein for her. We also reduced her food by 1/2 cup per day and supplemented with cooked frozen veggies, no sodium, lite biscuits and more exercise. She now wiggles when she walks not waddles, and looks great. She moves alot better, she has had surgery on both knees, cruiate ligaments. 13 and going strong.

[wolf_Q]

Have you ever heard of the pumpkin diet? I think it was Tracy (Crikit) that told me about it. Supposedly you can substitute canned pumpkin for some of their dog food..the dogs like it and its low fat, so it helps them lose weight.

[binka_nugget]

Some people on a Sheltie board mentioned a green bean diet. Basically, you reduce the amount of food and give green beans since they're low in calories. With Kai, I've started walking daily instead of our twice a week LONNNNG walks. I also reduced his food by a tad bit. It seems to be working really nicely. He's gaining back his figure.