too late to save my dog?

**Jessika** · 10-17-2006, 01:30 AM

i'm just curious and this is an honest question - how do you know your dog was diagnosed with a problem if you haven't taken him/her to the vet?

You NEED to sit your family down and explain that if your dog does indeed have a health problem that stuff NEEDS to change. Diet and portions HAVE to change, and exercise NEEDS to be done daily. Reduce the amount of food given, this is a MUST first off. Try substituting part of the meal with green beans. For example; if you normally feed 2 cups of food a day, try instead feeding 1 1/2 cup of kibble and 1/2 cup of green beans.

Also make sure you are feeding the SAME sized portions every day. Getting a quiktrip cup and filling the bowl to the brim are not measured portions and can also be cause for overweightness. Get a measuring cup, read the guidelines on the back of the bag and feed accordingly. Measure out the exact same portion of food EVERY TIME.

**weirdo27** · 10-17-2006, 01:42 AM

She has been to the vet we just cant bring her for a seperate trip to find out what we can do to help her and pay 300 dollars just for advice which u can get freely on the internet. Im a male and this might sound weird but i worry about her. She has been around my entire remembered life or to what i can remember. We have had her since i was 10. Dont know if that makes sense.

**Jessika** · 10-17-2006, 02:06 AM

Well, you may be able to get the same advice on the internet, but you must also remember that none of us are certified vets or canine nutritionalists. If your dog has a medical condition, it NEEDS to be looked at by the vet. No advice we give you will help that. I understand money can be tight, I do sympathize with that.

My suggestions are as above. And also -- male or female, we all can worry about our furbabies. Just because you are male doesn't mean you can't care or have feelings.

**zoomer** · 10-17-2006, 09:02 AM

First of all, I would like to Welcome you to Pet Talk. It is full of learning experiences and lots of fun... you'll really enjoy it here. My name is Makayla and I own 19 pets.

Your poor dog! Don't listen to your neighbor, he sounds like a total nutcase! I cannot believe he would say such a thing. Nine is so young for a lab to go... they usually live to be at least 12, and usually older. My friend had a yellow lab for 14 years before she passed away. I think you should go for two 20 minute walks a day, but don't overload her with too much excersize. Maybe play some ball in the evening, or if she's not into that anymore not that she has aged, play tug-o-war for a little while, but don't pull on it too hard or yank on the toy or it might irritate her old teeth.
How much food are you feeding her? You might want to cut down on that, too. 4 cups a day is plenty for a large dog if you are feeding more. 2 cups in the morning and 2 at night, or even less. But don't feed less than 3 1/2 cups a day to a lab.

I would love to see some pictures of your girl!