Sandy's weight gain

Just remember that food is not a "this dog = that dog" thing.  Some dogs/breeds just have higher metabolisms than others.  Luna at 31 pounds eats THREE TIMES (or more) what Tink eats.  And Tink gains ... *sigh*

I've talked to the vet ad nauseum -- it feels SO unfair to give Tink such a tiny amount to eat in comparison with what Luna **needs** (or she loses weight WAY too fast).  But it's one of the reasons why most any pug you see is "fat" -- they just plain don't require the food that other breeds need.

So as much as it feels 'mean' -- cut her food way back.  Give her french cut no-salt green beans to make up some bulk if she still appears hungry but it does cut calories.

oranges81

She eats very little as it is.

My EXACT words to the vet two weeks ago about Tink.  I'm serious -- Tink gets 1/4 cup (level) of cooked food where Luna gets three HEAPING measures -- it's probably closer to four times what Tink gets. (Tink is at 20 pounds - should be about 16-17 for her height, and Lunas' at 30 and that's her ideal weight)

It feels SO mean -- I swear it does.  But I've about tripled how many green beans she gets and she LOVES them so much that it makes me feel better at least.  Just get no-salt ones if you use canned ones.  I empty them into a ziplock bag and mush them up a bit.  She can be a poop eater and so I can't leave her hungry or she'll just follow Luna around like she's attached *sigh*

I had Tink's thyroid tested two weeks ago -- that IS an excellent idea.  In fact I had it sent to Dr. Dodds (because it's breed specific and I knew I'd get better results there or at Michigan State) but it still turned out fine.  She's been SO hard to get weight off from I was actually hoping low thryoid just because it would be an answer.  I do NOT want a fat pug (and she's leggier than normal and already has some back patellar issues so I don't want to put too much weight her for medical reasons).

 So we're back to starving the pug.  And I hate it ... so I understand everything you're saying.  Tink simply gains weight just walking past the Fridge!!

  Do you make sure to include a source of iodine in her diet, such as No Salt?  Too little or too much iodine Iodine affects the thyroid; both can cause hypothroidism.

jessies_mom

  Do you make sure to include a source of iodine in her diet, such as No Salt?  Too little or too much iodine Iodine affects the thyroid; both can cause hypothroidism.

As usual, Janice really knows her stuff.

calliecritturs

As usual, Janice really knows her stuff

  Actually, it's from one of Monica's books, Optimal Nutrition. What I don't know is if a dog can get enough iodine from a cooked or raw diet without adding a supplement. That's something Sandy's mom may know.  And Jessie sympathizes with Tink and Sandy; we have to really watch how much she gets 'cause she gains so easily. We know she's part GSD, and we think she's also Beagle and Lab. The Beagle and Lab would explain the tendency to gain weight.

I agree with the others, might have to just cut back more assuming the thyroid checks out and there's no other medical reason.  My dogs are all relatively close in weight but have very different eating habits.  Nikon MUST be kept fairly lean to keep from provoking a medical problem in his back.  I need to see rib and tuck.  Often I have to set aside how I feel about the dog seeming hungry or it seeming unfair that one gets so much more/less but it is for their own good.  Coke and Pan weigh within 5 lbs of each other and Pan eats more than twice as much a day (and is still lean, he is 10-15lbs lighter than his littermates).

If you aren't comfortable cutting her calories, increase her exercise.  Make sure she isn't getting fed treats when you aren't around.  A few treats for a small dog can really add up.  JRT's aren't particularly prone to thyroid problems but it would be a good idea to get hers checked.