Getting like a chunky monkey since spaying - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Mom2TwoYorkies · 10-18-2010, 03:40 PM

Rhianna got spayed in April at 7lbs. She is now over 8lbs . . .

I'm pretty sure she's filling up her empty uterus space with food . . .

I've always been a believer in free feeding, but she is getting to the chunk level and there is no way that can go on. So I have started to pick up the bowls after dinner and I swear she's pouting on that. Her problem is that she likes to finish the bowl before bed. Don't know why she feels the need to gobble up whatever is left, but it's a bad habit she's always had. Last night, I was getting ready for bed, and I hear this scratching sound . . .well, apparently, there was a piece of food that must of gotten under the baseboard heater and she was trying with all of her might to get it . . .like she was starving . . .

I feed Wellness Super 5 mix for small breeds and I do throw a bit of cut up chicken breast or turkey on that, but in the morning. I just feel bad for Brody because he's my picky one and likes to nibble . . .but I can't leave the food down for fear of Rhianna becoming obese . . .

FL Tink · 10-18-2010, 03:44 PM

I had the same issue with my Bella. I cant leave food down either. I just have to spend extra time with Piper and her food to make sure Bella doesnt eat it.

Have you seen those break-fast bowls. there is also this other thing like a big metal ball that you put in their bowl. They have to roll the ball to get under it to get the food. It really slows them down.

Maybe someone will have some good ideas for us both!!

Mom2TwoYorkies · 10-18-2010, 03:54 PM

I hope someone has ideas for us . . .my husband thinks Rhianna should go on a treadmill . . .

He starting singing "oh she's a brick house" when she walks into the room . . .

megansmomma · 10-18-2010, 04:02 PM

I had a real problem with Bogey and his weight too. It is very hard to free feed when you have more than one pup. You cannot control the amount of food they are eating. When I had my foster Truman who was blind Bogey would eat his food and then help himself to Truman's as well. He put on so much weight that I had to put a stop to it and began putting down their bowls and cut back quite a lot on Bogey's.

Now Bog gets a little less than 1/4 cup twice a day and he is back to being slim again. I will bet that you are feeding too much if you are adding chicken to their kibble. My 3 are all teapots and they get 1/4 cup so if your little ones are on the smaller side they should get even less.

If you stick to putting the set amount in their bowls and picking up the bowls after their meal they will both get the idea to eat while the food is available. It's hard to do but in the long run I can see how much more healthy my lil man is now that I got that extra weight off.

As for weight gain after a spay I have read many times that is just a myth.

FL Tink · 10-18-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom2TwoYorkies

I hope someone has ideas for us . . .my husband thinks Rhianna should go on a treadmill . . .

He starting singing "oh she's a brick house" when she walks into the room . . .

There are two members who use treadmills!!! lolol well 2 that i know of!

AprilLove · 10-18-2010, 04:35 PM

IMO, scheduled feedings is the way to go, especially if you have multiple furbutts

I have one that will gain weight just by l@@king at a kibble!
Scheduled meals works great here, everyone eats from their own bowls, and when they are all done, AprilLove goes to each bowl and licks them clean until they all shine

FlDebra · 10-18-2010, 05:15 PM

I have always free-fed mine and none have ever had a weight problem. All are described as lean by the vet. But my Ben gained 1/2 pound in 2 weeks after being neutered. Not sure if it is a normal after surgery thing or if it is because he also had some bad teeth pulled. Maybe it is easier to eat now. Although he never acted like it was a problem before.

He has a long wy to go before it is a problem, but I may have to follow your lead and stop free-feeding. Another option would be to change to a "lite" food for weight management. Yet another would be to increase exercise, adding or lengthening a walk for instance.

Makes me feel a little guilty to limit his food as I could stand to lose some myself and I am not limiting my own food.

We don't do actual walks as he has a fenced acre to run and run he does. They all hear a sound through the privacy fence and off they go! A bird lands in the yard and off they go! The neighbor's cat sits on the fence post taunting, and ....yes, off they go!

Sometimes it is a regular comedy show, especially now with little Annie trying her best to keep up with those little 3 inch legs of hers! I love my dogs!

yorkieusa · 10-18-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I have always free-fed mine and none have ever had a weight problem. All are described as lean by the vet. But my Ben gained 1/2 pound in 2 weeks after being neutered. Not sure if it is a normal after surgery thing or if it is because he also had some bad teeth pulled. Maybe it is easier to eat now. Although he never acted like it was a problem before.

He has a long wy to go before it is a problem, but I may have to follow your lead and stop free-feeding. Another option would be to change to a "lite" food for weight management. Yet another would be to increase exercise, adding or lengthening a walk for instance.

Makes me feel a little guilty to limit his food as I could stand to lose some myself and I am not limiting my own food.

We don't do actual walks as he has a fenced acre to run and run he does. They all hear a sound through the privacy fence and off they go! A bird lands in the yard and off they go! The neighbor's cat sits on the fence post taunting, and ....yes, off they go!

Sometimes it is a regular comedy show, especially now with little Annie trying her best to keep up with those little 3 inch legs of hers! I love my dogs!

I'd just love to see that!

BanditSocks2 · 10-18-2010, 05:28 PM

I don't really have any experience with this, Bandit is almost too thin even though he's healthy now and has had multiple fecals done to rule out paracites. He's a picky eater but will eat a little less than 1/4 cup kibble a day. When he gets an egg or raw he gobbles it up though! Nala is a "healthy" weight now although she looks like a porker compared to Bandit (1 pound weight difference at the same height 5 pounds and 6 pounds lol) and the vet did say we may need to be careful in her future about free feeding, but she's still considered lean and she is super active. I would rather schedule feed but Bandit REFUSES to eat at those times and I give in when he doesn't eat.

lexipoo · 10-18-2010, 05:29 PM

Cute post.....love that "Chunky Monkey" we have a little nick name for Lexi now too...."Our little Tonka Truck" she really has put on some weight as her center is a little thick. I have cut down on her food too and started walking and we are hoping it will help. It's only been a week and it has been a tough week as she cries alot and it breaks our heart. But, I worry about her little little feet holding her up. She probably could lose one pound. She will now sneak her food and grab a mouth full and hide it behind the chair for later use...LOL

Mom2TwoYorkies · 10-18-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexipoo

Cute post.....love that "Chunky Monkey" we have a little nick name for Lexi now too...."Our little Tonka Truck" she really has put on some weight as her center is a little thick. I have cut down on her food too and started walking and we are hoping it will help. It's only been a week and it has been a tough week as she cries alot and it breaks our heart. But, I worry about her little little feet holding her up. She probably could lose one pound. She will now sneak her food and grab a mouth full and hide it behind the chair for later use...LOL

Rhianna is as solid as a brick . . .her legs aren't very long and her weight makes her look really stocky . . .I swear she was a ton leaner before her surgery. I can totally see Rhianna doing what Lexi does . . .I can see her taking food from her bowl in the morning and storing it under the couch for later . . .she'd totally do it . . .

delicatepuzzle · 10-18-2010, 06:36 PM

Schmuckles got the same way. He was de-batteried almost a year now and is FINALLY starting to slowly stop eating Ella's food. Ella is a tiny stick. ONly 5 pounds soaking wet. She's got NO MEAT on her. A super picky eater. And well frankly mommy's princess and all that entails. He got up to 15lbs now back down to 10. He gets 1/2 cup at night/dinner, that's it. I've NEVER free fed.

Sandysbabies · 10-18-2010, 07:53 PM

I wish I knew what to do too. I free feed and feed them a can in the morning and night split 4 ways, which is reall not much. Little Dudley is 4lbs and I hate not to free feed because he sometimes needs it. But I think the spaying has something to do with it too. Kayla is 9lbs. She also is hard as a brick. Then there is Lexi which I worry about the most. We bought her from my doctor's vet who raises and shows mini schnauzers. SHe was about 10lbs. at 5mo. old when she was spayed. Now she weighs 29lbs. She looks like a beached whale, poor little thing. I had one die of diabetes and I am so scared for her. I too, had thought of the treadmeal, which I know will scare her to death. My other little schnauzer is about 10lbs. I have to just about right in weight and 2 that are porkers. Its sooooo hard to deny them of something when you know they want a treat or something. Kayla, my yorkie that is 9lbs. is even having trouble breathing. Vet says the weight has to go.

10-18-2010, 03:40 PM	#1
Mom2TwoYorkies YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,306	Getting like a chunky monkey since spaying Rhianna got spayed in April at 7lbs. She is now over 8lbs . . . I'm pretty sure she's filling up her empty uterus space with food . . . I've always been a believer in free feeding, but she is getting to the chunk level and there is no way that can go on. So I have started to pick up the bowls after dinner and I swear she's pouting on that. Her problem is that she likes to finish the bowl before bed. Don't know why she feels the need to gobble up whatever is left, but it's a bad habit she's always had. Last night, I was getting ready for bed, and I hear this scratching sound . . .well, apparently, there was a piece of food that must of gotten under the baseboard heater and she was trying with all of her might to get it . . .like she was starving . . . I feed Wellness Super 5 mix for small breeds and I do throw a bit of cut up chicken breast or turkey on that, but in the morning. I just feel bad for Brody because he's my picky one and likes to nibble . . .but I can't leave the food down for fear of Rhianna becoming obese . . . __________________ Deb, Mommy to: Brody & Rhianna Belle

10-18-2010, 03:54 PM	#3
Mom2TwoYorkies YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,306	I hope someone has ideas for us . . .my husband thinks Rhianna should go on a treadmill . . . He starting singing "oh she's a brick house" when she walks into the room . . . __________________ Deb, Mommy to: Brody & Rhianna Belle

10-18-2010, 04:02 PM	#4
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	I had a real problem with Bogey and his weight too. It is very hard to free feed when you have more than one pup. You cannot control the amount of food they are eating. When I had my foster Truman who was blind Bogey would eat his food and then help himself to Truman's as well. He put on so much weight that I had to put a stop to it and began putting down their bowls and cut back quite a lot on Bogey's. Now Bog gets a little less than 1/4 cup twice a day and he is back to being slim again. I will bet that you are feeding too much if you are adding chicken to their kibble. My 3 are all teapots and they get 1/4 cup so if your little ones are on the smaller side they should get even less. If you stick to putting the set amount in their bowls and picking up the bowls after their meal they will both get the idea to eat while the food is available. It's hard to do but in the long run I can see how much more healthy my lil man is now that I got that extra weight off. As for weight gain after a spay I have read many times that is just a myth. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

10-18-2010, 04:35 PM	#6
AprilLove My Three Hearts Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wrapped around their paws :-) Posts: 7,190	IMO, scheduled feedings is the way to go, especially if you have multiple furbutts I have one that will gain weight just by l@@king at a kibble! Scheduled meals works great here, everyone eats from their own bowls, and when they are all done, AprilLove goes to each bowl and licks them clean until they all shine __________________ MaryKay AprilLove Wubs Moosie R.I.P. Bailey & BitsyRoo

10-18-2010, 05:15 PM	#7
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	I have always free-fed mine and none have ever had a weight problem. All are described as lean by the vet. But my Ben gained 1/2 pound in 2 weeks after being neutered. Not sure if it is a normal after surgery thing or if it is because he also had some bad teeth pulled. Maybe it is easier to eat now. Although he never acted like it was a problem before. He has a long wy to go before it is a problem, but I may have to follow your lead and stop free-feeding. Another option would be to change to a "lite" food for weight management. Yet another would be to increase exercise, adding or lengthening a walk for instance. Makes me feel a little guilty to limit his food as I could stand to lose some myself and I am not limiting my own food. We don't do actual walks as he has a fenced acre to run and run he does. They all hear a sound through the privacy fence and off they go! A bird lands in the yard and off they go! The neighbor's cat sits on the fence post taunting, and ....yes, off they go! Sometimes it is a regular comedy show, especially now with little Annie trying her best to keep up with those little 3 inch legs of hers! I love my dogs! __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard Last edited by FlDebra; 10-18-2010 at 05:17 PM.

10-18-2010, 03:44 PM	#2
FL Tink No Longer a Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Riverview, Florida Posts: 4,953	I had the same issue with my Bella. I cant leave food down either. I just have to spend extra time with Piper and her food to make sure Bella doesnt eat it. Have you seen those break-fast bowls. there is also this other thing like a big metal ball that you put in their bowl. They have to roll the ball to get under it to get the food. It really slows them down. Maybe someone will have some good ideas for us both!!

10-18-2010, 05:28 PM	#9
BanditSocks2 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Crofton, MD, USA Posts: 1,522	I don't really have any experience with this, Bandit is almost too thin even though he's healthy now and has had multiple fecals done to rule out paracites. He's a picky eater but will eat a little less than 1/4 cup kibble a day. When he gets an egg or raw he gobbles it up though! Nala is a "healthy" weight now although she looks like a porker compared to Bandit (1 pound weight difference at the same height 5 pounds and 6 pounds lol) and the vet did say we may need to be careful in her future about free feeding, but she's still considered lean and she is super active. I would rather schedule feed but Bandit REFUSES to eat at those times and I give in when he doesn't eat.

10-18-2010, 05:29 PM	#10
lexipoo Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1,892	Cute post.....love that "Chunky Monkey" we have a little nick name for Lexi now too...."Our little Tonka Truck" she really has put on some weight as her center is a little thick. I have cut down on her food too and started walking and we are hoping it will help. It's only been a week and it has been a tough week as she cries alot and it breaks our heart. But, I worry about her little little feet holding her up. She probably could lose one pound. She will now sneak her food and grab a mouth full and hide it behind the chair for later use...LOL __________________ _____________________________ HUGS ~ Cheryl & Lexi

10-18-2010, 06:36 PM	#12
delicatepuzzle Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 603	Schmuckles got the same way. He was de-batteried almost a year now and is FINALLY starting to slowly stop eating Ella's food. Ella is a tiny stick. ONly 5 pounds soaking wet. She's got NO MEAT on her. A super picky eater. And well frankly mommy's princess and all that entails. He got up to 15lbs now back down to 10. He gets 1/2 cup at night/dinner, that's it. I've NEVER free fed.

10-18-2010, 07:53 PM	#13
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	I wish I knew what to do too. I free feed and feed them a can in the morning and night split 4 ways, which is reall not much. Little Dudley is 4lbs and I hate not to free feed because he sometimes needs it. But I think the spaying has something to do with it too. Kayla is 9lbs. She also is hard as a brick. Then there is Lexi which I worry about the most. We bought her from my doctor's vet who raises and shows mini schnauzers. SHe was about 10lbs. at 5mo. old when she was spayed. Now she weighs 29lbs. She looks like a beached whale, poor little thing. I had one die of diabetes and I am so scared for her. I too, had thought of the treadmeal, which I know will scare her to death. My other little schnauzer is about 10lbs. I have to just about right in weight and 2 that are porkers. Its sooooo hard to deny them of something when you know they want a treat or something. Kayla, my yorkie that is 9lbs. is even having trouble breathing. Vet says the weight has to go.