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Originally Posted by momofreese  My yorkie has been getter chubbier and chubbier over the years and nothing seems to help. We have cut out all treats and yet she still does not lose any weight. She was on a prescription weight loss dry food which didn't seem to do much either, made by hills called RD. My vet has now told her to give her a weight reduction drug called Slentrol.. which made me nervous but I thought that the effects of her being overweight would become a huge health issue. So far the medicine has not helped one ounce. My vet is telling me that I have to give it more than two months so that they can get the correct dosage for her but I became too fearful of the damage it might cause and it seemed to make her even more tired.
I know her problem is more of lack of exercise (like her mom) but I cannot force her to walk on a leash. She will normally walk for a minute, at best, and then lie on the street and wait to be picked up. I am sure it is a combination of being "the princess", problems with her hips and knees (which we were told not to do surgery at this point) and being overweight. I try to run her around the house but she would rather lie down and sleep. She was always a couch potatoe type, but she seems to be getting worse. Not that she doesn't love going on errands with me but than again who wouldn't, she is carried all over, has people giving her tons of attention, or is riding in a cart, shopping.
I have tried to take her off of all vet food and med and began feeding her boiled chicken and some vegetables either canned (no salt) or fresh. Still after a month she has not lost an ounce. I also am concerned about her not getting the vitamins and nutrients she will be missing from a dog food.. I have been giving her a vitamin supplement called Earth Animal by Dr. Bob Goldstein that my sister had recommended and purchased at a health food store but seems not to be boosting her energy level, either.
Someone PLEASE help. She weighs about ten pounds and has been as low as 7 1/2 and should be 8 to 8 1/2 at most.
If anyone has any ideas for a natural and very good weight reduction dog food and/or any other advice I would appreciate it. Anything that could enable her to lose weight, is healthy, and will boost her energy would be great.
Thanks for all of your help. |
After a trick training class, Joey put on too much weight, this is a serious issue, and can cause serious joint problems, as well as other illnesses, including diabetes. Some dogs, like people, have a slower metabolism, and just can't eat as much as others, coupled with the fact that once you gain weight it isn't as much fun to move around, the weight continues to increase. Also, some dogs, like people, don't have a good appetite control, and always seem to be hungry. Joey's problem was just too much food, and here's what the vet suggested. Cut the meals by 1/3 – ½ and add green beans. We used regular dog food, with about 6 of the frozen green beans (warmed) ;there is no added salt like the canned variety. The green beans make them feel full, without adding many calories. I chop them up in small pieces. Get a scale and weigh at least once a week to check your progress.
Teach her to play fetch and work for her food. I use all of Joeys breakfast for training and half the evening meal. Get a small ball or toy, throw it and have her retrieve it for you, reward her with a piece of food. At first, she might not want to do this and you won't be able to throw it very far, but if she's hungry enough she'll do it. If she won't budge, take the food and try in another 5 minutes. Gradually throw it farther and farther. There are many sites on training if you need more help with this part, but it's important that you get her moving. The only treats you give her should be her regular food, and or green beans, they don't raise the blood sugar like carrots do, and so they are a good snack food. Snacking can ruin the program so limit this, and reduce the meal amount if too many snacks are given. Some dogs do better eating move frequent small meals. Joey lost a pound on this program, about an ounce a week, I think an ounce a week is a good number to go for, like people, if they lose weight too fast they lose muscle, not just fat. Joey's at a healthy weigh now, and we have continued with the program. He does get bully sticks, which at least gives him something to do when he's hungry.