What would you do?

[Jennxling]

I am currently pet sitting a 6 yr. old maltese and after having him for just one night, I noticed he has several issues. He seems to have collapsed trachea from the way he breathes and him being overweight makes it even worst! She told me she free feeds and that I can adjust him onto my schedule since I don't free feed my babies. I also told her that I brush my babies' teeth every night so she can bring his toothbrush and I can brush his teeth too. Well, I noticed that the front row of his teeth is moving so he definitely needs extractions. His teeth are in poor condition with bad odor.

So, my problem is...how should I tell his owner when she returns? I really don't want her to be mad at me for telling her he has this and that issue. I also really don't want to be rude or offend her in any way. However, I really want him to get the care he needs. What would you guys suggest?? Also, I'm especially stuck on the overweight part. I am starting to feed him on a fixed schedule and walk him more so he should start to lose a little weight (he will be with me for a month and a half). If you were the owner, would you be mad if your dog lost weight?? I just really want to try and help him. I also don't know how to tell her he's overweight, I don't want to upset her. Btw, his knees are also not so good so I think losing weight would be good for him too. He's so chubby that you can barely feel his bones...

Thanks for reading and I look forward to some suggestions!

[lillymae]

I would just tell her what you have observed & tell her the dangers of not doing dentals on our babies organs. Also tell her that the weight can contribute to many other health issues and the CT as well and can cut the dogs life literally in half. Just tell her that you are concerned because you know she loves her dog & would not want to loose him because she was not aware of these problems.

[York4Ever]

a month and a half is a long time.. by the time she comes back he will be looking much better and maybe then she will decide to change her bad habits torwards him...

[Sammy Mommy]

I would bring these things to her attention. I don't think you will offend her. I would be happy that someone cared about my dog so much to tell me helpful things. You are putting the dog's well being first.

[Lil Sis]

I think you have to tell her. But it is how you tell her that will influence how she reacts.

I wish you luck.. hopefully the little guy will look so good when she gets back she will be sold on your advice!!

[Deuce]

You should tell her what you've noticed in her pup and the dangers of not treating them. A lot of people don't recognize an overweight pet, so she may think she's got a healthy pup not knowing that he's dangerously overweight. I think as long as you're nice about it she shouldn't get offended. If someone told me that my dog appeared unhealthy (as long as they weren't being jerks about it) I'd thank them...and then proceed to beat myself up over it for the next few months until my dog was healthy again. (but that's just my personality)

[Jennxling]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!

I had asked my friend whether she would be mad if it was her dog and when she returns from her trip to see that her dog lost weight. She told me she would...that's why I wasn't sure if I should do anything about it...She told me to ask her first for her permission, but I'm afraid to offend her. She also feeds Iams treats...which I'm not a fan of...I will try my best to educate her when she returns and hopefully I won't offend her in any ways. I know she loves him because when we first met, I had told her about using a puppia harness and she immediately bought one! The only thing is...it's a large and is WAY big on him. Does that harm the dog in any way? She bought a bigger size because she didn't want it to rub on his skin and cause hair loss like previous harnesses. What do ya'll think?

[Deuce]

I think the harm with a too large harness is it gives the pup room to wiggle out of it, which could result in running away and possible injury. Sounds like the harnesses she was using were either a horrible material or too small or a combination of both. Good luck with your friend, if she doesn't believe you about the weight you could show her the health chart that are posted on pretty much every vets wall that I've been to lately.

[Jennxling]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I think the harm with a too large harness is it gives the pup room to wiggle out of it, which could result in running away and possible injury. Sounds like the harnesses she was using were either a horrible material or too small or a combination of both. Good luck with your friend, if she doesn't believe you about the weight you could show her the health chart that are posted on pretty much every vets wall that I've been to lately.

She's not a friend of mine, if she was, then it would make this all much easier. I just asked my friend about what she thinks if she was in the owner's position. He won't be able to get out of the harness so I guess it's fine then.

[Rhetts_mama]

How would you feel if someone asked you if you would be mad if your child lost weight while they were with you? Probably more than a little offended, even if you knew it was true and needed. I'm sure she hears it from her vet, too. The same thing with the teeth. You can point out what you see, but bottom line is it's her decision whether or not she gets things done.

I would just concentrate on making him as healthy as possible while you have him...if he gets a bit more exercise and loses a bit of weight, so be it. You can point out when she returns how much more active he's been and how much better his knees seem to feel.

As far as the treats go, I would take them and not feed them, but when she returns tell her that he really seemed to enjoy blueberries, carrots, green beans or what ever the treat of choice is in your house.

For the harness, if it's within your budget I would go buy one that fits properly. When she returns, you can explain the safety issues of a poor fitting one.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Jennxling

She's not a friend of mine, if she was, then it would make this all much easier. I just asked my friend about what she thinks if she was in the owner's position. He won't be able to get out of the harness so I guess it's fine then.

I'm just curious, if she's not a friend of yours, how are you pet sitting for a month and a half? So she hired you then? If you are a pet professional, I would think your advise would be closely followed. But then again, we all know how many times good advice falls on deaf ears.

[Jennxling]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

How would you feel if someone asked you if you would be mad if your child lost weight while they were with you? Probably more than a little offended, even if you knew it was true and needed. I'm sure she hears it from her vet, too. The same thing with the teeth. You can point out what you see, but bottom line is it's her decision whether or not she gets things done.

I would just concentrate on making him as healthy as possible while you have him...if he gets a bit more exercise and loses a bit of weight, so be it. You can point out when she returns how much more active he's been and how much better his knees seem to feel.

As far as the treats go, I would take them and not feed them, but when she returns tell her that he really seemed to enjoy blueberries, carrots, green beans or what ever the treat of choice is in your house.

For the harness, if it's within your budget I would go buy one that fits properly. When she returns, you can explain the safety issues of a poor fitting one.

This is what worries me. I don't want to offend her at all, but just want the dog to be in better shape...As for treats, I'm hesitant to feed him anything except what she gives me because he has allergies. Okay, I guess it doesn't hurt to just point it out to her. After all, I pointed the harness thing out to her and she got it the next day. Thanks!

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I'm just curious, if she's not a friend of yours, how are you pet sitting for a month and a half? So she hired you then? If you are a pet professional, I would think your advise would be closely followed. But then again, we all know how many times good advice falls on deaf ears.

I'm pet sitting for her because her regular pet sitter is out of town and I've met her once before I pet sit her maltese. I'm not a professional pet sitter, but just pet sit when I can (I'm a student). I do really want to tell her because I don't think she knows...I do wonder if her vet tells her this. I just want her baby to live a long happy life. He's already wheezing from what I think is collapse trachea. He also runs/walks very slow...I though it was because he was old when I first saw him. After I felt him, I realize he's super overweight. By this time, she has already left for her vacation.

[capt_noonie]

I have a thought. I am assuming since you are caring for her pup for 1 1/2 months that she gave you the number to her vet. Call up the vet and tell them you are pet sitting and noticed so and so conditions with the dog and ask if the vet has discussed the issues with her before. Also while she is gone put him on a diet, and don't give the bad treats. Most likely she will come home to happier, healthier dog and she'll ask you what you did, and hopefully she'll stick with it. Bc you did the hard work and not her, maybe it will be easier for her to keep him at a healthy weight from now on.

[Jennxling]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I have a thought. I am assuming since you are caring for her pup for 1 1/2 months that she gave you the number to her vet. Call up the vet and tell them you are pet sitting and noticed so and so conditions with the dog and ask if the vet has discussed the issues with her before. Also while she is gone put him on a diet, and don't give the bad treats. Most likely she will come home to happier, healthier dog and she'll ask you what you did, and hopefully she'll stick with it. Bc you did the hard work and not her, maybe it will be easier for her to keep him at a healthy weight from now on.

hmm I do have his vet's number!! I will try that! I'm scared that they tell her though? I have been refraining from feeding the Iams treats to him, but I feel so bad every time I give my babies treats and not him. I have only given him 1-3 per day [she says she gives 8-9 per day] I can't give him anything because he has allergies and I don't know what he's allergic to (she doesn't really know too) so she told me to not give him anything outside of what she gives me unless it's chicken or turkey, but we don't give our dogs human food. I tried apple, but he didn't eat it...

He has been walking a LOT with us...he walks SOooOoo SLOW! lol Exercise is exercise! Me and him are going to be weight loss buddies lolz

[capt_noonie]

Uni didn't like apple at first either. I think it's the skin. Try a sweeter apple like a Fuji. Or try green beans, watermelon, blueberries, baby carrots, bean sprouts. Since he's overweight and you have him on a diet I'm surprised he's not taking anything you give him. When I was fostering Katie, I thought she needed to lose a few, and she would eat any fruit or veggie I would give her. She would even eat plain old lettuce. I say call the vet. I doubt they will tell her.

Keep walking him, you're doing a good job. Maybe take out your pack first, then come back for him and go slower. Baby steps. What is his name btw?