Overweight?

Don't forget to take bone structure into account when deciding weight on Boo.

My Noah had a larger frame and he was a taller dog. He was overweight but I couldn't get the weight off him. The vet was okay with his weight as Noah was fairly consistent where the weight stayed.

Emma is petite and is about her ideal weight now and will actually probably lose due to Liam.

Liam has a more petite frame, similar to Emma's. He is never still so I am trying actually to put weight on him.
 
BOO'S-DAD said:
I have had his thyroid checked and they say it's fine. I feed him Natural Balance reduced calorie food which says it has only 6% fat. At a light touch, "no" I cannot feel his ribs...so I know he is some overweight, I just don't know how to get him to loss. I walk him everyday(2miles), I don't want anything to happen to him because he continues to gain weight. How much per day do you feed yours & what food...PLEASE, help.
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Hi David~

From what I have read,shelties are so very differant in thier builds,and energy level.Some just seem to gain weight at the drop of a hat,and others do not.

I do not think you should be feeding less.As 1/2 food is not alot.Is there a possibility it could be a medical issue with him.Possibly thyroid?

Feeding alot of treats can put weight on a dog,and tho while not realizing the amount of calories they have.

I know with Trapp and Jasper,they are fed the same amount every day.1/2c am~1/2pm. These guys here get haardly any treats,on a daily basis.They might all (including Earnhardt) get treats maybe 2x a week.And they are small pieces of Wellness bites,or a Mother Hubbard cookie.

All of these dogs have differant energy levels,and both Trapp & Jasper are not even built alike.Jasper is shorter,stockier.Trapp is long & lean with long legs.But yet both weigh the same.

Trapp is more athletic,but yet he is a very slow & methodical eater.Sometimes he will go without a breakfast,and eat only 1x a day.But still seems fine.

I would possibly seek another vet,to help you.And have Boo tested for thyroid,and have a complete blood panel done to rule out a medical issue.

I know you have been recuperating from surgery recently,but perhaps once you are able,maybe try some excersise with him.
 
When I check the weight on the dog I actully doesn't care about the numbers... I feel with my hands. If you stroke the dog on the side you should be able to feel his ribs. But they should not stand out and you should not slip in between them.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions. I am taking him to a new vet on Monday Oct.11th...I give him no regular treats except cooked baby carrots, I feed him twice a day and at each meal he gets 1/8 cup of kibble and frozen string beans & carrots warmed. I usually walk him around 2 miles a day, other than that he just likes to hang out in the yard...sometimes chasing the critters and other times just laying around in the sun. I wouldn't say he is all that active, but he does run the fence when the other dogs come by...Maria, I can't feel his ribs unless I press, so I know he is somewhat overweight. I feed him a reduced calorie food...(maybe meat would be better than the kibble:confused2:) It has 6% fat and only 16% protien....I may be wrong but I think that is too little protien. I've had his thyroid checked and they say it's okay. After you read this...am I still doing things wrong?????
 
Sca is just over 18" and weighed 33 last time. The vet said he could get to 30 (like I figured) but is not at all fat just his ideal weight is closer to 30. Sheltie builds vary but I am having a hard time seeing 35 as way over.
 
SheepOfBlue said:
Sca is just over 18" and weighed 33 last time. The vet said he could get to 30 (like I figured) but is not at all fat just his ideal weight is closer to 30. Sheltie builds vary but I am having a hard time seeing 35 as way over.
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That's kind of what I thought, but the vet is constantly telling me that he is fat.....that's why I changed vets...I'm going to see what someone else thinks.
 
BOO'S-DAD said:
Thank you all for your suggestions. I am taking him to a new vet on Monday Oct.11th...I give him no regular treats except cooked baby carrots, I feed him twice a day and at each meal he gets 1/8 cup of kibble and frozen string beans & carrots warmed. I usually walk him around 2 miles a day, other than that he just likes to hang out in the yard...sometimes chasing the critters and other times just laying around in the sun. I wouldn't say he is all that active, but he does run the fence when the other dogs come by...Maria, I can't feel his ribs unless I press, so I know he is somewhat overweight. I feed him a reduced calorie food...(maybe meat would be better than the kibble:confused2:) It has 6% fat and only 16% protien....I may be wrong but I think that is too little protien. I've had his thyroid checked and they say it's okay. After you read this...am I still doing things wrong?????
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I know a lot of dogs who works better on a brand like Orijen (that has a lot of protein and fat) just because it has no grain.

Maybe more exercise? Pixie gets at least one longer walk a day (exept shorter walks so she can do her "needs"), where I try to be outside for at least an hour (often more). She trains agility, tricks, obiedience etc almost daily. I try to take trips with the bicykle so she can run on the side, when we do that she often runs at least 3 miles. We often walk in the forrest so it is a "tougher ground" for her. Swimming in the summer.

For rewards I try to use play and her kibbles. If she gets a lot of treats, she get less food in the bowl. I often reward so much that I don't have to give her anything in the bowl.

But I know it is hard! My bitch can get fat on air... :rolleyes2:
 
How'd the vet appointment go?

Y'know, I'd agree on the food. I could never keep Miko's weight down. It was a constant struggle. Then I went to grain free and at first he gained more (because I was feeding him too much) and then he lost as I readjusted. I'm not sure why the grain free aided him in losing weight, but he did. He's now a svelte 19 lbs. Looking good. lol.

And yes, bone structure has a lot to do with it.

http://sheltieforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=935&d=1266041862

Can you see that photo? If not, try this link:

http://sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=4565

It's of Miko and his brother Boogie (middle dog). They are littermates. Boogie was about 16.5" tall and about 30 lbs. He was solid, a bit chubby, but not overweight by any means. Same litter, same parents. Reminds me of human kids.

I hope the new vet either find something is going on.....or tells you he's not overweight.
 
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