Back is better after weight loss

[gunther's mom]

Since my doxie has had two bouts of pain,we were very seriously considering surgery and were finally able to get the name of a specialist. ( The X-rays did show calcification in the cervical area, and his movements were consistent with problems in that area)
We had not even dared to take him outside,given the harshness of the weather upstate NY (used wee wee pads).=wouldn't have been safe to try to get over the snow! Any way, he's lost 2 pounds and has been so much incredibly better. Certainly we know we're not out of the woods,but so far we're so happy that we are continuing to try to get him to lose more weight.

My husband and I are so mad at ourselves for letting him get that pudgy.

[blazeman]

It is so nice to hear your little one is getting back to feeling better. One thing we all try to do is keep out little ones trim and fit... sometimes it just doesn't work!

Please keep us updated on Gunther's status!

[lotsadox]

Have you thought of using a chiropractor as a preventative for surgery? I've used a canine chiropractor for several years and he has really helped my dogs. I even used him instead of surgery on one. My dogs really like their adjustments, too!

[Meemoo]

like glucosamine/chondrotin, ester C or salmon oil? Also accupuncture does wonders.

[willsana]

And Gunther! With such caring people, he is sure to have a long and healthy life!

:)-willsana

[gunther's mom]

Thanks for your replies. Yes, we're going to the vet to get the glucosamine and other supplements. Gee, as to a chiropractor....
not at all a bad idea. But I sure don't don't know where we'd find one.

[lotsadox]

I can probably help you find a chiropractor. I have one for my dogs and he told me that there are some directories for animal chiropractors. Email me if you would like me to ask him. I believe there's a website.

Patrice

[gunther's mom]

Gunther is so much better still after losing a few pounds. We're aware that this is not a "cure" but boy,he has not had a severe bout of pain for quite some time. However, since we've restricted his activites (goes out and walks and short runs only),we haven't bathed him! We didn't want any accidents. Any suggestions?

[dutchman]

In addition to the back benefits his heart also benefits from the wieght loss. It's goo to hear he is doing so well.

Tom and the bys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[minicooper]

Has he continued to lose weight?

Did you manage to locate a chiropractor? If so, how did that go?

Has he had any more episodes of pain?

We'd love to hear an update.

We are sending :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: that he is continuing to improve!

[gunther's mom]

Gunther has continued to lose weight. The difference it has made is astonishing. He has not had episodes of pain in quite awhile.
His energy level is incridbly better too. We didn't use a chiropractor,but again, we wouldn't be opposed. He's back to running like he was when he was only 3 yrs old. He's about 10.
Thank you so much for asking.

[minicooper]

I am so happy that Gunther is doing so well!:bounce:

It is amazing what a difference it makes when they lose a few pounds. You have done such a good job getting Gunther to lose weight.........I know how hard that is.:D

Keep up the good work, and we would love to hear updates from time to time.

[dutchman]

That's great news. I bet you have added a number of quality years to his life.

Tom and the boys (frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[tori's mommy]

Hi, Question for Gunthers Mom, How did Gunther lose 2 lbs.? After Tori's surgery the vet said she had to lose 2 lbs. I have her on the food the vet gave me and she is getting an extra walk a day. And still she remains at the same weight. I can't figure this out. Thanks
Margie

[Meemoo]

What are you feeding your pupper and how much?

[tori's mommy]

Ok, I feed her 1/4 cup iams dry weight reduction(blue bag) and 1/4 can OM by purina OM=overweight management, in am and pm. She does not like it very much and is used to people food. I do sometimes just give her some ground beef if thats what we are having. an occasional goodie 2-3 per week. She is a mini and weights 16lbs. Thanks for any help.
Margie

[Meemoo]

you might want to try switching dog foods to a kibble with human grade ingredients. I believe what you are feeding now has corn, and a lot of byproducts. These are known to cause weight gain, allergies and aren't really beneficial for dogs who are meat eaters by nature. If you can try and get a food with protein as its first few ingredients. A few that come to mind are:

Old Mother Hubbard-Wellness
Solid Gold
California Natural
Avo-Derm

If you do switch, do so very gradually to avoid tummy upset. First mix 1/4 new with 3/4 old for a few days, then 1/2 and 1/2 then 3/4 new and 1/4 old until you are transitioned totally to the new food.

Let me know if you need further information.

[minicooper]

I have found the best way to help them lose weight is to cut down on their Kibble (as Loren suggested, a Human Grade Kibble is best) and add grated vegetables to fill them up. All mine love grated carrot and zucchini mixed in with their kibble, and they don't seem to be hungry.
I also add a little bran cereal each day, on the advice of my vet. It makes the back yard clean up a bit more time consuming, but the weight loss is helpful! :flush:

[gunther's mom]

For Gunther, we started to feed him 1/2 cup of IAMS Seniior daily.
He is so unbelievably energetic now, that he runs, chases cats (oops). We were really neglectful I believe by overfeeding him. We sort of followed "most people's " wellmeaning advice that you cn't get a dachshund to lose. It was only before we got to the point of thinking surgery that we made a serious and very successful effort.
I must say,the veggies, and bran sound like a good way too.

[tori's mommy]

Ok, thanks everyone, I am definately going to use the human grad kibble and mix with verggies. My girl is a real couch potato, I suppose this has a lot to do with it. With the exception of her walks she pretty much lays on the bed all day. After she goes out in the morning she goes right up the ramp and snuggles under the covers. And if anyone is headed towards the bed she makes a beeline and beats us there. Thanks for the suggestions.
Margie and the tori

[gunther's mom]

Gunther's the dachsie who seems to have gotten better (at least so far) from a fairly drastic weight loss. As I'd noted before, we were very close to having surgery for dervical area. He's about 9and a half. Today my husband was sitting at the computer upstairs and heard a grunt. There was Gunther. He climbed a whole set of stairs (which is not necessarily a good thing for him).
He had not been able to do that for about 6 yrs. Holy cow!!

[dutchman]

Watch out Gunther you keep that up your humans will start thining about getting gates to shut off those stairs.

It's great the hear Guntther is doing so well. Loosing weight can be beneficial in mnay ways. Not only is it helping his back but also his heart. With a little luck you will have many more years sharing a home with a healthy Gunther.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[willsana]

It is nice to hear he is gaining such strength. You are going to have a "puppy" on your hands again! :D