Pet Forum

Our Chihuahua is serioulsy overweight/ obese!

I wasn't sure where exactly to put this thread since it's about both food and healthcare. I am trying to figure out what this dog should eat... but the biggest thing is trying to figure out what all can be done about his weight problem. With that said, I decided to put this into the health situation... since this is in the grander scheme of things, a health concern.

Ok... I need all the advice I can get on this one. Do you remember a while back ago when Bamm met this chihuahua at the place we were dog sitting and he did alright until the chihuahua decided he'd had enough of Bamm there? Anyways... this Chihuahua's name is Winston... and well... he's the biggest chihuahua I've seen. He's even bigger now than in this picture I have of him. I blotted out his owner's face.


Anyways... his owner took one of her cats to the vet that had to be put down. She was suffering a lot and was old and sick. So... the owner told the vet, "I've put down too many animals recently. I really don't want to go through this again anytime soon." Her vet's reply, "If that's so then you need to put Winston on a diet right away."

Now... she's been free feeding this poor dog and all he does is eat. Are you ready to hear what she currently feeds him? Purina Moist & Meaty Dog Food Burger with Cheddar Cheese *vomit*. He's so fat that he reminds us all of the little footstool dog on Beauty and the Beast. He grunts and snorts everytime he takes a step and obviously has trouble breathing.

Anyways, she wants to get him the help he needs and said she'd like to talk to me about it. I definitely know his diet needs to be changed. She needs to stop free feeding him and she's going to have to step up to the plate and give that dog more excercise than he's currently getting.

So here I am asking for advice. I'm used to Bamm and having a dog that needs to PUT on weight... and I haven't given too much thought to a dog that needs to lose weight.

What kinds of foods do you think may be a good switch over?
What amounts should he be getting daily?
What kind of excercise ideas can I give her?
What other advise do you have?

Also, Stef, if you're reading this... would you be willing to come with me to meet up with her? We could discuss the health problems that come with obesity in dogs and give her helpful education and guidance as to where she can go from here to try and get her dog back in shape.