Weight Issue...

[Guest cepwin]

I have a question about my 12 year old greyhound Edie. She had to have major dental work and so had to be off her dry food and on moist...I didn't have the amount calibrated correctly for the first week and she lost weight. I got her on the correct amount and now she's back on her normal food (a high end kibble from TJs) but when her walker saw her after almost a week she said she looks too thin...looking at her she does look thinner than before. Should I start giving her some extra food until her weight gets back up? She appears to not be losing any more weight. Is it time to switch her to a geriatric food? Her behavior is normal and she appears to have normal energy. I should add I also have a call in to her vet. (Her vet didn't do the dental work, a dental specialist did and he saw her the other week and said all looks good.)

 

THoughts? Thanks!

[RedHead]

I would just maybe add a bit more food until she gains the weight back (or add in some extra canned if you like). I wouldn't do a senior food...they are usually made to have LESS fat and calories in them as senior dogs tend to gain weight. I am sure she will gain the weight back, I wouldn't bother with the vet considering you know the reason for the weight loss.

[Guest cepwin]

Tnx for your response. That's my line of thinking. I gave her a "snack" of 2/3 cup kibble at bedtime which is about 40% of her meals

(1 2/3 cup morning and evening ). I can also get her weighed at the vet at any time

[Guest kess]

my boy wouldn't eat straight kibble, he is the fussiest eater I have ever had, I go to a shop that specialises in pet food, the girl packs up raw and cooked food for dogs. He shop sponsors greyhound racing and adoption and she has greys of her own. I mix her food in with kibble. All the other dogs I have owned in the past loved their kibble. I call him my big pussy cat as they are fussy too.

[Guest cepwin]

Oh boy. Fortunately she eats her kibble right up. The issue arose when I had to temporarily switch her to soft and was giving her way less than I should have initially. Once I realized my error I started giving her the correct amount but she had lost weight in the interim (not to mention not eating great before she went to the vet...that's what led her to have to get checked and the dental issue was discovered.) She also has a terrific lady who walks her during the day who often picks up on things before I do. She's due for a checkup so I have an appointment for her on the 10th for that.

[greyhoundgang]

As greyhounds age, they will lose weight and muscle mass. As their caretakers, we need to adjust how we care for them, just like we would do with older human family and friends.

 

Greyhound Gang has a booklet - When I Am Older - which details how to care for hounds as they age...naturally. It's also available on Kindle now too.

 

 

Regarding weight.

You should feel the hip bones easily, and see a few ribs. You don't want extra weight on an older hound, but you don't want too thin either.

 

Smaller meals, more often is needed.

Giving protein will be very helpful. Hamburger, cooked or raw. Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Steak, Chicken etc. Add it to the kibble, if you want her to keep eating kibble. If you need to soft, just add water.

 

Joint supplements help keep them spry and healthy. They are easily added to food daily.

 

Happy to answer any questions.

[TheFullHouse]

It's harder for the older ones to gain weight. My older greys lose weight every time they go in for a dental and getting weight back on them takes time. I would just give her a bit more kibble with each meal since she's eating well.