Aug 20, 2008

Max - Weight Loss

G'day Dog Lovers,

A few weeks ago I introduced you to my dog, Max. He's a six-year-old yellow Lab with an intense passion for anything food-related.

Unfortunately, Max has been enjoying a bit too much of the good life lately and has stacked on a few pounds. He's not quite the same trim and taut athlete he used to be - I'm pretty sure it's because he keeps using all his powers of persuasion to get people to sneak him food treats!

So now it's time for Max to go on a diet. His daily exercise routine will be increased a little bit to help him shed the kilos, and we'll have to keep a close track of the treats he gets given each day. Pet obesity is a growing problem in Australia and it is vital to make sure your pooch stays fit and healthy, no matter how tempting it is to spoil them.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'am having a problem with getting my 2 year old Golden Retriever, Bailey, to lose weight. He has been overweight bascilly his whole life. The kilos should be dropping off him as he only has about 300 grams of weight loss can food for dinner and 1/3 of a cup of Supercoat Lite dry food in the morning. He also gets his daily work out with my Border Collie pup Jess, as she never leaves him alone and has him always on his feat. They both get a daily run at the park as well. Unforntunatley other family members aren't seeing Baileys weight as a huge problem. Its always "Oh it's just a piece of steak or its just some scraps" but with all these extra snacks it ends up as another whole meal! The vet wants him to lose at leat 6 kilos but that is not gonna happen until everyone cooperates. Bailey just turned 2 but he looks like hes about 7! All this extra weight isn't good for his joints and his heart. I'm getting scared that he won't be around in another 4 years.

Laura - Editor said...

Hi Taylah,

Good on you for being concerned about Bailey's weight. I know how tempting it is to keep offering Max little treats whenever he does something cute or behaves well, but you're right when you say that all those little snacks can turn into an extra meal.

Regular exercise with a Border Collie pup is sure to be doing him plenty of good, so it's just a matter of stopping other family members giving him so many snacks.

If the vet says Bailey needs to lose at least 6kg...the rest of your family needs to stop spoiling him. That way he can live a long, happy and healthy life.

Anonymous said...

Hi again Dog-lovers!! I have some fantastic news about my Golden Retriever Bailey. From being 37 kg and over weight, he is now at a much healthier 34 kg!!! Now the challenge is to keep the weight off and maybe lose a kilo or two more!! With regular exercise and a healthier diet Bailey's future is looking much better!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, once again i have more good news about Bailey!! I took him to the vet and he is now 33.3 kg and only has about 1 more kilo to go!!! He is also looking much younger!! Good work Bailz!!

Laura - Editor said...

Hi Taylah,

That's great news! Give Bailey a pat for me and tell him he's a good boy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylah and congratulations to both you & Bailey. I fully understand the hassle of trying to resist those gorgeous eyes when attempting to get your mate to shed those kilos. My 8 year old Kelpie Hazel has always been a big girl and since she got desexed at 6months has continued to pile on the weight. She and our other 12 year old Kelpie, Bear, get a walk every day including swims down the beach on the weekends, and I have sought regular vet advice on diets for Hazel. We have done everything possible including putting her on special vetinary diet biscuits and she just wont budge from 26 kilos to the recommended 20 kilos. As she also suffers arthritis due to tendon damage we are at a loss what else to do, I now feed her boiled heart smart meat portions or chichen breast with mixed fresh vegetables and she gets one bone a week, any other suggestions? Hugs & kisses to Bailey.