The doctor suggested we get his activity level up. He asked if Sebastian liked to chase a ball. No. He asked if Sebastian liked to play frisbee. No. He asked what does he like to do. This.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Diet Is A Four Letter Word
Poor Sebastian, when we found us he was a skinny fellow but in no time, before Rob and I even really noticed it, he had put on weight plus some extra pounds. We tried to help him reduce by feeding him smaller portions and walking him in the park, but it didn't seem to help.
Early this year he was diagnosed with pancreatitis and the vet said he needed to lose about five pounds. We've had great success in the past with getting our dogs to lose weight and thought we could do it again with Sebastian. But it didn't work.
Last Friday Sebastian went to see Dr B for his annual checkup. Imagine my embarrassment when Sebastian got on the scales and had actually gained weight. He was slightly over 70 pounds.
The doctor suggested we get his activity level up. He asked if Sebastian liked to chase a ball. No. He asked if Sebastian liked to play frisbee. No. He asked what does he like to do. This.
Sebastian will occasionally run with the Portie girls or with Noah if the temperature is cool. He avoids the water and spends most of his outdoor time doing this, another version of his favorite inside activity.
His pancreas has been acting up a little and we really want to help him shed his extra weight so Dr B examined him and did some blood tests, then he called the veterinarians and nutritionists on staff at Hills, the company that makes his dog food. With their help we've come up with a diet to help Sebastian lose some weight without too much effort and without feeling hungry all the time. It has to be easy on his tummy and low fat. He started his new diet yesterday and we'll have a weigh in a couple weeks from now.
He says it's pretty tasty. Now, will it work?
The doctor suggested we get his activity level up. He asked if Sebastian liked to chase a ball. No. He asked if Sebastian liked to play frisbee. No. He asked what does he like to do. This.
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23 comments:
Paws crossed. I, Daisy, seem to be keg-like no matter what happens. I get less food, but still no ribs.
You may have to get Mac and Sydney on board to make him run around the yard.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Best of luck. Gretchen is in a constant state of starvation. I realize she has a very fast metabolism, but she's also a wee little thing that shouldn't eat as much as Sissy, who weighs more than 4 times what Gg does.
Sis on the other hand, might be the world's only not-food-motivated basset.
Our paws are crossed that the new diet will work for you, Sebastian!
We love your wonderful smile in that first picture!
Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
We hope the diet works for Sebastian. Does Hills have an existing prescription diet that will work for him, or do you have to modify the food by adding other ingredients? Hope they are right that he won't feel hungry all the time. :-)
Susan and Wrigs
Good luck, Sebastian. My momma is always trying those diet things and it makes her coo coo. I hope that doesn't happen to you.
Kisses,
Dexter
OH No, the dreaded word DIET. OK Sebastian, guess you really need to work on this problem to stay healthy, no it's hard but we are behind you on this!
The Mad Scots
what about walks? Does he like those?
Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
Something to try, which may get Sebastian more active, is a large (12" size) food maze ball. Riley, has to work for part of his daily ration (measured out) by moving a food ball around the house first (often before his morning meal!) in an area of the house our other dog can't get his food. He will move it around with his nose and paws for 1/4 of an hour or more at a time! He loves the ball, and often wants it at other times in the day (again any food that goes into it comes out of his daily allowance as he puts on weight far too easily!).
Meant to say the ball we use is round and has a maze inside so not easy to get the kibble out (not like some of the ones that don't travel up and down the hall, and under beds, etc). If you do get one check the size of the opening to the size of his new diet kibble.
That food ball thingy sounds fun!! We have to diet, too, Sebastian, cuz me 'n Ruby both have some arthritis and we try to stay light on our paws. It ain't easy!!
-Bart
Poor Guy...Our mama can relate to that!! She talks about that four letter word all the time and it doesn't work for her. Hoping Sebastian is feeling better soon! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug
Sorry to hear you are on a diet Sebastian. Butt, if it will help your health, it has to be done mate. We think your weight shows what a wonderful life you are having!! Hey, just tell the Vet you are part Great Dane and have big bones hehehehe. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
We have all our feets crossed
Snorts,
Benny & Lily
We've been trying to get Sam to lose weight, but with his illness, his activity level is almost nothing. We've cut his food back, introduced green beans and try to get him up and walking as much as possible. Good luck!
Sam
Oh boy...we feel your pain Sebastian! We worked so hard to get Lola to put weight back on and now it's time to try to get a couple pounds off.
Momma grumbles and groans about diets. I hope Sebastian's goes well!
Oh, I'm on a diet too Sebastian! I feel your pain!! I'm curious which Hills Diet dog foods your on ~ I'm on the r/d, I loves it, and just can't get enough lately. (Ma's thinkin' I need some blood drawn to make sure there's nothin' more goin' on....)
Butts, I heard they recently came out with a new food called 'metabolism'?? Ma's not sure that's right, have you tried that one? Ma was wonderin' if it was any betters than the r/d.
Anyhu, Keep us updated on your progress...Ma is somehow interested...I just want some treaties!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Oh, Sebastian! I'm always on a diet, too, so I feel your hunger pangs. Baby Brutus is very ribby, but he's up to 53 pounds as of this morning. He doesn't care for water, either. I hope your Mom and Dr. B have the right formula to keep your weight perfect!
I guess Sebastian just wants to lie around, having had such a horrible life before he found you. I sure hope the diet works.
Ashley is a couch potato too. She would be happy to lay around all the time. Half the time when we are out and about she is just laying down watching the world go by. I've had to cut her food way back and that helps (and encouraging her to move!). She is like Sebastian and doesn't like to play games or any of that nonsense. She will run with the pups sometimes though or chase a rabbit.
Good luck, hope this works for him and he loses those extra pounds w/out being hungry!
Tammy
Poor Sebastion! Pancreatitus is so painful.
Our old guy, Max is prone to pancreatitus and calcium oxalate stones, and so is on a special diet. For awhile I was making him meals of boneless, skinless well trimmed chicken breast, brown rice, peas, and an additional supplement (can't remember the name). I also make chbello (chicken beef jello) so he gets sufficient fluids. Damn dog doesn't drink enough. But he will eat his chbello.
That might work as a diet tool. Get some unflavored gelatin and make it with chicken and beef broth, fills them up and has very few calories. And is fat free so it won't upset his pancreas.
I know how Sebastian feels!! Of course Goldens like your boy are notorious for putting on those extra pounds, and we feed just plain ole green beans (no salt) frozen or steamed with a lower amount of their food, and that fills them up--I may need to try that too! Good luck to your boy!! Let us know how it goes!
Ugh!
I hate diets but ma hoomans think senior dogs can not be too heavy!
I hope you get the right weight to stay healthy Sebastian!
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