Question About My Old West Highland White Terrier Gaining Weight…?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
My westie, who is about 12 or 13 years old now, seems to have an endless appetite. Do I indulge an old dog, or lookout for his weight given his arthritis?
Related West Highland White Terrier posts:
- Question About Training A White West Highland Terrier, Approx 4 Months Old, & Weighs Approx 5-8 Pounds.?
- Question About My West Highland White Terrier?
- West Highland White Terrier Question?
- What Is The Weight Of A 9 Week Old West Highland White Terrier Puppy!? Grown They Are An Avg Of 17 Pounds?
- Looking At Getting A Westie……pros And Cons?
It would be the kindest choice to watch his weight. There are many weight control treats available at the pet supply shops, now..or you can make your own from the recipes online.
It will keep his arthritis less painful, and he will feel special, with his new special treats.
There are also good dog foods in weight control formulas. You will find the best ones at your locally owned pet supply.
Yes, lookout for you westie’s weight. The grocery store dog treats are loaded with carbs., the natural pet food stores sell natural dehydrated treats (liver, trachea, etc.) that aren’t so fattening. More exercise would be good too even with arthritis, give him glucosamine/condroitin daily, you’ll notice a big difference in the activity level.
a blood test will tell if he has a hormome or sugar problem that has caused his weight gain.get lite and low calorie foods and walk him daily for a good 20 minutes. slowly at first until he gets use to it. cut out treats unless they are low fat and with the right amounts and excersize he should slim down unless his thyriod or sugar shows up, then meds will help. good luck
Has his appetite increased recently, without an increase in exercise or activity? He may be developing cushing’s disease or diabetes.
Look out for its weight and give it just enough food.
you do not want to overfeed an animal, or leave food out constantly
if he gets fat then it will aggravate his arthritis. he may be bored and eating is his only outlet. give him more to do.