Dog’s health and fitness is important to us. On our previous HillsPets posts we mentioned that 50% of pets are overweight. Glad to know that many pet owners are seeking their vet’s help and lots of pets succeeded on their weight loss.
Dog obesity is very common in aging dogs. Sugar in her early senior years was a bit heavy (not overweight) and was asked to loose some pounds by her vet. After switching to senior adult food, she lost some weight. Sugar, as an active senior dog, continues to loose weight. Last year, according to Sugar’s vet, she lost too much weight and needs to put some weight back.
Finally, after a year, Sugar gained 5 pounds (what her vet recommended). On Sugar’s recent vet visit, she weighed 50 pounds. What do you think?
Last year, we shared on a post Tweaking My Beach Body that Sugar needs to gain weight. At that time Sugar weighed 45.5. Her vet recommended an extra 5 pounds will be an ideal weight. We monitored Sugar’s weight every week and she would gain 1 to 2 pounds but loose it again. When she got ill last August 2013, she weighed 42 pounds (Sugar’s lowest weight). To Have a Weight Leeway when (if) Sugar gets ill is the main reason why her vet recommended a weight gain.
Sugar’s weight gain happened naturally.
We did not increase her food. Sugar’s treats are always monitored and we continue to involve her in energetic activities. Early this year, Sugar had masses removed from her tongue and might have helped her gain the necessary weight.
The extra pounds actually provided Sugar more energy. Sugar is in good spirits and has exhibited some puppy behaviors playing with her toys. Sugar remains to be a healthy active senior dog.
Joining FitDog Friday Hop.
Golden Thanks for Slim Doggy for the Sweetest Award.
I think you look great Sugar! Please tell me your doggy secret to gaining weight. I know us peoples are always talking about losing weight, but I struggle to gain it. Have never been able to!
Sugar looks great at this weight! She must be feeling good too. When they do the puppy play, I always think that’s a sign of a happy dog 🙂
Mom has been watching out weight this month, Sugar. Not fun at all but we know it’s for our best! Great post!!
A healthy weight is so important and you are looking wonderful Miss Sugar
We keep a regular conversation going with our vet regarding the dogs weight. It is easier to monitor than have to try to deal with the consequences later.
I think Sugar looks excellent and you can tell from her activity levels that she FEELS excellent. Kudos to you for being such a conscientious dog mom. Sometimes it’s hard to keep them at a healthy weight, especially as they get older, and when they have such sweet lovey eyes like Sugar.
Sugar looks fit and healthy to me! So glad she is at the perfect weight according to her vet and that she can still do all the fun things she loves to do.
*Cairn cuddles* for Sugar and mom,
Oz
Sugar looks great, and it is wonderful to see her looking and acting healthy and happy! I hope that my golden retriever will be doing that well when she reaches Sugar’s age. You do so wonderful with her!
Sugar is looking pawsitively perfect and is at a great weight 🙂
You look awesome for a senior sugar!
Katie has also lost a few pounds the last year. We are fortunate to be active and normally have a weight gain rather than weight loss problem…except for cat bro Bert. I can’t imagine Sugar at 42 pounds! I swing back and forth between 38 and 40 myself and that is a healthy weight. Hope she can hang out at 50lbs without any problems! Happy Friday!
Moms got our back
Lily & Edward
Sugar you look wonderful and we could not agree more, a healthy dog is a happy dog. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
You look wonderful Sugar! Mom measures our food portions which works pretty well to control our weight. I do so well on my LID food that Mom switched us all to it. She also sprinkles on a freeze dried powdered supplement that includes some fruit and vegetables (so far no bad reaction from me Yea!) But Mom has had to cut back how much she gives to Bailey & Hazel. Guess this food is giving us more for less!
Hugs
Greta
Bailey & Hazel too
I think you look wonderful Sugar. I’m glad you are feeling so good after those masses were taken off your tongue. You are a good example of a healthy dog lifestyle.
Always sad to see an unfit dog! We went running today so we are fit and trim!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
I would love to have a doctor tell me that I needed to gain weight! BOL!! I think Sugar is perfect!
I am very proud of you Sugar! You set an amazing example for other dogs. Love Dolly
congrads for the 5 pounds. looking good
Lookin good Sugar! I was thinking of you because, while he is not “underweight”, my senior dog Chester is so bony. I feed him more than Gretel by about half but he won’t “gain any weight”. Really, I want him to put on muscle but I don’t think what the lost will come back as a senior.
Your looking good çongrats on staying fit as a senior
Sugar looks great! We find maintaining weight one of the most difficult things. Our dogs can gain or loose depending on activity and often only over the course of a week or two. So far we have not switched Thunder’s food to a senior formula. If he starts to bulk up and have lass activity, I guess we will rethink that.