Hi all,
Charlie was a healthy weight vizsla for 5 years. Hikes, rollerblading, and regular dog parks visits had people telling me what great shape he was in. Then...I got him neutered
Within 2 months he went from 55 lbs to 70 lbs and he is now at 83! I have tried nearly everything. At one point (for 3 months) he was eating only 1 cup of food and running on the treadmill for up to 6 miles or 10 km (after a 3 or about 5 km mile off-leash hike per day). Before this he always free-fed. I figured his metabolism was really low so I've let him free-feed again and am actually cutting back on the exercise in an effort to boost his metabolism. Thyroid tests show he's on the low end of normal, but he's still normal. He has lost some hair as well. I have been trying for a year with the help of my vet to reduce his weight. It won't go down. I've tried diet food, the raw diet, and near starvation! I wouldn't believe it if I weren't living it, but has anyone else had this problem? Please, please help.
Also, although his exercise has increase his muscle tone has decreased. My vet said "well, some dogs are just overweight" but I find that difficult to believe. He's so active!
Charlie was a healthy weight vizsla for 5 years. Hikes, rollerblading, and regular dog parks visits had people telling me what great shape he was in. Then...I got him neutered
Also, although his exercise has increase his muscle tone has decreased. My vet said "well, some dogs are just overweight" but I find that difficult to believe. He's so active!