Yep! that’s my song this month, I’m living with the “overweight Doodles in the house”…
We could call it winter weight but that would be a lie. I caused this debacle. This is all me, and I feel horrible.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? –
Several weeks ago, I made the decision to try a holistic vet to deal with these environmental allergens. I love their Doodle Doc – but I was on a serious quest to find out how to beat this beast…
Switching their diet helped some, but there was still evidence of discomfort with both of them.
The holistic vet started both of them on medication to treat their symptoms as well as strengthen the organs to fight the allergens from within.
What I did not know was the dosage was calculated based on weight.
WHAT WENT WRONG –
The food I feed them now does not require huge quantities because it is 98% protein with no fillers or by products. Before then, as Harley fought these nasty allergen buggers, his appetite had really not been what it used to be. He required a great deal of coaxing.
Of course once I switched their food, his appetite improved. Very shortly after our first visit with the holistic vet (and his medication) his appetite soared.
I was so excited, I took it upon myself to go from two “level scoops” per meal to two “heaping scoops” per meal.
In defense I did it because he was finally eating. I mean really eating #dontjudgeme…
FOLLOW PORTION DIRECTIONS –
For several weeks, meals were like a buffet. Despite the fact that I knew better – I still “did my own thing” and gave them both more than recommended.
Even though it was only for a few weeks, those weeks added up and so did the calories.
When I took them back to the holistic vet for a follow-up, girlfriend wasn’t happy. Harley and Jaxson have both put on a few extra pounds.
I confessed like a criminal on the witness stand. Babbling and telling it all.
It took a while, but I was finally lost for words, oxygen and energy which allowed her the opportunity to reprimand me some more! #lovingly
My full figured Doodles are heavier than they’ve ever been and there is no need for it. I’ve been instructed to return to the manufacturer’s recommended portions, and bring them back in a few weeks for another weigh in…
DOCTOR’S ORDERS –
I’ve got my marching orders about their weight, and I intend to take this seriously. I want to continue the victory with this war on environmental allergens and the best way to do so is to follow the doctor’s orders!
I’ve decided to invest in a pet scale for the house. Monitoring their weight can then be done regularly and help us stay the course.
Right now I am looking at and leaning towards this large digital pet scale…
Reviews are good (4.6 out of 5 stars) and the price isn’t THAT bad (on sale for $87.99).
There’s no assembly required and it can hold large-sized dogs. This is nothing I ever thought I would need for the house, but then again it’s probably a good pet item to have.
Do you have a pet scale in your home?
What brand did you purchase?
Ever thought about owning one?
I’ll let you know if the one works well and/or if Jax breaks it LOL
Learning happens one step at a time ❤️
January 17, 2018
Never had a weight issue with any dogs around here. Mom is pretty good about noticing when to cut back and when to add food. If we really want to know, we stop by the vet and jump on their scale on the way to school, but that is rare. I’m sure the boys will be back in top form in no time. As for buying a dog scale, we didn’t even know they were available for home purchase. Interesting.
January 17, 2018
Last night while rubbing Piper’s tummy, I asked Scott if he thought she was looking a little rounder?! Suffice it to say this winter blast has slowed down activity and increased comfort food for all of us! Looking forward to a leaner spring here too- so we’re all in it together!
January 17, 2018
I think we’re all battling the bulge after Christmas. I’ve found a slight cut-back and adding a few blocks to our walks generally makes that extra weight melt off. Now if only it were that easy on uprights!
January 20, 2018
Like everyone else said, it’s the weather-related inactivity or reduced activity. The boys will slim down pretty quickly.
As for the scale? Sounds like a pretty good price. I wouldn’t mind having one for my girls; but (and it’s a BIG but) there is not even one inch of level flooring in this house that isn’t already in use or carpeted. Luckily, the vet is only two miles away.
January 28, 2018
My scale came today, but it needs batteries – and it wasn’t included. I will get some this week. when Doodle Dad saw it – he made a comment that we (the humans) didn’t have a scale in the house. Watch out Lee – your birthday’s coming up soon 🙂 I also believe weight gain is due to the winter – we’ve been out more lately, so I’m anxious to monitor their weight this month and see if there’s a difference / weight loss.
January 20, 2018
I didn’t know you could buy a home pet scale, what a great idea! If I knew they existed, I wouldn’t expect them to be under $100, so I don’t think that’s bad at all.
We’re pretty diligent about watching our pets’ weight, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been times I’ve seen them getting on the heavier side. We try to keep on top of it though, but I think it would be great to have a scale at home to really monitor it.
I’m sure you’ll get the boys back to their perfect weight in no time!