Weight loss in young dog!UPDATE and ADVICE NEEDED

MaximumImpact

He's been on his diet for almost a year (I always put giant breed on specialist puppy food til 1 year old) with absolutely no issues at all. He kept the weight on fine until we brought the new baby home and then this new dog came to stay for 2 months and his girlfriend then went into season. His stools aren't loose and never have been. They each have 1 and a half kilos of food a day with the Old English mastiff x being around 70kgs and the Neo Mastiff X at 65kgs (now dropped to 61kgs).

Each day they get either raw or cooked deer or rabbit dependant on what OH has shot that day or the day before. If the fields are bare then it's either tripe or Webbox.

When each was seen by the vet at those weights he was happy and didn't want them putting on anymore weight as he prefers them lean (as do we) for a longer lifespan. These aren't the first mastiffs we've had but the first one to have a problem like this.

He's wormed regularly and I went and checked the paddock for anything poisonous yesterday and found nothing. He seems to be drinking a bit at the moment but I put that down to the hot weather and running around.

He's not pacing as much as he used to but for the past 2 days I have started walking him again daily and he seems to be more lively and happier...I'm wondering if it's simply stress as I will be the first to admit that since DS came home, I don't have as much time for the dogs as I used to.

Paradigm

His bloods are ok, nothing dodgy in the paddock, new baby, strange dog..... I'd be looking at stress, he's possibly feeling a little neglected.

As you'll know, Mastiffs are very family oriented & bond very closely & it's all been a big change for him. Keep up with the vet tests but I think that getting back to as close as you can to his usual routine will see him perk up.

jenhug

well it does sound like stress, you know how sensitive these big babies are! my dog frets sometimes if we are not in touching distance, then the other one wants to be closer to me than the first so then we have the "who can get the closest to mummy before she is smothered" game. They may be beautiful but they weren't blessed with brains!

YorkiePud_3

Quote: They may be beautiful but they weren't blessed with brains: unquote

I dare you to tell one that, though ... !! *LOL*

Fingers crossed it is something sortableoutable .. I have no experience with this breed at all but I think bigger breeds can be such softies and can really sluffen easily ... hope he's soon back to himself.

jenhug

"I dare you to tell one that, though ... !! *LOL*"

I tell both of mine on a daily basis! They don't seem to care too much!

MrsTinks

I used to live next door to two Old english Mastiffs and with the b!tch weighing in at about 75kg and the dog at 100kg then a 1kg loss isn't the world even 65 to 61kg isn't an emergency yet but you're doing absolutely right in getting all the tests run etc.
Mastiffs as mentioned ARE very family orientated dogs - I know the 2 I knew became VERY protective when a new baby arrived and add to that him already being a bit sensitive and the b!tch coming in heat.... well I'd say he's worrying himself thin at the moment

As for diet - there is no fat in rabbit so I would possibly try to avoid feeling him that for a while at least, and this time of year deer is pretty lean too... I would stick with tripe for a wee while (this is what the OEMs were on and they both thrived on it) - no idea about Webbox I'm afraid
I think trying to just act as normal as possible - get the b!tch spayed and him neutered should help too as he won't be stressing about all those hormones
And if you feed them raw deer/rabbit you need to worm them monthly

MaximumImpact

Well the vet has been in touch and it appears that pup has IBS!! Vet has advised a very bland diet of dry only food but says to have a look around for one!! Any ideas?? I don't want to use Hills as vet states that other brands are just as good and cost less. He has said to find one that is good quality for sensitive stomach....so over to you guys!!!

Topdogfran

Why dry food only? Chappie tinned is always recommended by vets as being good for sensitive tummies.

MrsTinks

If vet says dry only then stick to dry only

Personally I get Arden Grange from www.vetuk.co.uk and have never had a problem with delivery etc - do check round online for prices - one flavour can be cheaper on one site and another cheaper on another...
I know they have 10% off the 15kg bag at the moment so it's £37.62 - if you order I think it's over £45 worth of food you get free delivery (never been a problem for me as I order dog and cat food at the same time... )
Good luck!

vikingvampireparrot

Another vote for Arden Grange! netpetshop.co.uk are often the cheapest for them I find.

They do an ocean white fish and potato one which is specially for sensitive digestion - but it is the most expensive (circa £45 for 15kg)