Dog needs to lose weight but cannot exercise, any thoughts?

shopaholicjules

Hi
My dog, Kimber is 13 year old. Up until last year she thought she was still a pup, running round constantly etc.
Things have changed now and she has become a little old lady.
She is on steroids,although only 2mg which make her put on weight. I am able to take her for a short walk (sometimes half a football pitch) so obviously not getting as much exercise as I would like.
She could really do with losing weight so that her little legs can carry her round and she doesn't get as out of breath but cannot think of anything I can do.
She is now on dry food and only has some chicken to take her tablets with. As well as her steroids I hive her glucosamine, omega 3 and green lipped mussel to help her joints.
Have I just got to accept that she cannot lose weight due to her age and illness or does anyone have any thoughts.

Much appreciated for any thoughts
Jules

lisawood78

sorry, why can't she walk, is due to her weight or her age?

shopaholicjules

Hi
She is able to walk but just cannot go very far or she starts to have a do where she may fall over or she starts head nodding, she just gets very tired, you can tell when it's time to give up and come home.
The vet said she has a neuro problem and also now has arthritus which the extra weight isn't helping and i don't want her getting to the point where she has a heart attack.
Apart from that, she is all good and a happy doggie

picklepick

Where abouts do you live?
Have you thought about taking her swimming?
An excellent form of exercise but without the impact that walking can have on joints. Can be wonderful for arthritis too!

vl2588

There are reducing diets available from the vets that will help but not very MSE!! Basically to lose weight she needs to exercise and/or reduce amount of food so these are pretty much your only options. Try to include treats when you work out her daily intake and reduce it a little.

Swimming is a great idea

lostinrates

If she has dried food a treat ball might take her longer. This will keep her ''gently busy'' and might also mean you can reduce her food a little.

shopaholicjules

Thanks for your replies
When she first got il, I looked at swimming for her but there are none anywhere near where I live which is in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
I have reduced her food alot compared to what she used to have and she needs what she haves to give her some energy.
Shei is on a food that is meant to help her lose weight and is for older dogs but sadly to no avail.
I kind of knew that there wouldn't be anything else but had just hoped that there was some miracle.
She is my little girl (well not so little) and I want her to have the best quality of life I can give her.

Thanks for your thoughts
Jules

vl2588

Good luck with her x

picklepick

I believe there is or was, a hdrotherapy pool in Wyke, Bradford. Could be wrong though!

In any case, you would need a referal from your vet, which they will do if she has arthritis which can benefit from hydrotherapy.
Perhaps have a word with your vet and see if they could refer you? It's not very expensive and wont cost you anything if you have insurance.

olias

I have just googled and there seems to be several dog hydrotherapy pools in Bradford. They require vet referral and cost about £10 a session.

Olias

shopaholicjules

Thanks for that
Could you give me the name of any of them< iave googled and cannot find anything.
Thanks for your help with this, i will definately try it if there is one, whether Kimber will stay in or not is another thing but willing to give anything a go.

Jules