AboutPatti Expertise To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age.
Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog.
I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from.
My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.
Experience My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years.
Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes".
I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.
Question QUESTION: Hi, I have a male Collie, we're not exactly sure how old he is but we figure around 6 or 7 years old. For a collie he is extermly big, I mean he weighs nearly 100 lbs or so. The thing is, he has a big head, big legs, and large torso. I know he maybe some what overweight but he just seems to be a big dog overall. He also has a Abdonmial Hernia on his abs (which we plan to get removed), the hernia doesnt cause him any pain, so would this have anything to do with his weight being so abnormally high? When we get the hernia removed could this cause his weigh to go down or is he just a big dog by nature?
ANSWER: Hi Zach,
Your Collie just might be an "imperfect specimen of the breed", as far as his size, meaning it's just your dog's genes that he's so big. That of course has no baring on him being a totally wonderful dog.
An abdominal hernia has nothing to do with your dog's size, and shouldn't cause a change in your dog's weight once it's repaired. Hernias in dogs are caused by a weakness or deletion of a part of the abdominal wall, or they're due to an increase of pressure within the abdominal cavity.
If you think your dog is overweight, you should increase his activity level (after he has recovered from the hernia surgery) and change the food he receives. You can try a special weight reduction diet, and of course, table scraps are a no-no and treats need to be minimized.
Best of luck,
Patti
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QUESTION: Were going to start cutting down on his food intake but whenever we try to take him on a walk his back legs seem to just turn to mush, everyone and while he cant even lift his hindend. He has problems going up stairs sometimes, could this be caused by his weight or other problems like arthritis?
Answer Hi Zach,
It could be arthritis, or hip dysplasia, or it could be a back problem. Your vet needs to examine your dog, so you'll know exactly which condition you're dealing with. Pain medication can really improve your dog's quality of life, and restore mobility. You should talk to your vet about this.
Until your vet starts your dog on medication, you shouldn't try to exercise him, as that can be causing him pain, and inflaming whatever his condition might be.
Once your dog's condition has been diagnosed, if you'd like to write back, I may be able to suggest diet supplements to help with his condition.
