How can I get Hudson to loose weight.

[Hudsons~Mom]

Okay so my little flea-butt is getting a little on the heavy side...and this is not good because it is just putting extra stress on the joints that are already damaged.

Problem,...Hudson can not go for walks like a normal dog. He even with shoes on rippes his back feet open with the way he hops to get anywhere. With out the shoes he is good for a short time but only on grass, no rocks, no ice, no cement.

Problem two Hudson goes for a lets say 15 minute quick walk around a feild...he moves with so much difficulty the hours and day following it is painful to watch.

Hudson is on a special diet that his tummy and intestines will suport and needs to stay on this diet if I want to keep him from throwing up...says three diffrent vets. He is on glucosamine to assist his joints, but it is a downhill battle as he already has hip dysplaysa in his hips and his cruchiate(sp?) ligaments are already getting all not where they should be.

Keep in mind he is also missing the front foot.

I try to play with him as much as I can inside the house, laser, throwing the ball bla bla bla....but then I have to deal with him ripping open his claws on the carpet and bleeding.

WHAT DO I DO????????????

[Dax]

Swimming? I wonder if there are any canine swimming pools in Edmonton. If you find any, I'll join you with Merlin and Chunky butt.

[fairlight]

Excellent idea Dax. HM, summer is on the way and you must live by some lake or pond up there (unlike Texas where it is a dirt pit). Check with your vet to see if there is an aquatic rehab for canines in your area, if not, hit the lakes.

[Moo]

Originally Posted by Dax

Swimming? I wonder if there are any canine swimming pools in Edmonton. If you find any, I'll join you with Merlin and Chunky butt.

I was going to suggest that.

Around here we have a dog pool where you can bring your dog to swim, or even rent the pool per hour and have all your dogs and dogs friends swim.

[Hudsons~Mom]

I will check into the swimming thing....I know of a aquatherapy place here in Edmonton....but I would have to sell the house I live in that I dont own to have Hudson in there on a regular basis.

Once summer does come, then yes I will get back to the lakes....and river. But summer here lasts as long as it takes for a elephant to go pee. So I do need to find somthing that I can do in the winter.

[Aurezalia]

Originally Posted by Hudsons~Mom

I will check into the swimming thing....I know of a aquatherapy place here in Edmonton....but I would have to sell the house I live in that I dont own to have Hudson in there on a regular basis.

Once summer does come, then yes I will get back to the lakes....and river. But summer here lasts as long as it takes for a elephant to go pee. So I do need to find somthing that I can do in the winter.

Do you know anyone that has a pool? Maybe they'd be willing to let Hudson use it year-round? Of course dog hair is h*ll to clean out of pool filters, so that'd have to be a consideration.
Also, does he like playing fetch? Or do you even know?

[Hudsons~Mom]

Hudson is a fetching king!!!! It just takes him a little longer to get back because he has to make sure whatever I threw is completely dead incase it decides to make fun of him after.

[Dauxside]

Dax is dead on - and looks like what everyone else was thinking. It's what most vets recommend. See if you can find a local area that will support doggy class - especially if they know it's for rehab.

[Aurezalia]

Originally Posted by Hudsons~Mom

Hudson is a fetching king!!!! It just takes him a little longer to get back because he has to make sure whatever I threw is completely dead incase it decides to make fun of him after.

Ok, cool If you do find a pool, he'd probably *LOVE* playing fetch with you. He can do it for longer, and it'd be much less painful!
Good luck on your search!

[FairyDogMother]

Swim therapy was my thought as well. It's a great overall activity too. If flea butt and the rottie clan meet up for a swim party, I hope you both remember your cameras!!!