overweight dachshund

Question
My dachshund is 8 years old and has been overweight for about 6 years.  I feed him only 2 times a day and only give him about 1/2 cup of dry food, never wet.  I give him a dog biscuit once a day.  I don't walk him, but he has the run of the back yard.  He has been blind for the last 2 years and moves even slower now.  Can you suggest anything that I can do to help him lose weight?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Virginia!

That 1/2 cup of food you're feeding your dog... is that the total amount per day, or is that per serving? Two half cup servings might be too much food, if your dog is not particularly active. Read the feeding guidlines on the back of the dog food package, and adjust the amount as needed.

Have you tried feeding your dog a food made especially for a "senior", or that is "lite" or reduced in calories? Most varieties of dog food have a version especially for an overweight or elderly pet. To accomplish more rapid weight loss, use a food intended specifically for that purpose, such as Purina's Obesity Management Formula.

You can also give your dog a couple of baby carrots or half an apple (not the core) as a snack if you think your dog needs a little something between meals. Dogs usually love carrots and apples, and they're fat free.

Although your dog is blind, there are toys that you can use to get your dog to play which will help him to run around a little. The increased exercise will help him to loose some weight.

You can buy a few squeaky or jingly toys, or alter your dogs present toys, such as putting a bell in a ball, etc. Cheese or peanut butter added to a ball or Kong can be quite interesting too.
Remember, humans can be considered as toys, get down to his level and play with the dog.

If running and playing isn't something your dog would enjoy (or is able to do), you can try increasing his activity level by taking him for walks on a leash. Blind dogs sometimes feel more secure with their leash attached to a harness around their body, rather than to a collar.

Start out slowly with short walks, and always walk the same familiar route. The use of a "stop" word to give warning he is about to encounter something, stop, wait, step are good words, some people even use whoops-a-daisy!

Your dog will learn the new watch words if you use them on every walk. Keep an eye out for things that may poke into his eye, can be tripped over, or make him fall down.

A small bell or something that rattles could be attached to your pants (or kept in a pocket), or attatched to your shoes so he'll know where you are and know the pace you're walking at. Keep talking to your dog too. Your voice will help guide him.

A 10 to 15 minute walk twice a day. This helps burn calories, tends to reduce the appetite, and gives your dog something to look forward to.

Here is a web site especially for the owners of blind dogs. There have a message board to participate in and plenty of other info. Go to:
http://www.blinddogs.com/sitemap.htm

This web site offers more advise on walking a blind dog on a leash, as well as other training tips. Go to:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7561_train-blind-dog.html

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give that Dachshund lots of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole.D.