Female 7 year old cocker spaniel

Question
QUESTION: My cocker has gained alot of weight in the last 2 months or so, her coat is also much thicker.  She is always barking for food( she has never done this before) She still drinks the same amount of water and bathroom habits are still the same.  I have lowered amount of food to 1 1/2 cups mixed with cooked carrots.  What do you think is going on.  I am not sure how much weight she has gained but you can see that she is bigger.  Help

ANSWER: The very, very first thing to do is have a thyroid test done.  No big deal for your girl - just a blood draw.  It HAS to be sent to Michigan State for analysis so call around to vets in your area and just ask the Desk where thyroid panels are sent.  When you get the right answer, book an appt.  Most good vets use MS and there's a reason for that.

I'd like to know what you're feeding her?  But an unexplained weight gain and increased appetite is one of the first signs of a thyroid problem.  Easy test - easy fix.

And stop the carrots - they're loaded with sugar.  If you want to use a veggie, use fresh or frozen green beans.  Either cook or pulp to death in your food processor (that's best). Never canned vegs - they're very high in sodium.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am feedin her nutro dog food products.

Answer
Nutro is not the worst but it's far from the best.

PetSmart now carries AvoDerm which is far better than Nutro.

If you want the best...go to Naturapet.com and see where you can buy Innova in your area.  Whoever carries that will carry other premium brands like Merrick - Fromm - Evanger's - Orijen.

But do get her a thyroid test asap.
Delores