rapid weight gain

Question
Hi Lynne,

When I first adopted Sammy, a two-year-old male field cocker, at the end of September, he was 30 pounds -- underweight by the vet's observation.

Since then, I've been feeding him Purina Pro Plan twice a day following the instructions on the bag, and he is now up to 35 pounds. He's completely adjusted to his new home, is a happy little dog, his coat is very shiny, his stools are consistent, and I still can feel his ribs through his fur.

Even though he probably needed to gain this weight, I'm worried it will continue to go up and up and up, especially because he seems to be hungrier than he was when I first adopted him, devours his food in lightning speed when I feed him and scrounges for food in the kitchen (though surprisingly doesn't beg, thank goodness)

What is a healthy weight range for a long-in-length field cocker with a medium amount of activity? And is there anything I can do better as far as feeding him? Though we grew up with a cocker, this is the first one I'm caring for on my own.

Thanks for your help!

Elissa

Answer
Hello Elissa,

The normal weight range for a male field cocker is in the range of 35-40 pounds so he is just about right.  

Cocker spaniels are very notorious for gaining weight if their amount of food and exercise are not balanced.  I wouldn't worry about how quickly he eats, as long as you are following the instructions on the food bad (and Purina are a very good make), giving VERY few treats during the day AND giving your cocker an ample amount of exercise you should be ok.  

Most dog's scrounge.  It's in their nature.  One of my spaniels can eat a piled plate of chicken and STILL want more.  I sometimes wonder where she puts it for being such a little dog. :)

Another thing, you will know when he is being overfed as he will start to get runny stools so keep an eye on them if you are really worried.

Take care,
Lynne