Lifes Abundance overweight formula for your chihuahua;

Question
QUESTION: I just got a Chihuahua that was quite neglected. She is 4 years old and should be 3-4 lbs., but weighs 6 lbs. I understand she was raised on strictly table scraps. She has very long nails, which I intend to have trimmed in the next day or two, as soon as I can get her an appointment to have them done. My question to you is what would you recommend I do to help her loose 1/3 of her body weight as quickly, but as safely, as possible?

ANSWER: Hi Mary, Thanks for adopting a older dog!  This overweight problem happens often with Chihuahuas.
How about placing this kid on Reduced Calorie Natural Balance Dog food:  Here is a link to the product:  You can find it in most pet stores:
http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/dogformulas/RedCalDog.html

Also, I would love to see this little one take 1/2 wafer per day of the NuVET supplement/vitamin.  NuVET will protect the legs and joints besides, it helps all the body's systems.  Chihuauhua dogs tend to have patella(KNEE) problems especially when they are overweight.  The NuVET will help to stop joint and knee injuries.  YOU wouldn't believe how many Chi dogs have joint problems as they get older.

For a snack please try low salt canned green beans.  You can stir 1/8 of a teaspoon of olive oil or just a dash of olive oil onto the green beans.  MOST dogs love green beans plain or with a dash of the oil.  Olive oil is good for the coat besides the joints, too.

I believe Natural Balance may also make a low calorie dog treat.

For the NuVET Please call in your order:  This is Holistic and not sold at any stores:
1-800-474-7044   There is a 19.99, 39.99 and 55.00 sized bottle....
You need to call in for the 19.99 size, I believe.
Other sizes are here on the NuVET web site:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
Use order discount code 81098 for the 15% off program


Good luck - Let me know if you can't find the Natural Balance dog food.

Marie Peppers LPN MA

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

QUESTION: I took her to get her nails cut today, and she was weighed while she was there. The scale shocked me when it said she actually weighs 8 lbs. How many walks, and for how long each time, should I be taking her on each day without causing any health problems (such as knee damage)?

Answer
Hi again,   Let's start her off slowly with a 10 minute walk 1-2 x per day.  You may want to have the VET do some baseline blood work.  It may be a good idea to have her Thryoid level checked.  Just take the walks slow and steady.

You may want to try Life's Abundance Weight loss dog food ;  This brand has a very high rating on the product and results:

delivered to your door:
see here:   see here:  http://www.lifesabundance.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?realname=20066428&Produ(Pet_Base)



Happy Holidays !

Marie Peppers LPN MA