Question:
Our dog is an English setter who is about 30 pounds and 15 months old. He sleeps in the kitchen at night and he is out all day in a fenced-in yard. The problem is that he runs around the yard nonstop. When I'm home, I bring him in and make him lie down.He's so skinny from running you can see his ribs. He's fed twice a day, plus treats. Any suggestions on how to slow him down and put some weight on him? I can't leave him in the house all day -- it's too hot and he is a chewer.
J.F., Ocean, NJ Dec 19, 2004
Answer:
Your dog is seriously underweight and should first be tested by a veterinarian for intestinal parasites.His constant outdoor activity (as is often seen in poorly managed zoo animals) may well be an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This can be triggered by boredom, confinement, fear and separation anxiety.Before deciding on a course of treatment with an anxiety-reducing psychotropic medication, try behavior modification by changing your dog's routine. Let him be in the house when you are away, leaving a radio or television on (and a fan out of his reach in hot weather) for company. Also have a dog walker come by (initially 3 to 4 times a day) to give him a few minutes in the yard and then a walk on the leash around the block.
Subscribe