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We adopted a second dachshund about three weeks ago. Our first dachshund who is male seems to have put on a pound or two since then. They are NOT sharing food bowls. We watch that very carefully. We even think our first dog is more active but yet he has gained weight. Presently he is about 18 lbs (our new dog is female about 12 lbs). We feed him about 3 times a day about a cup or less for the whole day. He also might get one small treat per day.

I need some tips on putting him on a diet. What are good treats to feed. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mark

>>We adopted a second dachshund about three weeks ago. Our first dachshund who is male seems to have put on a pound or two since then. They are NOT sharing food bowls. We watch that very carefully. We even think our first dog is more active but yet he has gained weight. Presently he is about 18 lbs (our new dog is female about 12 lbs). We feed him about 3 times a day about a cup or less for the whole day. He also might get one small treat per day.
>>
>>I need some tips on putting him on a diet. What are good treats to feed. Any help would be appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks, Mark

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Have his thyroid blood values (Total T4, Free T4 by equilibrium dialysis, and TSH) checked and make sure your vet sends the blood to one of the OFA approved labs. (they are listed at www.offa.org--Cornell and Michigan State are both on the list, and it is routine for vets to send blood samples off in this manner). It's a common problem in Dachshunds and can lead to serious complications without the right medication. The medication is no big deal, but necessary for those dogs who need it. At the same time, your vet can advise you about diet. I don't like the high-fiber foods. They cause nutritional deficits and housetraining problems.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

1. Feed him separately, if you aren't already. Maybe he's feeling protective of his food and wolfing it down, or maybe some of hers, too.
2. Cut his kibble to 1/4 cup 3x per day. Add 1 scant teaspoon of good canned food (we use Iams) to make him feel he's getting more. Eventually, you could reduce the number of feedings to 2x per day if he still needs to lose weight. Use a measuring cup to make sure you're not feeding more.
3. Baby-cut carrots, green beans and sweet pepper strips are all good, low-calorie treats and will give him vitamins. You can also toss a small chunk (one inch slice) of apple or banana his way, but remember that fruits have more sugar.
4. Avoid the processed biscuits or meat treats. If you feel it necessary to feed him meat, and don't want to use canned food, you could cook a bit of stew beef in the crock pot once in a while, cut it up small and freeze it in small portions, with the liquid. Take out just enough for a week at a time. Our dog tends to gulp meat, so we mash it up once it's thawed.