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GotAQuestion123 · Mar 22, 2010, 06:08 PM

I have a 2 year old Samoyed that I just got about a month ago. We took him to the vet and has had shots as well as de-wormed. When He was there he weighed about 60lbs and the vet said that she felt some fat on him, but we wouldn't really be able to tell if he was under weight or not until he is shaved(he has a lot of knots under his coat from being outside when he was with someone else). But anyway... when I pet him I can feel his spine, my boyfriend keeps saying its because I'm pushing harder then normal because of his knots but I'm not the only one that thinks he's under weight we've had friends come by that thought the same. I was wonder what type of dog food would help him gain weight better. Right now he's eating Purina Alpo and to me it seems like its not getting any better, I can still feel the spine just the same. He has an appointment Friday to be shaved(we have no choice to shave him we talked to the groomer and she saw him and says it has to be done). Also I was wondering if anyone has suggestions about getting him to like men. Hes not aggressive but runs the opposite way when he see them(He loves my boyfriend though after a couple weeks)

GotAQuestion123 · Mar 22, 2010, 06:11 PM

Also I Forgot to say that people say he's bigger then what they have seen for a Samoyed. His back is almost to my waist and I'm Between 5 feet 5'5

Lucky098 · Mar 22, 2010, 08:40 PM

Sounds like your dog is a rescue. Its normal for rescue dogs to be under weight. Hell gain his wait back. Just be patient. Let his stress levels come down.

Purina alpo dry or canned dog food is absolute trash. Its nothing but fillers and un named body parts from various animals that have a high potential of being sick before slaughtered. A good food that is decent priced is chicken soup for the dog lovers soul adult. There are good ingredients with a wonderful source of fresh meat. Or even natural balance is a pretty decent food with a practical price. But please, if you love him, get him off that horrible food.

As for him shying away from men... just be patient. He may come around. You could try some basic introduction of your husband/boyfriend/father/son by having them throw a treat your dog really likes in the dogs direction... each time tossing the treat closer and closer until the dog feels comfortable taking a treat from a hand or very close to the man. This could take days, or it could take 15mins to an hr. The key to success is just be patient. There could be hidden fears towards men or your dog could still be in shock with the recent move and meeting new people. A dog will typically stay very reserved and in a basic honeymoon stage up to 2 weeks or sometimes a month.

Get him settled in and get him healthy. Don't ask for too much at once. Set your ground rules and don't stray from them for anything, meaning, if you don't allow dogs on furniture, then don't feel bad because he's in tough shape and allow him on the furniture. The rules you place now are very important.

Good luck... if you have any other questions don't hesitat to ask

Catsmine · Mar 23, 2010, 03:20 AM

I wouldn't worry about being able to feel the vertebrae. He's too fat when you can't find the ribs. Here's a chart used by veterinarians to tell.

dog weight chart - The Purina Body Condition System

GotAQuestion123 · Mar 23, 2010, 06:56 AM

Thanks.. I looked up the dog food and I live in Canada and the website doesn't have an option for that so I don't think they sell it here

Lucky098 · Mar 23, 2010, 07:13 AM

Natural balance can be found in Canada. Natural Balance Store Locator.. Natural Balance is sold at Petco.

Here's a really good website to help you decide what type of food you'd like to feed. Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble

If all else fails, feeding Iams, Eukanuba, Nutro and the other petstore brand foods is still better then feeding alpo. But check out that website. It may even have your current food listed... You may be shocked at what you read.

Good luck!