#Middlebury
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I was glad to dog-sit for my friend and next-door neighbor when she went on a two-week trip, and I followed her instructions for feeding and walking her mixed retriever, Gladys, to the letter. However, Gladys is visibly overweight and the amounts that she is fed don’t help. I tried to walk her as frequently as possible while taking care of her so she could burn off some of those calories, but she needs a change of diet. Should I tell my friend this? – Sara J., via email
DEAR SARA: Kudos to you for keeping Gladys’ diet and schedule on point during your friend’s trip. It was important to keep her life as normal as possible, as it can be stressful when an owner is away.
Talking about a dog’s weight can be a touchy a subject. Some owners might react poorly, thinking that you’re telling them what to do. However, she’s also your friend. She loves Gladys and probably wants to spend many quality years with her. As a friend, you can have an impact on that by talking with her about your concerns.
The important thing is, don’t preach. Don’t go overboard with advice. Make the discussion part of a casual conversation, like, “Hey, Gladys really loved going on walks with me. I’d love to take her out more often, or we can all go together.”
Then, listen to your friend. She’s probably very aware of Gladys’ weight, and there may be reasons for her diet that you don’t know about, such as an underlying issue like a low-functioning thyroid. Once you spark a conversation, offer to help where you can, or just offer encouragement.
Send your questions, comments or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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