Mature Corgi

[craigroo]

Hi,

I've been gone from the forum for a long time. My Shelley has thinned down to about 37 pounds. She could probably lose a little more, but she is a very large female Cardigan - closer to the size of a male. Arthritis has definitely improved - she jumps right out of bed instead of her old slow way due to the pain, and runs around quite a bit Her swayed back (like an old horse) has definitely gotten better. I strictly limit her food consumption, and feed her senior formula with glucosamine. If I let her eat as much as she would like, I think she would explode!

Craig

[Chip's Mom]

Craig

That is excellent news - so glad that she is doing better and glad that she has found you to take care of her.

[Michael Romanos]

Great news. If a Corgi is arthrithic it is much much better to have him/her slightly underweight that even bang on. So I would suggest that Shelley can trim some more pounds off yet.
Corgis and other dogs are Beggars. They will beg for food that they do not ever need. They will eat much more food than they require for a healthy life. It is up to us to put a stopper to these nonsense desires. If you keep this in mind, then there is no need for Corgis to become overweight to the extent that occurs in 70 percent of the breed. A lot of Corgi owners don't sufficiently equate the ratio of food to exercise. The less exercise the less food the Corgi requires.

[craigroo]

It certainly is true that Corgi's are beggars! My Shelley prowls the kitchen floor several times a day looking for anything edible - and stares at me constantly anytime I eat. She'll darn near knock us down to get at a piece of food that might fall to the floor!

Craig

[craigroo]

Recently went to the vet and Shelley is now down to 35 pounds. She hardly seems to have any more symptoms of arthritis. So the regimen seems to work. Her body now looks more like a corgi's, and not so much like a basset, now that she's slimmed down. Considering that she's a large female (near the size of a cardi male), that's pretty good.

Craig

[Michael Romanos]

This is really good news and simply proves a point. Don't stop at 35 pounds - aim for 28-30 and maintain that weight. You won't recognise Shelley - physically, or the way she expresses her new found fitness and less pain from arthritis

[Jane Austen]

Craig, thanks for keeping us up to date on how Shelly is doing. It's great to follow a thread with a success story like hers.

[fido]

If can't get outside for multiple short walks per day which is often recommended for arthritis management, try a treadmill with no more than 3% grade. We started Buddy on the treadmill early with him on leash and one of us walking on the treadmill with him side by side for about 5 minutes at a time and over several days increased to 10 minutes, then 15... Now Buddy is almost 2 and when ever we get near the treadmill he jumps on and wants to walk! no leash. Sometimes with us, sometimes while we are at the computer which is right next to the treadmill. We go for about a mile at a time now with varying speeds and inclines (generally 1.5-2.2 mph and 0-3% grade). When first practicing, always let your corgi outside to relieve himself BEFORE getting on treadmill as the exercise can be stimulating...However, for a dog with arthritis multiple short walks per day is recommended. Have you looked into dog massage for the morning starts? Our vet taught our neighbor how to do this with their 12 year old lab. Glad you opened your home and heart to Shelly. I'm sure she will improve in your loving care...

[craigroo]

A treadmill is a great idea - though I can't see Shelley being all that agreeable to it. However, she is getting a lot more exercise these days because we got a new addition - a 16 week old standard smooth dachshund puppy. The puppy thinks Shelley is another puppy to play with, and baits her endlessly. Sort of the manic toddler and the elderly grandma. So they go running after each other thought the house!

Shelley gives me these jealous barks - likes she's scolding me for getting a new puppy, but she's usually quite gentle. I had a dachshund as a child, and always loved their wily ways. Needless to say , I'm partial to low-slung dogs!

Craig

[corgizmom]

Maybe get her a playmate that is a few years younger. That will help the exercise and keep the old lady company.