Penn Hip Article

[sutulu]

I know a few of us had our dogs enrolled in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Study with Penn Hip at the Vet School at Penn.

Here's an interesting article about the test.
http://research.vet.upenn.edu/Portals/29/PDFdocs/Jemima%20Harrison%20Feb%202010.pdf

Take note: The author of the article is the maker of the very controversial documentary that came out last year on BBC "Pedigree Dogs Exposed". This actually looks like a balanced piece.

Susan

[Bobbie]

A very interesting note in that article is that Labs fed 75% of the recommended diet (and I assume they mean what Purina recommends) lived 2 years longer, on average. If that isn't enough to get you to keep your dogs trim, I don't know what is! (Kirstie Alley, take heed!)

[Jespah]

I thought it was a good article.

I think keeping our dogs lean is a good idea. I'm wondering though if this is recommended throughout their whole lives? There is some thought that we as human beings should be lean as well - however, they suggest that in our old age that we carry a little more weight - not be over-weight, so that we are able to weather various illnesses and diseases that we are more susceptible to.

[Bobbie]

My two Labs that lived to sixteen were both lean- Pippin all her life, naturally, Abby at least the last seven years. Abby, I'm sure, thought I was feeding her 25% less than recommended.

[taflar]

I think keeping our dogs lean is a good idea. I'm wondering though if this is recommended throughout their whole lives? There is some thought that we as human beings should be lean as well - however, they suggest that in our old age that we carry a little more weight - not be over-weight, so that we are able to weather various illnesses and diseases that we are more susceptible to.

I like my old dogs to carry a bit more weight than I would want on them as a youngster or in the prime of their lives. That way if they get sick we have a bit of time to help them get well and eating again.

Now, I don't mean fat, just a little more weight than what I consider normal.

Peggy

[Jespah]

That's exactly what I was thinking Peggy - interesting to know that you do that. Thanks for letting us know that.

Deb

[Bobbie]

I wouldn't mind extra weight on a senior, but in my experience they've become leaner as they age. And with Merlin, who has a bit of pudge, I have to lift him a lot so I'd rather it were not there (he has never been fat and isn't now but he weighs a pound or two more than I'd like when I'm lifting him.)

Luka had a big belly- not something dieting would remove- and was hard to lift, too. No idea on his age other than pretty senior, though.

[taflar]

I wouldn't mind extra weight on a senior, but in my experience they've become leaner as they age.

Some of them do. Which is why I try to watch their weight closely as they age and try to keep them a little heavier.

Peggy

[mtoy]

As Millie's getting weaker and weaker in her hind area we don't dare let her get heavier. I wish she could carry a little more though.

[taflar]

As Millie's getting weaker and weaker in her hind area we don't dare let her get heavier. I wish she could carry a little more though.

It's true that one having trouble walking doesn't need extra weight. I'm not talking really heavy, just a pound or so more than normal. Just a tad extra for insurance if they should get sick. Gives you a little cusion for time for treatment if it will help them get well again.

Peggy

[mtoy]

It's true that one having trouble walking doesn't need extra weight. I'm not talking really heavy, just a pound or so more than normal. Just a tad extra for insurance if they should get sick. Gives you a little cusion for time for treatment if it will help them get well again.

Peggy

Yes, I realize that, but you should see her struggle to get up and to keep her footing around the house. She can hardly keep her butt off the ground when she squats to pee. On the other hand, her front end is A-OK, she runs like a champ for an old dog with her front wheel (er, legs) drive. The wood floors don't help things, and I do have area rugs that she prefers to stand on, but I can't put rugs everywhere.

[CorgiMum]

Just a tad extra for insurance if they should get sick. Gives you a little cusion for time for treatment if it will help them get well again.

Peggy

That's probably why our Vet tells me not to worry about Dylan 1.5 extra weight at his mature almost 13 years.

[taflar]

Yes, I realize that, but you should see her struggle to get up and to keep her footing around the house. She can hardly keep her butt off the ground when she squats to pee. On the other hand, her front end is A-OK, she runs like a champ for an old dog with her front wheel (er, legs) drive. The wood floors don't help things, and I do have area rugs that she prefers to stand on, but I can't put rugs everywhere.

I understand. Lady can walk on all fours but she squats really low now too. Half the time I'm not sure if she's going potty or sitting!

I've had my fair share of corgis that went down in the rear. I understand the frustration. And weight is what you think is best for your dog and your situation. I just prefer to keep an extra pound or two on my older guys. Or maybe we could say I just don't watch their weight as close and I'm not as quick to cut them back on food as I would be with a younger dog.

Peggy