I am a little bit unsure what to do. I am looking after a couple of dogs at the mo, 1 who is 9 years, and one who is 13 weeks (both belong to the same owner). When I read the details regarding their dinners, I noticed that the 13 week old pup is on just 2 meals a day. He has a cup which is divided into 2, so half am, and half pm.
He is far to young to be on just 2 meals a day and I feel I should say something to the owners, but I dont want them to think I am interfering and being a busy-body. Also, they might feel that I am "questioning their skills as dog owners"...or something like that as they have 1 already.
The pup is quite bloated (apparently not worms though) and is ravenous throughout the day..
Advice please, should I intervene(sp?)???
Thanks
Steph

I do think something should be said, as the pup sounds as if he's not getting enough food, as you say.
The tricky thing is, what/how to say it. I can't think of anything at the moment, so hopefully one of the very diplomatic CD'ers will be along soon :)

liberty

Yes, i would , but try to be tactful. Maybe tell a white lie for the sake of the pup - not sure what, maybe a friend who is a vet or vet nurse told you he would have bowed legs if he ate just 2 meals a day, or something....

Maybe if they train using treats (if they train?) that would be a way of getting extra food down him during the day.

Could you point them to a good local puppy class and go with them, and make a point of asking about feeding pups while they are there?

It's evening and my brain's not working, but those are my thoughts for what they are worth :)

Lindsay

Maybe you could feed pup some extra at lunchtime and then plead astonishment at your own "silliness"? "Goodness, was I only supposed to be giving him twice a day" Then you can add "well, it must suit him as he has scoffed up everything at every meal" Then you could suggest that as he seems to enjoy the "extra" perhaps they should keep him on it, and suggest a timescale for it :D

I agree with the others though, for the sake of the pup, something should be said to them.

Lesley

Edited to say - if you can manage to raise the topic with them you might find that they just don't know pup should be having 3 meals and will be grateful to you for giving them the advice :)

hi steph :) could you not say......" The pup was waking really early and after trying everything i realised it was because he was hungry, so i hope you don't mind but i have been giving him 3 meals instead of 2 and he is a lot more settled"......if it was me being as outspoken as i am :) i would just tell them that a 13 wk old puppy needs 3 meals a day... i understand your situation tho but maybe they dont realise :(

I'm with Jacki on this Steph, I'd just tell them that they NEED to feed their pup 3 or 4 times a day, don't beat around the bush, they will probably appreciate you telling them anyway.....

Thats what I'd do anyway..

Geoff :)

Must admit, my instinct is to be honest, and just come out with it, but the trouble is, some people just won't listen :( I guess it depends on the owner, if he/she/they are the nice type who will appreciate a helping hand and some advice, that approach would def. be best, other wise the situation may require more stealth .....

Lindsay

Weren't you a vet nurse?? Advise in a professional capacity, after all you're right its far too young for 2 meals a day.

Yes, I was Vet Nurse, and the owners of the dog know this....I am just concerned I would be seen as sticking my nose in...some people just dont like being corrected.
Thanks for all the help you lot have given me, I think the only thing to do...for the pups sake, is to say something. If they dont agree they can always go to their vet and ask if I am right, that might confirm it for them.

Thanks again everyone.
:)

Hi there i totally know what you mean i am looking after someones pointer shes about a year old and no lie it looks like a whippet you can see all her ribs and hip bones.When they fetched her they are giving her 2 bowls of the cheapest food imaginable with cheap sloppy dog food which runs right through her.They are picking her up today and ive been sat thinking about what to say.But i may have a few drinks first and say "for god sake feed your bloody dog it looks like a whippet!!!".Sad thing is they are planning on breeding her next year.

Hi I'm with everyone else on this - I think you just need to be honest with them - they may not thank you for it in the first instance, but surely, they'll take it on board, if they want to do what's best for their puppy - And as you were a vet nurse - they should listen to you after all they trust you enough to look after him during the day :)

Pedigree do a leaflet on feeding your puppy and I am sure at my vets there are free leaflets on care of puppies, it would be easy enough just to pick one up and say hey I have been reading this leaflet and it says a puppy should be fed 3 or 4 times a day, maybe you should try it as the puppy seems hungry on just 2 feeds he would probably be better as I am sure you want to do the best for him. that way its not you saying it its what the leaflet from the vets recommends