Thin Collie (pic added)

[ninjapoodles]

Quote:
I just wanted to second this recommendation. Satin Balls are a MIRACLE for underweight dogs!! I've blogged about them in the past: http://ninjapoodles.blogspot.com/2005/12/satin-balls-and-doggie-tales.html

I have NEVER seen any dog refuse this treat--it's fabulous. I've fed the recipe to puppies, show dogs, competing performance dogs, grump in whelp, and rescued dogs we're fostering. Plainly put, it WORKS.

A very good product for building muscle is Body Builder. It's a suspension derived from rice bran oil, and it works fast, too.

 

[ZooMummzy]

Everyone has already suggested what I would but I just wanted to say what a beautiful dog!!!!

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Actually, I've always heard that working dogs should be fed in the evening for that very reason! I do the same thing with my chickens, when I free range. Feed em in the evening so their feed isn't ran off all day.

 

[reallemons1]

Thanks again for the advise. It just really bothers me to see a too thin animal, even worse to own one. I think I'll give him a good high fat food, add eggs, use Hard keeper (a horse weight gain powder), try the satin balls, and maybe add a little corn oil. I already feed him in the evening. His coat is in really good condition and he is neutered. I'm not sure of his current weight, but guess around 45-50 pounds. Goal weight is around 60 pounds.

 

[texasreb]

He is a lovely boy! I applaud your efforts to fatten him up, he's worth it!

 

[65browneyes]

Wow! Ollie is quite possibly the most beautiful animal I've seen in.......maybe EVER. I love collies, they're so majestic and gorgeous!. I don't have advice really, regarding his diet/weight, but I can say that an egg a day will help keep his coat healthy. It works for my labradork.

 

[FlockEweFarm]

I just saw your pictures, and I have to say he is a beautiful boy! That being said, he looks pretty young, are you sure about his age. because he looks like he might not even be a yearling, and if he is a youngster, they do tend to be kinda thin, and being intact will also keep him skinny because his brain is thinking about.... rather than eating. I loved collies when I was a kid, and even though they are a lot of work to maintain, when they are brushed and well kept, they cannot be beat for beauty. Pay careful attention around his hocks and tail for burrs and tangles, that was always the worst places to keep the burrs out of on my dogs. Also, keep an eye on his ears, I dont know if it was because it was East Texas and it was humid, or if it was just part in parcel of the breed, but the collies my mom raised always needed to have their ears cleaned and tended, much like a poodle.

 

[reallemons1]

Thanks!! The vet records I was given with him show him at 3-4 years old.. mayby 5... really not sure of the age as I am his 3rd home and don't have any records from the first owner. He is neuterd.

 

[Skyesrocket]

"really not sure of the age as I am his 3rd home and don't have any records from the first owner."

This could be part of the problem. That is a lot of changes for the poor dog.

 

[snowydiamonds]

Keep an eye on Eagle Pack, some of that brand was on the recall list when dogs/cats were dying and I can't remember if it was only the canned or the kibble, too...also, Canidia (sp?) is being manufactured by the same as Eagle Pack now so be careful w/that, too.

Braunschweiger is liverworst, its ground liver and a kong is a hard rubber toy that can be stuffed with goodies and the dog has to chew and lick to get the goodies out so keeps them occupied for a while which releases nervous energy- works their mind and body.

Satin balls can be frozen in individual portions. I use the recipe in the fall since my weimaraners are the most active then and even if I put extra weight on them prior to fall they expend so much energy they need the extra protein and fat.