That is sooo true Pam!
A dog's weight is something that we can control for the most part. My dogs get different amounts of food that suit their needs. My dogs all have one or more problems; hip dysplasia, hyper-extended hind hocks, elbow dysplasia, etc. I need to control their weight. It's better for any dog to maintain the proper weight but for my guys, it's expecially so. They don't need to carry extra weight on their already bad bones. I feed 2 level measuring cups, twice a day for Koda and Molly, 2 1/2 cups for Nash, he just recently started looking a little thin so I upped it by 1/2 a measuring cup, and Cassie was put on a diet since she gained 10 lbs. over the winter. She has lost the weight and I've since gone from 1 measuring cup to 1 1/2 measuring cups, twice a day.
We go for one to two mile walks as well to keep them exercized. Dogs are much happier and healthier if you manage their weight and make sure they get enough exercize.
The medical problems that can arise from not neutering/spaying would worry me more than a change in their coats.
Just wanted to add: my dogs are all spayed/neutered and they have beautiful coats!
[ 05-03-2007, 07:29 AM: Message edited by: Sue M. ]
