News Digest

Dieting “hot-dog” dachshund goes from obese to svelte

Once a wanton wiener dog, Dennis went on a diet and is now a happy shadow of his former self after losing more than 75 percent of his body weight. Less than two years ago, Dennis weighed in at a whopping 56 pounds — about the size of four or five miniature dachshunds, which is what he is. A series of “before” photos show Dennis resting on rolls of fat, his head seemingly too little for his blob of a body. He couldn’t take more than a few steps without being out of breath.

Out comes Dennis, and I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t even sure what breed of dog he was supposed to be because he was so large.

Brooke Burton, owner of Dennis the dog

Burton put him on diet of dry dog food, plus lots of walks and affection. Now the 6-year-old wiener dog is a svelte 12 pounds and happily chasing squirrels in the backyard, playing fetch and bossing around the other three rescue dogs that live with him. Dennis lost so much weight that he started tripping over the folds of excess skin that were left over and getting infections. He has had three surgeries at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center to get rid of it.

We have an expression: food is not love. Most of what your pet wants from you is affection and attention.

Dr Kathleen Ham, vet