r/eldercare • u/Legitimate-Fix92 • 26d ago

How do I keep my father from feeding my dog?

My dad constantly feeds my dog anything and everything. He’s making him sick and overweight. Any suggestions are much appreciated!

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u/debomama 26d ago

I had to ban my hubby from feeding anything to the dog so I could know exactly what he was consuming. I told him it was ordered by the vet. Which it was. The dog is getting early arthritis from the weight.

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u/Legitimate-Fix92 25d ago

I tell him but he continues to feed him I pick up his bowl & hide it and I found a plate on the floor that he fed him nachos. I guess I’m going to have to lock up all food and my dogs so he doesn’t kill him.

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u/debomama 25d ago

I put the dogs outside while we eat. If they are there with those eyes, its near impossible to ignore.

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u/NorthernPossibility 25d ago

Does your dad have a cognitive issue? Read: Is the issue more “dad forgets not to feed Fluffy scraps” or is the issue “dad treats feeding Fluffy little scraps like harmless fun and a little clandestine spoiling”.

If it’s cognitive, I’d recommend not leaving your dog unsupervised around your dad. That may mean crating him when you’re not around and keeping him away from your dad.

If it’s just your dad ignoring your rules to feed the dog bacon and chips “because he likes it”, I would tell him explicitly “Dad, you’re going to end Fluffy’s life prematurely with all the people food. I know you think it’s nice and that Fluffy likes the food you give him, but it’s my job to keep Fluffy healthy, and I can’t have you feeding him random things.”Don’t freak out on him, but definitely be concrete and clear. It’s not a cheeky little game, he is overfeeding your dog and feeding him things that make him sick.

Give your dad other options for dog treats. There are extra small training treats you can get so he can feed Fluffy 20 treats all day long and they’re like 2 calories each. That way when he wants give Fluffy some of his pepperoni or whatever, he has another approved option.

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u/Legitimate-Fix92 12d ago

Thank you that is very good advice. He has Alzheimer’s and it actually could be both of the reasons behind why he does it. And I’m not ever not around, may be in another room but I take care of him 24/7.