Who to Feed First

by Debbie

My adult dog Max has been so sick. He has aspiration pneumonia in both lungs. It's a long story but the most important thing is he's getting better. I've never been so frantic in my life. He almost died. I'm making him an apple every night for the vitamins and he loves that. No walks yet, very quiet. All in good time.

Meanwhile my new puppy is coming on the 18th. Not the best timing but I will make a very quiet house for them both, somehow. I remember that Max slept a lot initially, in between crazy playing.

I have one question for you please. For feeding both dogs, who goes first and how? My instincts say Max should go first but how do I do this? Could you help me please?


Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Warm wishes.


Response from Golden-Retriever-Magic:

Hi Debbie,

So sorry to hear that Max has been ill. Aspiration pneumonia can be quite severe and I'm happy to hear that he is getting better.

It's going to be a bit crazy for you when the new puppy comes, what with Max being ill now. In regard to your question about feeding, I would recommend having separate feeding bowls for each Golden.

You should feed Max first (use a gate to keep the puppy out of the feeding area if she insists on beating Max to the feeding bowl). After Max has eaten in peace, then you can feed the puppy.

This will hopefully set up a heirarchy such that Max is the alpha/dominant dog.

Hope everything works out.