Very concerned!!!

[Duece's mom]

My boy just turned 1 and I feel like he is skinnier than ever! I have taken him to the vet and they said he either has a fast metabolism or a sensitive stomach??? They ran blood tests and everything came back normal??? He eats fine but poops between 5-8 times a day. Is this normal? I started giving him vitamins because I'm worried about him he look like skin and bones! He acts fine and loves to play, but my concern is that something is being overlooked. Is this common? Help!

 

[CondoPup]

My boy is tall (25 1/2" at the withers) and skinny - he hasn't "bulked out" yet much at all. BUT he seems to eat okay and his health overall seems good, so I'm not worried. At our last visit the vet said "he has SUCH a nice waistline!" - I have to agree, though he looks much skinnier than many other boxers I have seen. As long as he seems to have a lot of vitality, and his vet isn't concerned, I'd rather have him appear nice and lean than overweight as it's healthier this way.
Go with what your vet says, if they aren't worried then don't worry yourself!

 

[gmacleod]

As long as you are feeding him a high quality diet and he is healthy and active, then I really wouldn't worry at all. Boxer puppies are frequently ribby - and he'll stay that way until after he's finished with growing upward (about 18 months). Only then will his energy go into filling out.

It is very, very much better (the point can't be overstated) for a boxer puppy to be thin than ever to carry too much weight. Just let himfill out naturally. The worst thing you can do for any pup (or dog) is to overfeed it.

 

[LilygirlCO]

Lily just turned a year old and she is ribby too! I wouldn't worry about it. I've met some boxers that are skin and bones (and muscles) and thier vets aren't a bit worried about it because the dogs are perfectly healthy and they are still growing so they just haven't filled out yet.