Very Skinny Puppy - need advice

[zachrandolph]

Hi all new to the forums, but like them so far! We just got a boxer puppy and it is about 8 weeks old now! we are worried because it only weighs about 5 lbs. She is very energetic and has grown in height a little. It had worms before we got it, it came from a very bad atmosphere. Is the weight something to worry about or just give it more time to try and gain? thanks for the help!

 

[kitikarial2]

When we got Lucy she was the "runt" and weighed 5 lbs, but the vet said she was healthy other than the worms, but she was skinny and all legs for a while, she is still skinny but tall but weighs 45 lbs now. If your vet says she is healthy, just skinny. I would think she would be okay. Although of course I am not a vet

 

[Queenmum]

My Wilma was just 7 weeks old when we got her and she weighed 5 lbs 2 oz. She took a huge growth spurt about 10 weeks and all of a sudden, she lost that skin and bones look. Has she been to a vet yet? I would assume since she started with the worm thing she has been treated by vet. Put her on a good quality kibble and see what happens. She just may have been the runt. Check out the Nutrition and Puppy forums for more specifics.

Again, we look forward to pics of your baby.

 

[zachrandolph]

thanks! we are feeding her a little more, so hopefully when all the worms are cleared, and she gets a little older she will gain a little more weight. we were just worried because of how thin and all the bones you could see. any more suggestions/comments please let me know. thanks again

 

[tesster]

Boxers are a very thin breed. You should be able to see some of her ribs, even at a healthy weight. I would not worry terribly unless you notice changes in appetite and energy level. Her being on the skinny side isn't a huge cause for concern on its own.

 

[zachrandolph]

ok! she is very energetic once she gets woke up she eats regularly, but sometimes has a little diherrea dont know if that is bad though??

 

[courtney323]

Hi zachrandolph -

What are you feeding her, by chance?

As others have mentioned, Boxers are very lean breed (and often times will remain gangly until about 18 months or so). That being said, it is far healthier for your pup to be on the thin side than overweight -- so I would definitely avoid over-feeding a puppy.

The very best thing you can do for her is to feed her a premium quality diet, and avoid the low-end kibbles full of cheap fillers and grains that you typically find at the supermarkets and large retailers. More information on what to look for (and avoid!) in kibbles can be found at www.boxerworld.com/feeding

Good luck

 

[zachrandolph]

thanks everyone. i will look at the food, maybe upgrade some if needed! any more comments/suggestions are welcome. tahnks for your help, i will keep everyone updated!

 

[MeganMK]

When we got our boxer, Lucky, he was 8 weeks and 12 pounds, but stayed at 12 pounds for a loooong time. He continued to grow, but wasn't gaining weight. It took him a while to settle into an eating routine with us. Now he eats like crazy. At 16 weeks he is 24 pounds. Our vet said that as long as they are eating and playing, it is fine. We also feed him more than the bag advises. Our vet said that was ok too, at least while they are growing so rapidly. I would think if she is acting fine, she IS fine!

 

[Mugsy_13]

low weight

I noticed you were from Nebraska, did you happen to get your puppy from a Christina?? I received my puppy from her and it was all skin and bones, about 4 lbs, he had a bug, but is all cured now and shot up to 9 lbs in less than 2 weeks now.
As long as your puppy is active, the weight is really not an issue.