Weight

Bellas Mommy · 05-03-2009, 06:46 PM

Ok so I had Bella to the vet the other day..and at 12 weeks old she weighs 7.5 pounds. Which is very light for a boxer puppy at 12weeks. We are allowing her to eat as much as she wants whenever she wants. The vet seems to think she was just under fed by the breeder. So I was wondering what you guys could suggest to help her gain weight? Other than allowing her to eat when she wants. She was tested for worms and nothing but they did a de-wormer anyway just to be safe and I have been watching her poop and no movement from worms at all..so she just needs some pounds put on her. Any suggestions?

Ron · 05-03-2009, 07:08 PM

well increase her food would be a great start.

Tie LOVES peanut butter

Spyglass Sally · 05-03-2009, 07:50 PM

You say she has food available, but I'm not sure from your message if she's eating it. Does she eat and not gain weight or does she just have a poor appetite? If it's the former, there may be other tests - such as thyroid - that need to be done. If it's the latter, then I would try and find things that will tempt/encourage her to eat.

Does she have other symptoms? For example, does she tire easily, seem weak or cough (possible heart problem) or is she lethargic, shaky (Addison's disease)? I'm not trying to scare you, just make sure that if she has other symptoms they are all being looked at as a whole.

Assuming it's just a poor appetite, Magtie's suggestion is a great one. We've given dogs peanut butter before too and they love it!

I have read that Alfalfa increases a dog's appetite. I know it's marketed for joint & inflammation problems, but considering the botanical name - Medicago sativa - it isn't difficult to imagine it giving a dog the "munchies" too

Maybe mixing some canned food in with dry would encourage her to eat more too.

bruinsBoxers · 05-04-2009, 07:40 AM

I would make sure to have her on a high quality diet first . The best way to be sure she is eating is to not free feed her . Measure out some food when feeding her . That way you can trach how much she eats per day . Remember a dog will not need to eat as much if fed a high quality food vs. a low quality food that is all fillers .

Did the vet check out her kidney function ? run any blood work ? Does she have any other issues . Drinking too much water or problems house training ?

She may either be the runt of the litter . Conceived later than the rest of the puppies but it may also be a sign of illness .

How big were the rest of the puppies in the litter . If they were ALL small then it might have been poor nutrition for the litter . If it is just her then I would look into what it ay be further .I doubt that she would be the only puppy in the litter that did not get proper nutrition .

Bellas Mommy · 05-04-2009, 05:48 PM

Ok..gonna try to answer all the questions in this one response...she was actually the last puppy so Im not sure how the rest were..as far is as her diet...when I say she has food available all the time..she will eat one big meal when she gets up than will munch all day..than for dinner she will eat a big meal than. I am thinking she was fed twice a day at the breeders. Which would be why her morning and evening meals she seems to eat more than thru out the day. The breeder actually had her on Eukanuba for puppies but we have our other dogs on this food...http://www.naturesrecipe.com/recipe_detail.aspx?id=454. And she eats that fine...Now she did pick up weight since we got her...but she has actually gotten taller too...I ws just looking for other things that maybe I could point out to her vet or even try to do myself. Her parents were both big dogs...a bit out of control but otherwise big healthy looking boxers. Maybe she just needs alittle time..her house training is going well...although we do have some accidents...but otherwise she will go outside.

KeeperBoy · 05-05-2009, 08:20 AM

I would go for the blood work ASAP. And get ahold of the breeder to talk about the other pups. A reputable breeder probably should have told you at the start how she was in comparision to the other puppies, especially since she is SO small.

Spyglass Sally · 05-05-2009, 10:53 AM

I'm still unclear on a few things. When you say she eats a "big meal" twice a day - how much would you say she is eating? The link you provided says a dog 3-10 lbs should eat 1/2 to 1 1/4 cups. If she's eating good, she should be gaining weight at a steady pace - is she?

I don't get the feeling your vet is too worried. While 7.5 lbs seems very light, to look at the pictures she doesn't look emaciated. You should be able to feel the ribs through a thin layer of fat and they should have a well-defined waist.

Also, how does she act - playful or lay around a lot. Alert & inquisitive or dull eyed and uninterested? If she plays, does she seem to get winded easily?

If she seems mentally & physically healthy to you, and she's eating well and gaining weight, it's possible she's just a smaller dog. I would run your concerns by your vet and see what they have to say.