my male GSD Shambo was VERY skinny from age 2 till age 6. Looked awful. He was diagnosed with EPI and had been on over-priced enzymes for years, blood tests, injections, everything. I posted questions on this board -- nothing helped. ------ then our older male dog died and we brought home a beautiful 1 yr old female GSD. Within 8 months Shambo had gained 12 pounds, was rolling around on the grass like we had NEVER seen him do -- turns out he was really stressed out by the other dog. We knew the other dog was stressed by Shambo, but never knew the other way around. Now he's like a different dog, and way way happier. Lesson learned.
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
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I briefly fostered some kind of hound mix who will probably have some hip bone showing his whole life. He had more of the lurcher type build.
I hate seeing dogs so overweight that they can't run around and be dogs. Worse is the owners that think it's "cute".
The frustrating thing about seeing overweight dogs is that it's not hard to get the majority of the excess weight off of them. Tanner has lost about 10-15 lbs since I got him. He was free fed at his last home. I don't walk him and he's a pretty low energy dog. The only difference is him getting a measured portion twice daily. There was no extra work on my part. The simple step of actually MEASURING their dog's meals would get many dogs back to a healthy weight. The proper amount of food for a large dog on a high quality kibble looks too small to most people.
Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
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Quote: Connie Sutherland
"The only difference is him getting a measured portion twice daily. There was no extra work on my part. "
Hear hear!
Billboard post.
Quote: Cathy Goessman
The simple step of actually MEASURING their dog's meals would get many dogs back to a healthy weight. The proper amount of food for a large dog on a high quality kibble looks too small to most people.
HUGE DITTO! This actually improved my relationship with my veterinarian!
With my last dog, he was always fussing at me. I took Sadie in for her annual physical eleven days ago. She had lost three pounds since last year, and is matching her weight from when I got her two years ago. He actually complimented her waistline and overall fitness. It was a much more pleasant visit.
This was due to the fact that, when I changed work schedules to a normal daiy shift, I put Sadie on a feeding schedule. I observed the manufacturers reccomended portion, and split it into two meals. When I changed to a higher quality kibble, I cut the portion in half because Sadie wasn't eating it all. When we started tracking, I found I was using a lot of bait treats, so I reduced her kibble again by the amount of treats she was getting, and I have since switched to a much healthier reward treat.
She is now much more fit, and her weight is easier to control.
Carol Blumlein Webboard User Reg: 03-29-2012
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Hi Donald~
Ramsey is going on 16 months now, and he looks even skinnier than your dog at that angle.
He weighs 80lbs. and, in spite of his nice coat, his ribs can be seen and his hip bones stick out more than your dog. Especially, looking down on him from above. There is not an ounce of fat on him.
My vet says he is pleased that Ramsey is slim and feels it is better for him as he grows. He is also intact.
I wouldn't even think about trying to make him gain weight. I know he will get there. He is healthy and lively and I'm not rushing it.
My breeder says the males take up to 3+ years to fill out.
And given his bouts of Pano, lean is better.
They remind me of active young boys who eat like horses and stay so skinny. You know, that very seldom lasts!
David Winners Webboard User Reg: 07-03-2009
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Loc: Bryan, Ohio
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Just for reference...
Fama went from 46 pounds to right around 80. She went from looking like a pup to a mature dog in about 5 months with very little change in diet, and an increase in activity. Most of what she put on was muscle.
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Re: my dog is really skinny
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