Question
Ribs?
Hey, Jannie.
I have a nine month old Boxer male by the name of Zeus. He's fed 5 cups of Pedigree Large Breed once a day. We would feed him more, but if we give him any more than 5 cups, he gets short episodes of diarrhea. The vet recommended only one serving a day.
He's fed at 6AM and generally gets put to bed between 10-11PM. Zeus was weighed at 52lbs. at his appointment to be neutered on July 25th, 2008 (3 weeks ago). I would venture to say that he weighs no more than 55-57 lbs right now. His appearance hasn't changed much at all.
Zeus's stool is generally more soft/moist as opposed to firm/dry.
Attached is a picture of his side. (Link to a bigger version:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a359/G4Sanosuke/P8171035.jpg)
Judging by his age and feeding information, does it appear as though Zeus is too thin? Is it normal to see the rib cage protruding in a Boxer that young?
Thank you for your time.
Kindest regards,
Dan Marques
AnswerHello Dan,
Yes, 55-57 lbs is too thin for a 9 month old which should have his adult weight by now. He is weighing what an adult female weighs.
I totally disagree about the "once a day" feeding!
Can you imagine yourself eating one meal a day? Wouldn't you be starved to death at 10pm when you last ate at 6am-- 14 hours previous!!!!
My gosh- no wonder his ribs show!
I recommend feeding him three (3) times a day like we should be eating. (unless you can't at midday- twice a day and a treat/snack too)
Morning at 6am if that is your scheduled breakfast time, during the day for his lunch, even though it can be a "lighter" meal, and every evening when you are eating dinner. You can cut his food off after that- but allow him fresh water at all times.
See if this doesn't add weight to him within 2-3 weeks.
Also, ribs showing is a sign of a thyroid disorder which is easily checked and treated. A vet will draw blood from an artery in his neck, test it, and if there is a thyroid issue, prescribe medication. It's a tongue in check dosage as in our own thyroid control. Most vets will prescribe a low dosage once or twice daily then recheck the blood to see if it's under control. He will adjust the strength or dosage amounts if necessary. My 3 1/2 year old female takes two a day- one in the morning and one at night. (every 12 hours= 2 per day at 3mg per pill)
If he has a thyroid imbalance and needs medication- I personally recommend Pala-Tech (brand name) canine chewable thyroid tablets. It's "Soloxine."
The reason I highly recommend this is because I have had had my own Boxer on the pill that I have to force down her throat and is very expensive (up to $40 a month) and a highly respected vet that I switched to gave me the Pala-Tech Sloxine which is round tablets, flavored, and extremely inexpensive. I buy a bottle of 120 pills for $15.00! My Boxer absolutely loves them and thinks they are a "treat." No more fighting her!
So ask your vet about them- and if he/she does not carry it- request they do for you or switch to a vet that does. There is absolutely no reason to carry anything else and pay the vet $40.00 when there is a wonderful alternative. A vet that does not offer Pala-Tech Soloxine is simple trying to earn extra bucks! Trust me!
Before taking him to the vet to be tested, unless he has a check up or shots due, try the three times a day feedings first to see if he gains weight.
Depending on his bone structure; as there are a smaller Boxer frame, mid-size Boxer and large Boxer frames, he should weigh at least 70+ pounds. An average framed adult male weighs in nicely at 80 lbs.
This should be your goal.
Also, I am in disagreement with the Pedigree Large Breed dog food. It has corn meal and meal products, meat bi-products and added junk in it. Read the ingredients.
A lot of Boxers have food allergies, and most is due to the corn meal, corn, and corn b-products.
I recommend an all natural good quality dog food. I use Diamond (brand) Chicken & Rice adult formula. You can Google "all natural dog foods" and select many, many, many excellent brands that DO NOT have corn products and meat bi-products and fillers. To help you select the one right for you, check on the location of the closest store or distributor.
I buy mine from a general feed store.
Some pet stores carry all natural dog foods that do not contain corn and meat bi-products- but read labels and select regardless of where you buy it. (grocery stores are not a good source for all natural)
Once he is on a good, all natural food, three times a day (minimum twice- morning and night) he should gain weight to satisfaction and no more ribs showing.
If he gains weight and ribs still show- or if he does not gain consider weight (70-80 lbs) then it is time to get his thyroid checked!
I hope this helps and look forward to a follow-up from you in a few weeks.
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