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Weight and Height issue

20 9:32:19

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i have a four months black lab and i have sum issue regarding his height and weight, we bought him when he was 4 weeks old and by till now he grown up well but since 2 weeks i felt his growth rate has been slower down. His height is about 14 inches and weight is about 23 pounds.

Is it okay with him or not

ANSWER: Their growth often starts to slow at 4 months.  It sounds like he may turn out to be on the small side.  Keep him at a healthy weight.  Feeding him more won't result in a bigger dog, just a less sturdy and healthy small dog.  You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: last week Mestif was suffering from fever but he is fine now but he is not eating his food properly, neither he exclaims for food as he was doing before.

Answer
Give him a little more time.  If he is eating some, he will be OK until his appetite recovers completely.  If not before long, take him to a veterinarian.  Don't try to tempt him with rich food.  You can create a picky eater that way and ruin the balance of his diet.