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Need Advice on Ava 4 Attachment(s) We just gave our 5-month old Ava a summer cut and noticed than she's a bit thin. She currently weighs around 0.9 kg (she weighs 0.6 kg when when was 2 months old). We have been feeding her RC puppy ever since we got her and she only eats a few most of the time (normally she won't even finish half of what we gave her). We tried mixing her food with RC junior appetite stimulant and it did the trick for a few weeks as we noticed she has been eating more but eventually she went back to her tiny eating habits. Sometimes we even have to "manually" feed her just to get her to eat something. We feed her twice a day (morning & evening) she has regular walks of at least once a day and is very energetic. I guess our questions are: 1. Based on the photograph attached, does she look thin (or is she normal)? 2. If yes, what might be the possible cause/s? (are we feeding her the wrong food? What can we feed her instead?) Looking forward to your advice. Thanks! |
Ava is a cutie pie! As long as her ribs and spine are not sticking out, I wouldn't worry. She looks good to me. Reminds me of when Teddy was a puppy. He was very skinny, but filled out a little in his third year. Here is a picture that shows a little of how thin he was, and he had already put on a little weight: Wordless Wednesday: Bath Time Blues - Dog Life and Style I had to do a lot of handfeeding with Max the first year. Now I have to watch how much he eats. |
Awww...she's adorable, my babies are skinny also and with a shave down cut, it makes them look smaller. |
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By the way I saw Teddy's pic and he's cute! I don't see him being thin though maybe because of the fur as compared to Ava's puppy cut. |
She is adorable! I want to get Barney in a short cut too, but he's also very thin so I have been reluctant to do this. However, Ava's cut turned out precious. If only they made hair extensions for dogs so I could undo it if it turned out badly:). By the way, the vet told me I should be able to feel Barney's ribs but not see them protruding. So I would think it's fine that you can feel her ribs. |
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For the ribs and spine, yes, I meant visually. As Barneysmommy wrote, you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, but you should not be able to see them. When you can't feel ribs easily, then the dog is overweight. Many Yorkies have a very fine build or bone structure that makes them look thinner. Here is a girl Yorkie I follow on Facebook who is like Ava and Teddy: https://www.facebook.com/chloepolkad...type=1&theater As I wrote, Ava is darling and looks healthy to me. :) |
1 Attachment(s) I know it is always a worry that they are not eating. . . Galen is one finicky pup. I fed him a lot of dry foods. I finally found something he likes. I am feeding him Primal. Anyway. . . Here is a picture of Galen when he was shaved. I asked the vet. I was really worried he was too think. She said he is lean but not thin. . .he was fine. I hope this helps |
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Your Ava is a cutie and looks great to me. She will fit out as she gets older. Jackson is now 5 1/2 years old and 17lbs. He was a lot scrawnier when he was younger. Here is a photo of him around 10 months. Attachment 398640 And now: Attachment 398641 Attachment 398642 |
Blazer is naturally skinny, too. I didn't notice it as much this winter because of his longer puppy cut, but then I shaved him shorter a few weeks ago and thought WHOA, he's super skinny! He takes after his mom. There really isn't much else I can do for him other than make sure he is eating every day. He's just an active boy! |
Is .9kg less than 2 pounds? If so, I would probably feed her several times or even free feed. Twice a day works well for some 5 or six pounders, but for many dogs under 5 pounds three and even four times a day is better. You say she doesn't eat even half what you give her, so I would feed her more often. Joey's breeder said to always have food available during the first 7 or so months, they go through growth spurts and are super hungry some days and not so much, other days. Have you ever had her liver tested? I'm concerned because sometimes dogs are ultra small because they have liver problems. I feed my dogs RC and they are doing really well on it, so I don't think your food is the problem, but if she has liver issues you want to find out as soon as possible because a special diet is required. |
I wouldn't worry about the weight, but if you're having a hard time getting her to eat I agree with nancy I'd try feeding more frequently. I don't like free feeding, because I like to measure and know exactly how much they ate and when. I feel like it will give me a better idea of if something is wrong. Also keep in mind that little dogs do eat very small amounts. If you measure what she's eating and check the bag it might actually be right around what she should be eating. |
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Isn't anyone else concerned that this pup weighs under 2 pounds? Many breeders won't even allow the pup to leave the mother until it reaches two pounds. |
I think she looks a little thin but I'm a believer in a little chub doesn't hurt. If you are concerned, take her to your vet for a check up. |
Because she is so young, and under 2 lbs. I also think you should free feed and make food available to her all the time until she is older. If she is a picky eater, you might try sprinkling a little parmesan cheese on her food, as I've heard the smell increases their appetite. She is thin, but they go through growth spurts in the first year, and seem to fill out later. My Tiki seemed to get taller and longer, and I could feel every rib and spine until she was well into her second year. She still is slim, but eats well and is healthy. |
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