Hi I recently posted about my concerns for my skinny springer, he is nearly a year old now and a very lively dog always running around. His weight is about 19kgs but he is a very small springer (takes after his mum who was tiny) but you can see all his ribs and feel his bones, is this ok. I dont want him fat but I wonder if maybe he should have a bit of fat on him, we have spoken to our vet who insists a dogs ribs should feel like a wash board when rubbed which is exactly how he feels, our vet says he is perfect, should I be worried or is he ok.I know his weight is fine for his age but how he manages to weigh so much for such a small skinny dog is beyond me.
Any help or advice on this would be appreciated.

What is his food intake like? Does he tend to eat other animals poo? If he's eating huge amounts and still not putting on weight, and especially if he's into other animals poo (horses and rabbits seem to be particular favs) it can be an indication of a bacterial overgrowth in the gut - which is leading to insufficient absorbtion of the goodness from the food he is eating...

His food intake is normal for a dog his weight, no he doesnt eat other dogs poo although he goes alot, is this a sign of something when a dog poos about 5 times a day or is this ok.
He is wormed regularly so I know its not that, he is not ill in any way infact he's very energetic, maybe he's just not going to put on weight. I am feeding him Autarky so maybe in time he will put on weight.

I'll ask the obvious question - when was he last wormed?
:)

My springer was bony. He works, and burns off enormous quantities of energy as he is never still. He has never been particularly food orientated and I was concerned. He does have sensitive digestion but I changed to Autarky dog food and over the past year he has "filled out". I might even describe him as stocky now, although certainly not overweight.

I am sure this is something to do with age too. (He is now 5). Don't worry too much if your dog eats well, and is otherwise healthy. I am sure it is much like us humans, some you have the good fortune to be slim and some of us have the misfortune to be heavier!!

Pooping 5 times a day is not normal. it sounds like your dog is not getting any nutrients from his food,so he is therefore pooing it straight out.i have a magical formula (as one of my dogs was a bit skinny and she also ate duck poop etc.) it is called "enzyme" i get mine from a holistic vet,it is in a powder form and you just sprinkle it on their food daily it makes their body absorb every single vitamin/mineral that is in their food,which will stop your dog pooing it straight out before his body gets a chance to use it. Also, seeing their ribs and spine is not good I.M.H.O,some people may disagree but i think some fat coverage is good. I live in Australia so it may not be called enzyme over there, it is also called prozyme,speak to your vet or you can order it over the net.

christine

He could be sensitive to gluten. I hesitate to ask for a description of his poo's as it's very early on a sunday!!!

His poo vary's in colour but usually its a mid to dark brown, his feed is gluten free so it cant be that.
How many times a day would you expect a dog to poo and how long after being fed would you expect them to go.

I think maybe 2 or at the most 3 times a day,does your dog poo pretty quickly after eating? if he does then he probaly isnt digesting/utilising his food properly.2 or MORE hours after eating is pretty average.
I am by no means an expert,i've only had experience with my dog,not sure if your baby has the same problem.

How soon after eating does your dog poop?
Have you tried feeding him tripe?as it helps to bulk them up.
Have you heard of "enzyme"?i've only been useing it for a short time it seems to be working for my dog:)

please keep us updated,i hope we can help you figure out your dogs problem.

~Christine~

Hi Sandie

My Springer is also, on the tiny side, she weighs in at 14Kg and she is now 16 months. She only went up to 16 1/2 kg when pregnant with 8 pups. (Yes i know that was young). She has always been a picky eater and will only eat as and when she wants to. she is the only dog i know who will turn her nose up at fillet steak!!!!!! But again she is so hyper active that i belive she is just fit. the vets think she is in great shape, and excellent health so i do not worry anymore.

I wouldnt worry to much as long as he is happy

Brinny