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Thin Dogs:

Let’s face it – as a responsible dog owner, you have a lot of responsibilities.  Whether it’s ensuring your dog gets a nutritious diet such as the BARF Diet or ensuring Fido gets ample exercise, it involves effort but it is worth it.

However, other than illness some other troubling times may occur.  While some dog owners may grapple with having a slightly overweight dog – one which is lethargic and is not as active as he or she should be, what happens when you have a thin dog could be just as disconcerting.

If you run your fingers over your dog’s rib cage and you’re able to slightly feel his or her ribs, that is fine.  If you’re able to feel the grooves in between the rib cage, however, your dog is too thin.  Why is this the case?  After all, if your dog eats all of his or her food in the BARF Diet, what gives?  Well, some dogs may eat all of their food but they don’t gain weight because they’re likely not absorbing nutrients. In other instances, let’s say if your dog is not on the BARF diet, the nutritious elements in canned food is absent and your dog may be malnourished.

The next question to ask is what’s the cause of your underweight dog?  Several reasons may attribute as to why you have an underweight dog.  Your thin dog may have parasites and in another instance, your dog simply may not have enough food to eat.  As for the solution? Increase his or her portion a little bit.  The solution for many owners as it relates to an underweight dog is to go overboard but there’s no need.  Just a little bit more food is fine.  Another option is try feeding Fido several times a day; this should help increase the weight of your thin dog.  Once your dog has started achieving the anticipated goal weight, your underweight dog should not have the same portion sizes.  Note: it’ll be time to decrease the amount of food!

Above all, if you have persistent questions and concerns about your thin dog, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. In the case of parasites or other diseases, there could be a serious medical reason as to why you have an underweight dog.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about thin dogs or underweight dogs please consult with your vet.  For more information about feeding your dog click here.