Is this normal?

Lisa O · 05-09-2008, 06:39 AM

I'm concerned about the growth of my doberman. Atticus is 9 months old on Monday and 65 pounds. In January (5 months) he weighed 39 pounds, February 47 pounds, March 65 pounds... and nothing since. He's healthy in every other way except for getting diarhea quite often; energetic, great appetite (3 cups morning and night) and would probably eat a lot more if I let him. He's been tested for parasites: nothing... It just seems to me that there should be some growth between 7 and 9 months. The vet doesn't seem concerned but I am and am considering going to another vet. Any thoughts?

Rauschund · 05-09-2008, 07:38 AM

65 pounds at 9 months is OK. He has only weighed the same for one month. Why does he have diarhhea so often?

**voodoolizard** · 05-09-2008, 08:09 AM

what food do you have him on ?? the tummy upset might be due to the food ??

Lisa O · 05-09-2008, 08:57 AM

it's been almost 2 months at the same weight: The breeder had him on raw food, which i starting switching to dry around the end of January. I'm feeding him Artemis, (tried Evo) and the vet had us try a very bland easily digestible food. I wish i knew why he had diarhea so much! When he was on the EVO, his stool was smaller, but black like tar... Didn't seem right and that's why i switched to Artemis.

Rauschund · 05-09-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa O

it's been almost 2 months at the same weight: The breeder had him on raw food, which i starting switching to dry around the end of January. I'm feeding him Artemis, (tried Evo) and the vet had us try a very bland easily digestible food. I wish i knew why he had diarhea so much! When he was on the EVO, his stool was smaller, but black like tar... Didn't seem right and that's why i switched to Artemis.

All these foods may be just too rich for him. May I suggest Canidae All Life Stages food? I never feed my pups puppy food. Canidae is a good quality food with plenty of protein and fat for any pup, and very easy to digest. You may want to sprinkly a little dry oatmeal over his food, it is great for the coat and weight gain. The kind in the big round Quaker Oats container.

gracieface · 05-09-2008, 09:08 AM

just an idea, but you could add about a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling, just pumpkin) to each of his meals, it works like bran for us, if that helps his stools, great, gradually reduce how much he gets. If not, I'd be talking to your vet again.

Lisa O · 05-09-2008, 09:40 AM

Thanks for the ideas. I just checked online and there is a store not far from my house that sells Canidae dog food. I'll go check them out today. As for the oatmeal; i've always got plenty of that for myself on hand and I still have some of Dr Harvey's Canine Health food (dog food pre-mix). I give this to my dogs as a treat once in awhile. In case you are not familiar with it: it's oatmeal and other grains and REAL veggies. You add your own meat, omega fats (I use flaxseed oil) and cottage cheese. They love it! Never thought of pumkin, but i'll look into that too! I may switch Vet's too...

Rauschund · 05-09-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa O

Thanks for the ideas. I just checked online and there is a store not far from my house that sells Canidae dog food. I'll go check them out today. As for the oatmeal; i've always got plenty of that for myself on hand and I still have some of Dr Harvey's Canine Health food (dog food pre-mix). I give this to my dogs as a treat once in awhile. In case you are not familiar with it: it's oatmeal and other grains and REAL veggies. You add your own meat, omega fats (I use flaxseed oil) and cottage cheese. They love it! Never thought of pumkin, but i'll look into that too! I may switch Vet's too...

Make sure you switch the food over slowly.....you can add oatmeal anytime

I will check out the treats, thanks!

Lexxsmom · 05-09-2008, 12:20 PM

Just for the record about his size, lexx is EXACTLY the same size. he grew rather consistenly until about 7 months then halted at 65lbs. He is now almost a year, and STILL 65 lbs. There is nothing wrong with him, he is healthy and happy, eats as well as he ever did ( not a food hog) drinks lots and would run and play all day if allowed. Hes well proportioned, perfectly muscled and gorgeous. He just stopped growing at 65lbs.

At first I was really concerned about it, but honestly, there is nothing wrong with him, what can i do? We can't MAKE them grow... plus, i don't love him any less because of his size.

As for the food, I'm unsure, but if any of those have any grains they may be causing the problems. I do feed Raw, so I can't comment on kibble quality.

The frequent soft stool would concern me a bit, though Lexx is the same in that boat as well and honestly has been tested for everything under the sun. He may just have a sensitive stomach.

goodluck!

Ozzinator · 05-09-2008, 03:10 PM

This helped me too because my 8 month old dobe is about they same size and I was wondering when he would start bulking out. He is a very good size but I've seen thicker doberman. What is normal?