Lexxsmom

Hey all
I know that everyone is always panicking about their dog's weight and everyone is sick of hearing about it, but i have a genuine question!

I'm especially interested in the raw feeder's answers ( Carol? Doberkim?, sorthund?)

Lexx is currently 9 months. He is 27 1/4 inches tall and weighs 65lbs. He looks perfect, not skinny, no ribs showing, nice tummy tuck.

He gets atleast 2 walks a day, often one off leash ( weather permitting) and while offleash runs about 2-5 k. He also gets to run with me while I ride my horse, gets tonnes of play time and tonnes of training. ( what I'm trying to say here is that he is well exercised)

problem: he hasn't gained ANY weight in atleast 8 weeks now. He has grown UP about 1.5 inches in the last 2 months, but NO change on the scale.

should I be concerned or is this time a normal kind of "weight gain plateau?"

__________________
Leanne and Lexx


Dragon Slaying Dobermans Incorporated, member #001, President.
" I don't need to sit for the cookie, I hunt dragons all day dammit!"
Lexxington's blog: http://lexxslife.blogspot.com/

Hound

No.

The steady gain of weight you get used to with puppies under 6 months old changes dramatically after that point. It slows down a lot as other things start to influence the dog. If his body looks fine but his numbers are not changing the weight is displacing itself. Muscle replaces baby fat, bones harden and in general he starts to turn into an adult dog.

I think Lexx is altered? If so his weight gain may also decrease becuase he is not starting the heavy muscle build of an unaltered male. However, his growth has not stopped, it has simply slowed and will meander its way to adulthood over the next year. This is often a very gangly period for them when they seem to lack substance.

This is the time when you see the last bits of puppy vanish from their faces. The coordination of the body improves and the transition from puppy to dog begins. Also it is the end of winter and the body cycles are adjusting for the spring when he will probably start to pick up weight again.

I'm not a raw feeder yet. Hopefully I'll transition the house over in the spring.

sorthund

Don't worry! He'll gain more weight as he matures. If he looks great then his weight is good, don't worry about the number on the scale. The only way I asses my dog's needs are by looking at them. If they look a tad skinny, I up the food a bit and cut back if they start looking a bit heavy. It is a constant "job" though, but I like it. I found that FiFi grew a little slower than her kibble fed siblings (from 3 months on), and have heard that this is normal and more natural anyway.

__________________

"FAILING TO PREPARE IS LIKE PREPARING TO FAIL"
Anonymous

Luvbirds59

Well you know how beautiful I think Lexx is....he is the perfect Doberman! There are months that little to no weight gain is normal, especially once they get close to a year old, I think it is more due to their lines then what they are fed. Petey went down to gaining almost nothing for a couple of months when he was around a year old, then BOOM....TOO MUCH GAIN in a very short while,and it was after he turned a year old! He is on a diet....and looking much better!

No worries about your boy....he will fill out his 2nd year.

Carol & Petey!
ox

__________________
~*LIVE~LOVE~LAUGH*~

~LET THE PEACE OF THE WILDERNESS BE WITH YOU~

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
Henry David Thoreau, From "Walden

Lexxsmom

thanks everyone! I just needed someone to tell me not to worry.

Hound, for the record Lexx is NOT altered ( just so that you know! ) and good luck with the RAW

__________________
Leanne and Lexx


Dragon Slaying Dobermans Incorporated, member #001, President.
" I don't need to sit for the cookie, I hunt dragons all day dammit!"
Lexxington's blog: http://lexxslife.blogspot.com/

Hound

Thanks I'm still learning everyone and their dogs and who is and who is not. I'll catch up, I promise.