8 and a half week old puppy question.

Primo · 08-07-2008, 11:07 PM

I have a question about my little man "Goose" and his weight. He's 8 1/2 weeks old and 14.5 pounds which as far as I know is pretty normal. My question is he's a little on the "ribby" side particularly when he lays down. Is this normal for the younger puppies? Goose is my first "baby" in a long time. My family has typically adopted from 6 months or beyond and I don't remember my first Amstaff much as a puppy and even then we found him at around 12 weeks.

He's eating around 3 1/2 to 4 cups per day depending on how much time he actually wants to spend in front of the bowl. If he's not routinely going back and forth to the ball in small intervals I pick it up for later. He'll be getting his 9 week shots soon and will be dewormed again. I think he still may have a few because I swore I saw one in his stool but it was definitely not moving.

Is it possible for worms to be left around after the first de-worming, left around as in dead but not passed? Either way he'll be going to the vet soon. I just want to be sure that his ribs showing a bit is normal. He doesn't look like skeletor or anything.

**Colorado Dobes** · 08-07-2008, 11:11 PM

I don't think it's unusual for puppies to be that lean since:
1. They go through wicked growth spurts and sometimes their body mass just can't keep up with their frame.
2. They have so much energy.
14.5 lbs sounds fine to me. Sadie was 13 lbs at her first vet visit after I got her, at about the same age.

Primo · 08-07-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado Dobes

I don't think it's unusual for puppies to be that lean since:
1. They go through wicked growth spurts and sometimes their body mass just can't keep up with their frame.
2. They have so much energy.
14.5 lbs sounds fine to me. Sadie was 13 lbs at her first vet visit after I got her, at about the same age.

My gut says he's fine and I thought about the same things you posted. He's growing like a weed. He has the growing hiccups occasionally and still zooms around the apartment hourly and while outside playing. He's finally laying down on my feet as I type this, he's been running around like a crazy man for the last 2 hours. Thanks for reaffirming what I was already thinking. He'll be going to the vet soon anyway..

**errica** · 08-08-2008, 06:58 PM

Yeah, Apollo was so "ribby" some days I thought he was starving. Then he'd look good for a day or two and BAM! he'd be an inch taller and all skinny the next day. He's 4 months old now and almost 40 lbs and doesn't get as skinny looking after a growth spurt, but I still see those ribs every once in a while.

I think it's normal to see some dead worms as they are getting out of his system, but a vet's confirmation will put your mind at ease!

Amanda · 08-08-2008, 07:00 PM

Pics, plzzzzzzzzzzz.

Primo · 08-08-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by errica

Yeah, Apollo was so "ribby" some days I thought he was starving. Then he'd look good for a day or two and BAM! he'd be an inch taller and all skinny the next day. He's 4 months old now and almost 40 lbs and doesn't get as skinny looking after a growth spurt, but I still see those ribs every once in a while.

I think it's normal to see some dead worms as they are getting out of his system, but a vet's confirmation will put your mind at ease!

Agreed. I've been thinking the same. He's growing so fast and does occasionally get the hiccups which is a indication of his growth. He's eating well and certainly isn't acting under the weather. He'll be going to the vet early next week or possibly this weekend for his 9 week shots, I'll definitely be asking plenty of questions.

Amanda I'll get pics up this weekend.

david_l · 08-08-2008, 08:51 PM

yeah, pics please Primo

**Doberdog** · 08-08-2008, 10:25 PM

We love pictures around here and could better answer your question if we could see him.

Primo · 08-08-2008, 10:38 PM

Got a buncha picture hounds around here lol. I'll post some this weekend. Promise. I just need to find my data cable for my digital camera.

aquaholic · 08-08-2008, 11:31 PM

...LOgan is just over 6 months, and still kinda lean - his ribs sort of show some times of the day. But he eats so much, and poo's a lot, and moves AROUND a lot!

I've been told he'll start to pack on weight once he's a bit older