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Boxer Dog Weight
Overview
Pet obesity (fat and overweight pets) is a growing concern. Currently, 25% of dogs are overweight. Being underweight is very unhealthy also!
Just as with humans, this happens when the amount of calories that a dog consumes is more than a dog burns.
Should you put your dog on a diet? How do you know if your dog is fat? Beside from an unattractive appearance, will your Boxer suffer health issues from being overweight?
We will discuss: What to do if your Boxer dog is fat and deal with this issue in a healthy and productive way. And what to do if your Boxer is underweight.
Pet obesity (fat and overweight pets) is a growing concern. Currently, 25% of dogs are overweight. Being underweight is very unhealthy also!
Just as with humans, this happens when the amount of calories that a dog consumes is more than a dog burns.
Should you put your dog on a diet? How do you know if your dog is fat? Beside from an unattractive appearance, will your Boxer suffer health issues from being overweight?
We will discuss: What to do if your Boxer dog is fat and deal with this issue in a healthy and productive way. And what to do if your Boxer is underweight.
An overweight Boxer is a very sad sight
How Did My Boxer Get Fat?
It probably happened without you really noticing, your dog had a nibble there, a bit too much of your dinner leftovers there, days that you didn't feel like taking your dog for a walk...it all added up until one day you looked at your Boxer and realized your dog was fat.
What makes a dog overweight? It is usually a combination of factors. This will include:
For details regarding Killer
Bloat in the Boxer breed
First, it must be determined that weight gain is not being caused by a medical issue with your dog. Thyroid problems is the most common medical reason for a pet being overweight. Your Boxer should have a complete checkup with their veterinarian. Only then, once a condition is ruled out, should a diet be implemented.
Ask your veterinarian how much your Boxer dog should weigh. This will depend on 3 factors:
Aside from keeping a very close eye on what is fed to your Boxer, exercise is very important. It must be noted that an overweight dog cannot suddenly be expected to walk, jog or run for miles. Exercise should be provided daily; however with a n overweight Boxer, it must begin slow and then steadily progress.
It is recommended to walk your dog twice per day, 3 times is even better if you are able to do so. Begin with short walks and allow your Boxer to be reminded of just how great it can feel to be outside and walk around! As your dog slowly begins to lose weight, he or she will have an increased desire to head outdoors.
As they get into better shape, you can add some variety to your exercise routines. Taking your Boxer for a hike through the woods can be a great way to bond with your dog. Teaching him or her to run alongside you as you bike can be fun. Toss around a Frisbee or throw a tennis ball in a large yard. Your Boxer will enjoy the time spent with you and get healthy while doing so.
Be sure to supply your Boxer with plenty of water. Do not exercise your dog outside if the weather is hot and/or humid. Being part of the Mastiff family unfortunately makes breathing difficult in certain instances.
The important thing to remember is that you will be providing your Boxer dog with enough calories; he or she will not starve! Taking it slow and steady is the only healthy way to help your dog. You will be helping them live longer with proper exercise that keeps their heart pumping and burns off the extra fat. Once your dog is at the recommended weight, be sure to keep up with your healthy routines. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself entering your Boxer into a Conformance dog show when all is done!
Underweight Boxers
While canine obesity is a problem, there are owners who have a dog who is underweight. If ribs are very prominent, most likely, the dog is not receiving enough nutrition or there is a health issue.
When you have an underweight dog, the 1st step is to have a complete vet exam. Countless health issues can cause weight loss or an inability to put on weight. This, in turn, can lead to dangerous secondary issues such as malnutrition and dehydration.
If your Boxer is deemed to be 100% healthy, it is time to look into the dog's nutritional needs. While our feeding guidelines are general since every dog is different, if your Boxer is very active, he or she may need more food to keep their body going. With a dog who is otherwise healthy, but too skinny, increase the food intake. You may wish to add a feeding time or to add more food to each meal.
Most importantly, not only is it suggested to offer more food to the underweight dog, but to always and only offer healthy home cooked meals or high quality dog food. Inexpensive dog food may save you a dollar but will be destructive to your Boxer. Cheap dog food is not easily digested, many of the nutrients are not absorbed into the dog's body and are expelled when the dog eliminates. Both regular meals and snacks should be only of the highest quality.
More Information
It probably happened without you really noticing, your dog had a nibble there, a bit too much of your dinner leftovers there, days that you didn't feel like taking your dog for a walk...it all added up until one day you looked at your Boxer and realized your dog was fat.
What makes a dog overweight? It is usually a combination of factors. This will include:
- Free feeding. This is a method of feeding a dog by leaving out dog food and allowing the Boxer to eat whatever he wishes for the day. When the bowl is empty, it is refilled. This is not the recommended method of feeding a Boxer dog. It not only will lead to an overweight dog, but when a Boxer eats too much food at one time, Bloat can occur. Bloat is a sometimes fatal condition that happens to this dog breed.
For details regarding Killer
Bloat in the Boxer breed
- Eating your food. While it is very tempting to give into a dog who pleads for your pizza, it is important to stay firm in a commitment to only feed your Boxer high quality dog food or to home cook (Recommended). Having this rule from when you first bring your Boxer home makes things easier. This is quite a big habit to break if your dog is already used to eating everyone's leftovers; however it can be reversed.
- Manufactured dog food has fillers, empty ingredients with zero nutrients or calories. Your dog consumes these, but then what? Since they fill up your Boxer's stomach but offer no nutrition, a dog will then tend to want to eat more food at the next meal because they did not receive the needed nutrients from the previous meal. This is one reason we only recommend home cooking. Read More about Home Cooking Here
First, it must be determined that weight gain is not being caused by a medical issue with your dog. Thyroid problems is the most common medical reason for a pet being overweight. Your Boxer should have a complete checkup with their veterinarian. Only then, once a condition is ruled out, should a diet be implemented.
Ask your veterinarian how much your Boxer dog should weigh. This will depend on 3 factors:
- Age
- Sex
- Bone structure
Aside from keeping a very close eye on what is fed to your Boxer, exercise is very important. It must be noted that an overweight dog cannot suddenly be expected to walk, jog or run for miles. Exercise should be provided daily; however with a n overweight Boxer, it must begin slow and then steadily progress.
It is recommended to walk your dog twice per day, 3 times is even better if you are able to do so. Begin with short walks and allow your Boxer to be reminded of just how great it can feel to be outside and walk around! As your dog slowly begins to lose weight, he or she will have an increased desire to head outdoors.
As they get into better shape, you can add some variety to your exercise routines. Taking your Boxer for a hike through the woods can be a great way to bond with your dog. Teaching him or her to run alongside you as you bike can be fun. Toss around a Frisbee or throw a tennis ball in a large yard. Your Boxer will enjoy the time spent with you and get healthy while doing so.
Be sure to supply your Boxer with plenty of water. Do not exercise your dog outside if the weather is hot and/or humid. Being part of the Mastiff family unfortunately makes breathing difficult in certain instances.
The important thing to remember is that you will be providing your Boxer dog with enough calories; he or she will not starve! Taking it slow and steady is the only healthy way to help your dog. You will be helping them live longer with proper exercise that keeps their heart pumping and burns off the extra fat. Once your dog is at the recommended weight, be sure to keep up with your healthy routines. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself entering your Boxer into a Conformance dog show when all is done!
Underweight Boxers
While canine obesity is a problem, there are owners who have a dog who is underweight. If ribs are very prominent, most likely, the dog is not receiving enough nutrition or there is a health issue.
When you have an underweight dog, the 1st step is to have a complete vet exam. Countless health issues can cause weight loss or an inability to put on weight. This, in turn, can lead to dangerous secondary issues such as malnutrition and dehydration.
If your Boxer is deemed to be 100% healthy, it is time to look into the dog's nutritional needs. While our feeding guidelines are general since every dog is different, if your Boxer is very active, he or she may need more food to keep their body going. With a dog who is otherwise healthy, but too skinny, increase the food intake. You may wish to add a feeding time or to add more food to each meal.
Most importantly, not only is it suggested to offer more food to the underweight dog, but to always and only offer healthy home cooked meals or high quality dog food. Inexpensive dog food may save you a dollar but will be destructive to your Boxer. Cheap dog food is not easily digested, many of the nutrients are not absorbed into the dog's body and are expelled when the dog eliminates. Both regular meals and snacks should be only of the highest quality.
More Information
- Boxer Growth Chart
- Boxer Age Chart
- Nutrition Needs
- Salt, Organic Foods, High Protein Diets... Good Ideas???
- When you must change your Boxer's food
- Odd Eating Behavior
- 24 Behavioral Issues and how to deal with each one
- 34 Health issues in words you can understand...in detail
- 74 photos, illustrations and X-rays to explain all topics
- Direct answers from the AllBoxerInfo Experts for any Boxer question...For FREE...For LIFE
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1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
