I adopted my new whippet from the shelter about 8 months ago. He is my first dog ever! He is on heart worm medication. He is 23 pounds. I feed him 5 (five) cups of Innova a day but I can still see his ribs, hip bones and spine. Is this just how whippets are supposed to be? I'm tired of people on the street telling me how bony and ugly he is!
2007-12-18 09:36:18 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
If he is still young they take a while to gain weight, and muscle up. He should not look fat at any age as whippets are meant to be light framed. Depends what is height-weight ratio is, its best to check with your vet and weigh him regularly to monitor this, good luck
2007-12-18 09:48:03 · answer #1 · answered by pippywhippet 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
FIrst off I would like to say what a wonderful person you are to adopt a homeless animal. You obviously love your pup or you wouldn't be feeding him such a high quality food and you wouldn't be asking this question. I had a little terrier who had hyperthyroidism and no matter how much we fed her she kept losing weight. This is a condition that can be easily controlled with medication and it doesn't have to be a serious condition if caught early. I am not saying that this is what your dog has because it is a thin breed. My advice would be to schedule a routine check up for your dog and ask the vet about his weight. Tell him/her your concerns and that way you will feel much better and if your pup isn't feeling well you can get him in to tip top shape.
One of the dogs that I adopted at a county dog pound was 15 pounds full grown when he should have been 30 pounds. My ex-vet told me to put him down at our first visit with him. Five years later, he is a healthy 34 pounds and still as playful as a puppy!!! Sometimes dogs that come from shelters or pounds need some extra love and attention and it's great to know that there are people like you helping the animals.
Best of luck to you and give your pup a kiss for me!
2007-12-18 17:55:49 · answer #2 · answered by Bexx 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whippets are naturally thin, but it sounds like he might be unhealthily so. If he's eating that much and still severely undernourished, he probably has some health issues. Why not give your vet a call, or stop by the shelter where you adopted him -- most shelters will do an examination of any animal they've adopted out, for free, and then tell you what your next step needs to be.
Good luck!
2007-12-18 17:44:00 · answer #3 · answered by goddessdawnie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here is some information & pictures of Whippets to compare to:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/whippet.htm
They are thin (like greyhounds), but the spine, ribs, & hip bones shouldn't be prominent. Has he been checked for health reasons?
2007-12-18 17:42:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
That is a lot of food for a little dog, Whips are typically very skinny but this could be signs that it may have a problem such as an illness. You should go have a check up with a vet and see if everything is OK.
2007-12-18 17:42:05 · answer #5 · answered by Meg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, has he been to vet and have you discussed your concerns?
Why is he on heartworm meds.? Has he been wormed for other parasites?
And as with Greyhounds, Whippets are naturally very thin, .. I agree with 1st ans. 5 cups per day does seem alot of food.
However, they are high energy dogs. Is he only on dry?
2007-12-18 17:45:18 · answer #6 · answered by deltadawn 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Has your dog been dewormed by the vet? If so, tell people to mind their own business - or - say, oh, don't you know that whippets are very lean dogs?
I would have the vet check him over to be sure he is healhy from one end to the other.
2007-12-18 17:48:07 · answer #7 · answered by Owlwoman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sighthounds like Whippets are supposed to be lean and lithe. There's a difference between "lean" and "underweight" though - talk to your vet about the proper weight and muscling of your dog.
This forum might help you with other Whippet questions:
http://whippettalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10890
2007-12-18 17:42:22 · answer #8 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would not listen to the peopel onstreet.
whippet were made running that is why they were bread thin.
his bones are suppose stick out,
It is not good to have them over weight as that cause all sort of problem.Like heart failier worst of all hip Displaysure.
If you are happy with what the public are say ..
get he checked out buy a vet. and then you can tell everyone
to mind thier own busness.I say dont worry
2007-12-18 17:52:13 · answer #9 · answered by Pamela G . South Africa. Durban 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your dog looks like that he is normal. Most whippets are skinny and very shy.
2007-12-18 17:42:47 · answer #10 · answered by coolfluke 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋