How do I get my Boxer to lose weight

Boxer Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know

7 Alarming Reasons Why Your Boxer Is So Skinny (2023)

When you think of Boxer dogs

You imagine muscular and heavy.

Thats why its alarming when they look so skinny.

And it makes you question:

Is this normal?

Keep reading to find out:

• What to do when your Boxers too skinny.
• 3 vital signs that your dog should see a vet.
• 7 alarming reasons why your Boxer is so skinny (must see #5 to #7).
• And many, many more

Why is my Boxer so skinny? 7 reasons

#: Skinny phase

Theres a term known by experienced Boxer fur parents.

And its none other than:

Boxer Dog Skinny Phase.

Now, as the words imply

Its common for Boxers to look so thin. Especially if theyre still puppies.

But I understand youre worried.

So, let me tell you the average size for Boxers:

As you can see from this table

Theres a huge jump in weight as Boxers go from puppies to adults.

From being thin, these dogs can look bulky when fully grown.

And thats why they call a Boxers early months: the skinny phase.

So, if your furry pals still young

Just keep them well-fed.

Once theyre a year older, your Boxer will look healthier.

But you might wonder:

Why do Boxers have this phase?

Well, unlike other dog breeds

Many people say that Boxers have unique growth. And as puppies, their muscles are still developing.

Thats why most Boxers still look so skinny. Even if you feed these Fidos a proper diet.

#2: Floating ribs

Since your Boxer dog seems so thin

You might notice a bump near the center of their body.

And at first, that could make you think:

My Boxers so skinny, their bones are even starting to show.

Well, thats inaccurate.

After all, floating ribs doesnt mean that your pups too thin.

Thats because this thing is normal in dogs. Especially for breeds like Boxers.

Though, other Fidos can have it, too, such as:

• Vizslas.
• Dobermans.
• Bull Terriers.
• Dachshunds.
• Great Danes.

And as you can tell from this list

These dogs have long bodies and short coats. Thanks to that, its easier to see their floating ribs.

Now, this brings us to the question:

What does it mean when my Boxer has this issue?

First, let me say that all dogs have 13 ribs.

And heres the thing:

The last bone isnt linked to the rib cage. Instead, its only attached to the spine.

So, anytime your Boxer moves around

The 13th bone would poke through the skin. And thats why its called floating ribs.

Now, this isnt a cause for concern.

I assure you that last bone wont harm your Boxer.

If anything, it just makes your pup look skinny. Even though theyre actually healthy.

But if you have any doubts

You should always talk to a vet instead.

Continue reading: Floating Ribs In Dogs: 7 Things You Should Know

#3: Improper diet

As I said in reason #1:

Its no surprise for Boxers to look skinny.

But how could you tell if its not normal anymore?

Well, Fido should weigh less than the average. To check this, refer to the table I gave in point #1.

Now, Boxers can be skinny if they have an improper diet.

But just how much food should Boxers eat daily?

Heres an easy guide from professionals:

Note: Puppies and pregnant Boxers might need more food than this. And the same applies to sick dogs. So, you should talk to the vet for a better diet plan.

But what if my Boxers eating the right amount?

In that case, there are more scenarios to consider.

For example:

If you have other dogs at home

Your Fidos might be competing for food. This behavior is exhibited by adult canines who steal a pups food.

And such could happen if you dont watch them during meals.

Aside from that

Theres a chance your Boxer doesnt like their kibbles too.

Now, that might occur if Fido wants some human food instead.

Plus, some pups are prone to a sensitive tummy.

So, if you changed your Boxers diet too quickly

That could upset the dogs stomach.

As a result, your furry pal might not eat properly.

Thus, this leads to the pup looking skinnier than ever.

Check out also: 7 Surprising Reasons Why Dogs Like Human Food

#4: Too much exercise

Experts say Boxers have high energy levels.

With that, expect these Fidos to run around all day. Especially if your home has a lot of space for them to play in.

So, if you dont limit your Boxers activities

They might end up working out too much.

And on average:

These pups only need about 2 hours of exercise daily. Now, that can be split into separate sets of walks.

So, if a Boxer goes beyond their limit

They might lose weight and turn out skinny.

Though, lets say Fidos exercise is balanced. But what about their diet?

As I said in reason #3:

Your pup needs more food based on their weight.

But in this case

Active dogs like Boxers might need more snacks too.

After all, these Fidos burn more energy.

So, in exchange, their body needs extra food for fuel.

Read more: 17 Hyperactive Dog Symptoms + 11 Tips To Calm Down Your Dog

#5: Your Boxer is sick

Dogs lose weight when theyre ill.

So, according to vets

Here are the diseases your Boxer might have:

• Stress.
• Allergies.
• Cancers.
• Diarrhea.
• Diabetes.
• Parasites.
• Joint pains.
• Heart issues.
• Eye problems.
• Organ damage.
• Stomach issues.
• Dental problems.

Warning: These illnesses have varying symptoms. Thus, its hard to point out which 1 your Boxer might have.

Now, these problems can make your Boxer lose weight.

After all, its hard to eat when youre not feeling well, right?

And since these conditions can be fatal for any dog

Its best to seek out a specialist for Fido.

Now, you might be thinking:

How to tell if my Boxers sick?

First, observe your dogs body language.

Then, youll notice signs of illnesses. Such as:

Warning: These symptoms apply to various health risks. So, for your Boxers safety, you should take them to the clinic.

Learn more: 11 Reasons Your Dog Vomits In The Morning + 3 Vital Tips

#6: Depression

Dogs can have mental problems too. And that means your pup could be depressed.

Now, whats a common sign of that problem?

Well, the answer is appetite loss.

That means if your Boxers feeling down

They might not eat enough. And this would make Fido even skinnier.

Plus, depression also has other risks.

For example, it could make your Boxer do things, like:

And with all these worrying symptoms

You might want to know:

What causes depression in Boxers?

Here are a few reasons from the AKC:

• Stress.
• Boredom.
• Loneliness.
• Constant pain.
• Death of a loved one.
• Sudden changes in their life.

Now, what should you do if your Boxers going through this?

Well, there are plenty of tips you can try. Such as:

• Spend more time with Fido.
• Buy new toys for your furry pal.
• Keep inviting your dog to play with you.
• Avoid causing more stress for your Boxer.
• Dont leave your Boxer alone for more than 7 hours.

And if none of these works

You should consult an expert for Fido.

Or, you could also learn tips from this useful video:

Reading tip: Quiz: Is My Dog Depressed? 19 Symptoms (+Tips To Treat It)

#7: Stress or anxiety

If not depression

Your Boxer could also feel anxious.

Now, research says that many things can cause this in your dog.

To give you a few examples, check out the list below:

• Fear.
• Noise.
• Loneliness.
• Too much boredom.
• Sudden lifestyle changes.
• Meeting new animals or people.

With this, your Boxer might stop eating as well.

And that could make them look skinnier.

You know, its like when people lose their hair due to stress. But in this case, your Boxers losing their weight instead.

Though, how could you tell if Fido feels this way?

Well, there are clear signs of stress in dogs. Such as:

Warning: Stress can be fatal in the long run. So, if you notice these signs, take your Boxer to the vet.