How do I know if my Lab is too skinny

Is My Great Dane Too Skinny? 5 Things You NEED to Know!

We have so many people who send us emails to ask us is my Great Dane too skinny, that we thought it was time for a blog post! This is a common question.

Great Danes are a lean and athletic breed, though people expect them to be heavy and stocky.

I thought it would be helpful to share some photos of dogs that are emaciated, thin, and overweight so that you can make real-life comparisons about whether or not your Great Dane is too skinny.

Always, always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure either way. Dogs can gain and lose weight quickly and may have underlying health problems, including parasites and diabetes.

What do Healthy Weight Great Danes Look Like?

The following images are of Great Danes that are at a healthy weight. Click on any image to view larger and in full.

Notice the defined waist, tuck in the abdomen, muscle, and even the presence of a rib or two. These dogs all appear to be offered plenty of free exploration time on varied terrain (which helps develop strength in feet, hips, and abs!). They enjoy running, playing, and being active.

You may feel that some of these dogs are underweight! Unfortunately, overweight dogs skew our perception of what is healthy in Great Danes.

Chances are, if you think your dog is too skinny, you may find that your dog actually belongs in this group!

Many times, lean dogs actually need more muscle development, not more fat. Keep that in mind; if your Dane is active and moving, they will develop muscle and can fill out in a healthy and strong way. Do not overfeed your Great Dane!

Underweight Great Danes

An underweight Great Dane is malnourished. These are dogs that are either neglected, have been fed unbalanced and incorrect nutrition, or have underlying health problems (cancer, megaesophagus, parasites, etc.) that require veterinary care.

DCM (heart disease) can also cause a loss of weight and muscle.

A dog that is underweight may show the following signs: spine and/or hip bones jutting out, temples sunken in, prominent knowledge bump on top of the head, low energy, no muscle tone, and muscle wasting.

Skinny Great Dane Puppies

Growing Dane puppies can look positively gangly at times.

An otherwise energetic and bright Great Dane puppy that is a little ribby during a growth spurt is NOT an underweight or malnourished Great Dane.

This is normal, so long as the dog is showing signs of robust health: shiny coat, bright eyes, muscles, energy, tight feet, properly growing bones, and free of parasites, growing pains, skin conditions, and gut health issues (vomiting, loose stools, etc.).

Ethical breeding and nutrition play a key role here.

We do not recommend feeding adult food to Great Dane puppies. Adult food lacks the nutrients that they need for growth and robust muscle development; this is one reason so many Dane pups look malnourished as teenagers (because they essentially ARE).

The most up-to-date science, research, and formulations in dog food have made it safe and appropriate to feed large and giant breed puppy foods to Great Danes.

The companies that have participated in this research include Purina, Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, and Eukanuba. We only recommend large and giant breed puppy foods from those brands.

Ive linked to an article below on Great Dane puppy feeding, that will be of interest to you if you have found this article because youre worried about your skinny Great Dane puppy!

Dont mistake filling out with getting fat. Filling out involves developing the breadth of the chest and hips, in addition to muscle mass. A dog that gets fat following spay/neuter around age 2 is not filling out, its just becoming heavy and overweight.

Great Dane Puppy Has Ribs Showing

If you see early signs of hips and spine showing in a previously healthy dog, chat with your veterinarian. If you are concerned about the amount of spine/ribs/hips showing your veterinarian can help you with safe ways to help your Great Dane gain weight.

The best food for a Great Dane to gain weight can be recommended to you by a professional. Do not add fatty foods, Satin Balls, or home-cooked food to fatten your dog up.

This dangerous practice can lead to health complications associated with unbalanced nutrition, not to mention pancreatitis!

Overweight Great Danes

Great Danes are a lean athletic breed. They should be graceful, robust, strong, and muscular.

Overweight dogs have shorter lives and are more likely to suffer from heart problems, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. They are at higher risk for complications during surgical procedures and are also more prone to issues involving kidney and liver function.

Even dogs labeled as Euro should not be heavy.

Most of the time, people are concerned that their dog is underweight. Unfortunately, being overweight is a much, much more serious health concern.

Lean is best for Great Danes.

Why Overweight Great Danes are a Problem

7 Deadly Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs

Overweight Great Danes carry excess and unnecessary weight that will affect their quality of life. Lean dogs live, on average 2 years longer than overweight dogs so if that matters to you, read on!

Many people believe that because a dog is Euro it should look and be heavy. This is not true. Even a Euro dog should have a defined waist. Do NOT overfeed your dog because its Euro and you think it should weigh 200lbs!

Others, in pursuit of having the biggest dog focus on the number on the scale. There is nothing to be proud of if your Great Dane is tipping the scales.

An average, healthy-weight, well-muscled, and properly structured male Great Dane may weigh quite a bit; however, a solid majority of people claiming to have 175+lb dogs actually have overweight dogs.

Extra pressure on the joints, heart, and lungs is a problem for dogs that are allowed to become heavy like this. As above, do not mistake filling out with getting fat!

Some dogs suffer from thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders that lead to excess weight; chat with your veterinarian for help.

Because some of them are out of the standard Euro type, people believe they should be bulkier and heavier and thus, allow and encourage them to become this way. The dogs are the ones who suffer because of this.

Body Condition Scoring in Dogs

Many veterinarians use body condition scores to assess whether a dog is at a healthy weight or not.

Your veterinarian might never really tell you that your dog is overweight! Keep in mind that your Veterinarian is first operating a business, and that includes not upsetting clients by saying things about their dog that may be perceived as judgmental.

People become very defensive and are often in disbelief. Its a losing battle for Veterinarians. If youve ever wondered why is my Great Dane so skinny, you are not alone. But, we hope this information helps!

We encourage you to bring the subject up to your veterinarian, mention your concerns, and show that you are an educated owner willing to learn!

9 Alarming Reasons Why Your Labrador Is So Skinny (2023)

When you look at Labradors

Most of them look so fluffy or thick.

But why is yours so skinny?

And should you really worry about this?

Keep reading to find out:

• What to do if your Labradors too skinny.
• When should you take your dog to the vet.
• 9 alarming reasons why your Labrador is so skinny (must see #5 & #7).
• And so much more

Why is my Labrador so skinny? 9 reasons

#1: There are 2 types of Labradors

The weight of your dog depends on their variation.

After all, theres the American and English Labrador.

So, what could be the difference?

For one, Labs from the UK are much bigger. Thus, theyre bulkier in appearance.

Meanwhile, American Labradors are slimmer.

For easier comparison, check out the size table below:

Clearly, their gap isnt too wide.

But the point here is:

Your Labrador might just be lighter compared to the others. Especially if yours is the American type.

After all, English Labs are typically heavier.

So, that means your Labrador could already be in their best shape.

But how would you know which type of Lab is your dog?

Well, aside from their weight

These 2 Fidos have more differences.

To simplify this, use the table below as reference:

But despite their contrasts

Both Labradors have the same temperaments.

And if youre still unsure about what type of Lab you have

You can always try asking your vet. Or get in touch with Fidos breeder.

#2: Floating ribs

Do you see a bump sticking out of your dogs rib area?

Now, that could make you think Fidos skinny.

But the thing is, theres a condition called:

Floating ribs.

So, hows this related to your Labs weight?

You see, dogs have 13 ribs. But the last 1 is linked to the backbone. And not to the rib cage.

So, anytime your Labrador moves

You can see that 13th bone poking through Fidos skin.

And once again, this doesnt mean your Labs too thin.

In fact, the last rib is a natural part of your dog.

But if youre still worried about your Labrador

You should always consult a vet.

Read next: Floating Ribs In Dogs: 7 Things You Should Know

#3: Poor diet

Your Labs weight also depends on how you feed them.

But what kind of diet could make Fido look so skinny?

Well, in this case

Your Labrador might not be eating enough. As a result, they end up losing weight.

So, how much food does your furry pal need?

Heres a useful guide from vets:

Note: You must use a standard 8 oz. measuring cup. Also, if your Labradors sick or pregnant, they might need more food than that.

And for a more accurate diet plan for your Lab

Its best to consult a specialist.

But what if my dogs eating the right amount of food?

In that case, you can consider more scenarios.

For example:

If there are other dogs at home

These canines might compete for food.

And with a Labs gentle nature, they would give up their meals.

Now, this could happen if youre not around to watch them eat.

Moreover, some dogs dont react well to sudden diet changes.

So, if you switched Fidos food brand too quickly

Your Labrador might stop eating properly.

Or, in some cases, your Lab could also be picky with food.

And that can occur if they want to eat human snacks instead.

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

#4: Improper exercise

Labradors also need the right activities. Especially as a hyperactive breed.

So, how much exercise should Labs get?

As adults, they must work out daily for about 80 minutes.

But what if your Lab goes overboard? Say, their exercise went on for almost 3 hours.

Well, at that point, your dog will lose weight for sure.

However, this isnt safe at all.

For one, Labs could get injured. Or they might end up collapsing too.

So, to prevent this

You can try following these tips:

• Buy interactive toys for your Lab.
• Let them play brain games for a change.
• Go jogging or swimming with your Labrador.
• Hide treats around the house. This activitys more relaxing.
• Walk your Labrador twice a day. Each set could be for 30 minutes.

With these activities, it gets easier to control your Labs energy levels.

Reading tip: 17 Brain Games For Dogs To Entertain Your Fur Baby

#5: Illnesses

Any dog could lose weight if theyre sick.

And the thing is, there are many diseases to watch out for.

So, lets focus on the common health issues in Labs. Namely:

But aside from these

Any dog could also face other canine problems that causes weigt loss, such as:

• Stress.
• Cancer.
• Diarrhea.
• Diabetes.
• Oral pain.
• Parasites.
• Gut problems.
• Kidney issues.

Warning: Some of these diseases can be fatal for Labradors.

Now, the health risks above have varying symptoms. Thus, its hard to tell which 1 your Lab might have.

So, how would you know if Fidos actually sick?

Dr. Coren says that dogs tend to hide their pain.

However, vets state you can still notice signs, like:

Note: For your Labradors safety, you should take them to the clinic.

Continue reading: 9 Surprising Reasons Why Your Dog Is Eating Slowly

#6: Drug side effects

Lets say you already took Fido to the vet.

And before you did, your Labs weight was just fine.

In that case

It seems that your furry pal got skinny after going to the clinic.

Now, this might make you think:

Did my Lab catch more illnesses at the vets?

Not at all.

Its just that dogs also lose weight when theyre healing.

And thats because of the medicine Fido takes.

After all, some drugs have side effects. And 1 of them is affecting your Labs weight.

Meanwhile, surgeries also do the same thing.

So, if your Lab recently went through an operation

That could explain why theyre so skinny.

Now, these cases are still normal.

But if you have any concerns, you should talk to Fidos vet.

#7: Stress

Research claims that some dogs eat more when they feel anxious.

But this issue could also be the opposite

Your Lab might eat less due to stress.

Though, how can you tell if Fido has this?

First, you can pay attention to their body language.

Observe any signs of stress, such as:

So, what should you do if your Labs stressed?

There are many ways to calm an anxious pup, like:

Note: If none of these works, consult your Labs specialist.

Learn more: 17 Clear Signs Of Dog Stress (Stressed Dog Body Language)

#8: Depression

Mental health matters for Labs too.

And since you already read about stress in #7

This time, Ill tell you about depression.

You see, your Lab might stop eating due to this issue.

And with that, theyll lose weight too. In return, Fido ends up looking skinny.

Now, you must be worrying:

How will I know if my Labs depressed?

Well, just like with stress

Fidos body language can be your guide. So, just watch out for signs, like:

Warning: Depression can be fatal for any dog. In case you notice these symptoms, call an expert ASAP.

Aside from that, you can also spot this issue right away.

And specialists say you could do that by knowing what causes depression in dogs. Those are:

• Stress.
• Injuries.
• Illnesses.
• Boredom.
• Losing a loved one.
• Adopting a new dog.
• Picking up your emotions.
• Sudden lifestyle changes.
• Meeting new family members.

With this, you can prepare for your Labs reaction.

And if you need more help on how to cheer up your pup

Just watch this useful video:

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

#9: Its their normal weight

Sometimes, theres no alarming reason at all.

In the end, being skinny could just be your Labs appearance.

For example:

You might see bigger dogs more often. Like, Chow Chows or Bulldogs.

And that could make you think your Labs skinny. Especially if you compare your pup to those larger Fidos.

Basically, your Lab might have no issues at all.

In fact, Fidos skinny look could mean that:

Your dog has a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Lets say your pups eating the right amount of food. Plus, they follow healthy exercise too.

So, why are they still so skinny?

Well

Your Labs weight can be affected by genetics too.

For example:

Do you know someone who eats a lot yet never gains weight?

In most cases, its because those people have fast metabolisms.

And that could happen to your Labrador too.

But in case youre still worried

How could you tell if your Labs underweight?

Well, you can refer to the table I gave in reason #1.

Right there, it states that Labs have an average weight of 55 to 80 lbs (24 to 36 kg).

So, if your furry pal weighs less than that

Then thats the time your dog is too skinny. In that case, you should contact the vet.