Is My Labrador too skinny

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.

Why Is Your Labrador So Skinny? Weight Growth Chart

Whether youve had your labrador from a puppy or just adopted one, knowing the correct weight for your labs age is essential to the dogs overall health. So, if your labrador is on the skinnier side, you might need to make some adjustments. However, some labs are naturally slimmer than others, so its crucial to know the type of lab your dog is.

Your labrador being so skinny can be due to many factors, including illness, lack of nutrition, or just the type of lab. While some labs are thin and lean, others appear broad and stocky. English labs tend to be like the latter, while American labs are usually the former.

The rest of this article will discuss the various reasons why your labrador is skinny and how to solve those issues (if possible). Ill also go over the average weight and growth chart for labradors.

Reasons Your Labrador Is So Skinny

Your labrador being skinny might not be a bad thing. Not all labs are alike, and genetics can play a big part in the overall size of your pet. However, being too skinny can cause your dog many health problems or could even be a sign of a severe illness.

Here are the various reasons why your lab is skinny.

Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the size of your dog. If your labs parents were on the small end and were skinnier, your lab most likely would be too. Therefore, if you dont know your dogs parents, its best to talk to your vet to ensure your labs size is healthy.

To determine if your dogs build is average and healthy, its also essential to know what type of lab you have, as weve previously mentioned.

Differences Between English Labrador and American Labrador

If you were expecting a big, bulky lab and got a skinny one, it makes sense why youre wondering why your lab is so skinny. Many people dont realize that there are two main types of labradors:

• English labrador. The English labrador is typically broader and has stockier chests and necks. Theyll also usually have shorter legs.
• American labrador. The American labrador is usually slimmer with more of an agile build. Youll notice their legs are longer, and theyre taller overall.

Of course, not every dog is the same. Some English labs might be taller or skinnier than American labs depending on their environment and genetic background.

Illness

If your dog hasnt always been so skinny and youre worried about its health, that could be the issue. Its best to get your dog to the vet to determine the cause of weight loss.

Many different illnesses or diseases can cause weight loss in labradors, a few of which Ill go over below:

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is more common in middle age to older dogs. However, if its a genetic problem, it can be seen in younger dogs.

When the pancreas doesnt create enough insulin, it can result in diabetes mellitus. Without insulin, the brain becomes sugar-deprived, causing the dog to stay hungry. However, they often lose weight due to improper use of nutrients in their diet.

Most of the time, you can manage diabetes with regular insulin shots.

Cancer

Cancer is hard on the body. For dogs, its no different. It can cause many changes in the body that lead to weight loss, including a decreased appetite, changes in metabolism, and chemotherapy. During this time, its essential to increase your dogs nutrients. If your dog isnt eating at all, a feeding tube may be necessary.

Anorexia or Pseudo-Anorexia

Both anorexia and pseudo-anorexia are serious problems. While anorexia is when your dog doesnt want to eat, pseudo-anorexia is when your dog wants to eat but cant. Various reasons can cause both types of anorexia, including nervous system disorders, cancer, systemic disease, or psychological problems.

Lack of Nutrition

Ensuring that your lab receives all of the proper nutrients for its growth and development is essential to its weight. Missing vital nutrients can cause your dog to be skinnier than it should, and this can put your pup in a calorie deficit.

While most dry or canned dog food contains all the nutrients your dog needs, there could be a nutrient your dog needs more of. Its essential to talk to your dogs vet if you have any concerns about its diet.

What Should Your Labrador Eat?

Large breed and small breed dogs require different foods. As labs are a large breed, they must get all the vitamins and nutrients through large-breed food.

Your labrador should eat large-breed dog food containing essential nutrients specific to large breeds. Large-breed dog food contains nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health, which is vital for large breeds.

If youre looking for quality dog food for your adult lab, I recommend this Wellness Core Grain-Free Dog Food (available on Amazon.com) for large breeds. The main ingredients in this dog food are a healthy mix of proteins, and its completely natural and grain-free. Feeding your lab this food will ensure its getting all the vitamins and nutrients it needs.

How Much Should Your Labrador Weight?

The average weight for a labrador differs depending on the age and gender of the lab. While every dog grows differently, they should reach an average weight by adulthood, usually around a year.

Your Labrador should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds (24.94 and 36.28 kg), depending on the gender. As a puppy labrador grows, its weight will increase gradually. By a year old, your lab should be fully grown.

Its essential to provide the right amount of food depending on your dogs age. If you have a labrador younger than a year that looks skinny, you might not be feeding it enough. However, there are growth charts that show how much a labrador should weigh at each stage of its life.

Veterinarian Kate Boatright on Pawlicity provides an excellent chart to go by:

While these are average weights for both male and female labradors, its not exact. Every lab will grow differently, so as long as your vet says your dog is growing fine, you should be okay.

How To Get Your Lab To Gain Weight

If your lab has lost weight recently and needs to gain it back, you might need to tweak its diet. Giving your dog food with extra calories might be necessary. However, always consult your vet before doing anything drastic to your pups diet.

If you need high-calorie dog food for your lab, I recommend this Miracle Vet High-Calorie Dog Food (available on Amazon.com). This dog food is excellent for all breeds and all ages. There are 600 calories in a cup, and its high in protein and fat. Therefore, your lab should gain weight on this food in no time.

Final Thoughts

Your lab being so skinny can be due to various factors, including genetics, illness, or a poor diet lacking in nutrients. Its essential to ensure youre feeding your lab enough food every day according to the weight and gender of the pup. If youre feeding your dog more than enough and its still unusually skinny, it might be time to see a vet.

You should also ensure the dog food youre giving your dog is a good choice. The food should be for large breeds and contain all the vitamins and nutrients essential to large breeds, including protein.

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