When you think of Boxer dogs…
You imagine muscular and heavy.
That’s why it’s alarming when they look so skinny.
And it makes you question:
“Is this normal?”
Keep reading to find out:
- What to do when your Boxer’s 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…
Table of contents
Why is my Boxer so skinny? 7 reasons
#: Skinny phase
There’s a term known by experienced Boxer fur parents.
And it’s none other than:
“Boxer Dog Skinny Phase.”
Now, as the words imply…
It’s common for Boxers to look so thin. Especially if they’re still puppies.
But I understand you’re worried.
So, let me tell you the average size for Boxers:
| Your Boxer’s age | Height | Weight |
| Newborn (8 to 12 weeks) | 7 to 12 in (18 to 30 cm) | 13 to 26 lbs (6 to 12 kg) |
| Puppy (4 to 6 months) | 14 to 18 in (36 to 46 cm) | 29 to 45 lbs (13 to 20 kg) |
| Adult (7 to 9 months) | 18 to 22 in (46 to 56 cm) | 47 to 57 lbs (21 to 26 kg) |
| Fully grown (10 to 24 months) | 22 to 24 in (56 to 61 cm) | 57 to 65 (26 to 30 kg) |
As you can see from this table…
There’s a huge jump in weight as Boxers go from puppies to adults.
From being thin, these dogs can look bulky when fully grown.
And that’s why they call a Boxer’s early months: the skinny phase.
So, if your furry pal’s still young…
Just keep them well-fed.
Once they’re 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.
That’s 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 Boxer’s so skinny, their bones are even starting to show.”
Well, that’s inaccurate.
After all, floating ribs doesn’t mean that your pup’s too thin.
That’s 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, it’s 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 here’s the thing:
The last bone isn’t linked to the rib cage. Instead, it’s only attached to the spine.
So, anytime your Boxer moves around…
The 13th bone would poke through the skin. And that’s why it’s called floating ribs.
Now, this isn’t a cause for concern.
I assure you that last bone won’t harm your Boxer.
If anything, it just makes your pup look skinny. Even though they’re 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:
It’s no surprise for Boxers to look skinny.
But how could you tell if it’s 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?
Here’s an easy guide from professionals:
| Your Boxer’s age | Your Boxer’s weight | Cups of kibbles per day | Daily calories |
| Newborn puppy(8 to 12 weeks) | 13 to 26 lbs (6 to 12 kg) | 1 to 1 ⅓ cups | 464 to 576 |
| Young puppy (4 to 6 months) | 29 to 45 lbs (13 to 20 kg) | 1 ¾ to 2 ⅔ cups | 781 to 1145 |
| Adult (7 to 9 months) | 47 to 57 lbs (21 to 26 kg) | 3 cups | 1313 |
| Fully grown adult(10 to 24 months) | 57 to 65 (26 to 30 kg) | 3 ½ cups | 1474 |
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 Boxer’s 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 pup’s food.
And such could happen if you don’t watch them during meals.
Aside from that…
There’s a chance your Boxer doesn’t 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 Boxer’s diet too quickly…
That could upset the dog’s 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 don’t limit your Boxer’s 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, let’s say Fido’s 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 they’re 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, it’s hard to point out which 1 your Boxer might have.
Now, these problems can make your Boxer lose weight.
After all, it’s hard to eat when you’re not feeling well, right?
And since these conditions can be fatal for any dog…
It’s best to seek out a specialist for Fido.
Now, you might be thinking:
“How to tell if my Boxer’s sick?”
First, observe your dog’s body language.
Then, you’ll notice signs of illnesses. Such as:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Coughing.
- Refusing to eat.
- Behavior changes.
- Breathing problems.
- Constant scratching.
- Peeing more than usual.
Warning: These symptoms apply to various health risks. So, for your Boxer’s 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, what’s a common sign of that problem?
Well, the answer is appetite loss.
That means if your Boxer’s 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:
- Hiding.
- Acting distant.
- Licking nonstop.
- Being aggressive.
- Sudden clinginess.
- Sleeping too much.
- Losing interest in everything.
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 Boxer’s 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.
- Don’t 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, it’s like when people lose their hair due to stress. But in this case, your Boxer’s 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:
- Panting.
- Yawning.
- Whining.
- Drooling.
- Side eyeing.
- Licking nonstop.
- Hiding their ears.
- Barking more than usual.
Warning: Stress can be fatal in the long run. So, if you notice these signs, take your Boxer to the vet.