[kimberlynns]

Hello,
We have a 4 year old dog that is very skinny. She eats well. We have a big back yard that she runs around in constantly but there is no way that she could be burning all that she eats. I am worried about her but can't afford the vet right now due to the 4 kids and all their bills.. please if someone has had the same problen please help me..
I was thinking worms or something. But most worms create big pot bellies. So any information will help.
SHe is a sweetie and is part of the family. But I can't bare to see her so skinny... :o

[lindsayminar]

It depends how skinny. Skinny like "i can see her ribs when i look at her from 5 feet away" or skinny like "when i put pressure on her sides (like sandwich petting) i can feel her ribs." When I first adopted my Lab, she was tiny, from 10 feet way you could see her ribs, and she felt like just bones. She went form 48lbs to 63lbs, she is still kind of skinny, but she is healthy skinny.

[labman]

I would like to see a vet visit, but there are some things you can do. Start with an assessment of the dog's body condition. Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide,
http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx What are your feeding, and would she eat more if you gave it to her? Some dogs just need more chow than others.

Examine her stools looking for eggs, tapeworm segments, etc. If you find anything, try to match it to descriptions on the OTC worm remedy packages. The vets have safer, more effective products, but sometimes the OTC stuff works.

More questions, see the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post254171