Expert: Renee Cox - 9/11/2008

Question
My 6 month old boxer weight is about 30lbs,but she is really skinny her bones stick out is this ok or should I take her in to see a vet?
Also she has peed in her kennel from day one will she grow out of this

Answer
Hi. Some Boxers are naturally thin, and some thing out during a growth spurt. I would take her to the vet and let him check her for worms. If she doesn't have any, then I would buy some Nutri-Cal from the vet. I would then just give her a dab or two a day. If she isn't sick, or doesn't have worms, then you may just need to up her feed a little bit. About the crate...is she staying in it a lot during the day, or is it just at night? If it's much during the day, then you may need to find someone to come over to your house and let her out. A dog her age can still only hold it for so long. If she's just crated at night, then I'd cut food and water off at 7 pm. This will help with her holding it until the next morning. She may still have an accident here and there until she gets a little bit older.