Expert: Jannie Balliett - 2/16/2010

Question
My daughter has a female boxer fours old and her brother boxer is five years old.  These dogs are very wonderful pets and one thing concerns me- their ribs are slightly visible and also hind quarters showing a little on the male, a little point on each side.  They have had them for a year now and were driven by van from Las Vegas to N.J. and given by a relative to them.....all adjusting to new surroundings were very easily accepted. Prior the dogs had seen my daughter and family for a week six months prior.  Daughter insists they are fine, must say very active and full of life ....happy dogs so what do you think?

Answer
Ribs and hip bones should not be protruding and showing. You are right to be concerned.

They are not being fed enough.

I highly suggest they self-feed, allowing them access to fresh food and water 24/7.

Also, Boxers are prone to thyroid disorders and could be another factor. A simple blood test will tell.

Please tell your daughter to allow them to self-feed and weight will improve.

Boxers are suppose to be musclular and have good body weight. An adult maile should weigh 70-85 lbs. and a female 50-65 lbs.

No ribs, no protruding hips. This is a sign of being quite underfed.