Skinny Bulldog – Should You Be Really Worried?

Bulldog Growth & Weight Chart

Every dog owner wants to do what’s best for their pup, and knowing how to take care of a dog is usually something we try to be better at every single day, and part of that is knowing all we can about our beloved friends.

The average weight of a full-grown Bulldog is 50 pounds (male) and 40 pounds (female). If you have a multi-pet household, you might want to check out the reliable Breed Weight Chart by the American Kennel Club.

Male Bulldog Chart

Female Bulldog Chart

At What Age Is A Bulldog Fully Grown?

Most Bulldogs are fully grown by the time they’re 18 months old. But some continue to fill out until they’re 2 years old. So, if your furry friend is still a puppy and you’re concerned about their weight, don’t worry just yet. They might just be late bloomers.

Generally, a full-grown female Bulldog weighs about 40-45 pounds and stands 12-14 inches tall. On the other hand, a fully-developed male Bulldog weighs 50-55 pounds with an average height of 14-16 inches.

How Skinny Is Too Skinny For A Bulldog?

Now that you know the average weight of a Bulldog, it’ll be easier for you to determine if your pet is too skinny. Generally, if your pooch doesn’t reach the minimum weight requirement (check the charts above), they’re considered underweight.

Here are some signs of a skinny dog to look out for:

• Ribs, hips, and backbone are visible
• The waist is not well-defined
• No body fat
• Thin skin that’s easily stretched

What Causes A Bulldog To Be Skinny?

There are many reasons why your Bulldog might be too thin. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Poor Diet

Diet is the most common cause of weight loss in dogs. If your furry friend isn’t eating enough or is not getting the right nutrients, they will lose weight.

On average, Bulldog puppies must be fed 3 times a day, while adults can get away with 2 meals. Collectively, it can sum up to anywhere between 1/2 cup to 2 cups of food. Also, ensure that you’re feeding them high-quality food packed with nutrients.

If you’re unsure what to give them, you can always ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

• Lack Of Appetite

There are many reasons why your Bulldog might not have an appetite. It could be because of stress, anxiety, dental problems, or an underlying health condition.

• Excessive Exercise

Yes, too much exercise can also lead to weight loss in dogs. If your Bulldog is always on the go and isn’t getting enough rest, it will definitely lose weight.

• Health Conditions

There are many health conditions that can cause weight loss in dogs. Some of the most common include:

• Cancer
• Thyroid problems
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Parvovirus
• Infections
• Worms

If you suspect that your Bulldog’s weight loss is caused by a health condition, it’s best to take them to the vet right away. They can properly diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment.

Skinny Bulldog – Tips To Get Your Bulldog To Gain Some Healthy Weight

If your dog doesn’t reach the ideal weight or they’re too skinny, don’t worry. There are definitely some things that you can do to help them gain some weight.

Here are some tips:

• Rule Out Any Medical Conditions

First and foremost, you need to make sure that there are no underlying medical conditions causing weight loss. The best way to do this is to take them to the vet for a check-up.

A sudden weight loss could result from a thyroid problem, diabetes, or an infection. Sometimes, it could even be a dental problem. Perhaps your dog is in pain and not eating as much because of it.

So, before you do anything else, get your dog to the vet to rule out any health issues.

• Adjust Their Diet

This is probably the most important thing that you can do. If your Bulldog isn’t eating enough, you must adjust their diet accordingly. You might need to feed them more often or switch to higher-quality food.

You could also record everything they eat in a day to get a better idea of how much food they’re actually consuming. That includes their large meals as well as treats and snacks. Besides, maintaining a good journal will also allow you to give proper information to the vet.

Note that adjusting their diet doesn’t mean over-feeding them. You still need to be careful not to overdo it, as that can lead to other problems. A good rule of thumb is feeding adult Bulldogs one proper meal twice a day. Make sure to feed them on a fixed schedule instead of free-feeding them all day.

• Meet Their Nutrient Requirements

All skinny dogs don’t need the same amount of nutrients, so you’ll have to tailor their diet to meet their specific needs. However, there are some general things that all skinny dogs need more of.

For example, they need more protein to help them build muscle mass. You should also make sure that they’re getting enough calories and fat. These will help them gain weight and maintain their energy levels.

You can work with your vet to determine the exact nutrient requirements for your dog. They can also help you create a custom diet plan that meets those needs.

• Add Some Healthy Supplements

In addition to adjusting their diet, you might also need to give them supplements to help them gain weight. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can help to increase their appetite and promote a healthy coat.

You can talk to your vet about giving supplements to your dog. They can help you choose the right ones based on your dog’s individual needs.

• Increase Their Exercise

Even though it might seem counterintuitive, increasing their exercise can actually help them gain weight. That’s because it helps to increase their appetite and build muscle mass.

Of course, you don’t want to overdo it, as that can lead to injuries. Just make sure that they’re getting a moderate amount of exercise every day.

On average, Bulldogs need about 20-40 minutes of exercise daily, depending on their age and activity level.

When Should You Visit The Vet?

If your canine friend falls behind the weight chart or you see that they’ve lost a noticeable amount of weight, it should already be a cause for alarm. However, other than that, here are some general guidelines on when to visit the vet:

• If your dog has lost more than 10% of their body weight
• If they’re not gaining weight despite following the above tips
• If they’re losing muscle mass
• If they’re showing accompanying symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea

Of course, if you’re ever concerned about your dog’s health, it’s always best to make an appointment with the vet. They can help you figure out what’s happening and get your dog back on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog look skinny even though he eats?

There could be several reasons for this. It could be a medical condition, such as an infection or parasite. Or, it could be that your dog isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients. Most of the time, weight loss in dogs is caused by a calorie deficit.

How do I know if my Bulldog is underweight?

It’s easy! Just refer to the weight chart above. If your dog falls below the lower range for its age and gender, they’re considered underweight.

How can I fatten up my English Bulldog?

The best way to fatten your English Bulldog is to adjust their diet and exercise. Make sure that they’re getting enough calories, protein, and fat. You might also need to give them supplements to help them gain weight.

What can I feed my dog to gain weight?

The best way to determine which food would best work for your dog is to get your vet’s recommendations. However, generally, foods such as sweet potato and pumpkin work exceptionally well to help dogs gain weight in a healthy way.

Will eggs make my dog gain weight?

Eggs are a good source of protein. However, they don’t contain as many nutrients as other sources of protein. Hence, you shouldn’t depend on eggs alone to make your dog gain weight. Moreover, it’s advisable to feed only one egg per day, that too, if you get the green light from your vet!