Rapid Growth Question

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I have not been able to get into my vet, but I have heard of dogs growing to fast and that causing problems with their joints. Is this true? Schulz is HUGE for a 4 month old dog and want to make sure I dont need to do something! 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

how big is he?

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

My Oliver had a big growing spurt when he turned 6 months old, he grew non top from 40 lbs to 71 in 5 months.  He was not a great eater and the vet said he was about 10-15 lbs under weight.  Now that the cold weather is here his appetite is back.  I did not try to put weight on him because its better to have him on the skinny side than over weight.   How much does your dog weight and how tall is he?

[Amy Lounsbury]

 I had a German Shepherd puppy years ago and my vet told me to get her on a "large breed" dog food, which has ingredients that promote healthy joint development because they grow so fast.  Also, when she was a year old, I added supplements from Drs Foster Smith for joint care. I don't know if we were just lucky, but Shelby never had problems and she was 105 lbs. She was on the skinny side too, my vet said that was better so she had less stress on the joints.   I am doing the same thing for Sammy.  We don't expect him to get that big, but he will probably top out at 70 to 80 lbs which is plenty large.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I doubt you have much to worry about. How big is Schulz? How big (and what breeds) were his parents?

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

But what were their weights? There is a wide range, and size is purely genetic.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Schulz looks great. I would feed him some kind of a healthy large breed puppy food. It's always good to check with the vet to make sure Schulz is getting all the nutrition he needs. He sure looks very handsome after his first haircut.