Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my 7month old female rott weighs 50lbs and 22 inches tall at the withers. do you think she's small for her age? how big a pup at that age should be? i feed her with a low protein/fat (23%/12%)diet since she was 5 months coz she got PANO(limping) to control her growth so that her immature bones would not have that much pressure supporting her body. im just wondering she might not get her maximum height. any help will be appreciated.. thanks in advance..

NO, that's about as simple as I can put it.

Rotties don't quit growing until they are at least 2 yrs old. That's not always 100% but my Jake is almost 4 and bless his heart had a growth spert lately and is way too big.

You don't want your Rottie to be FAT, it's extremely hard on them since they are prone to hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments. Pano is not uncommon in Rotties from what I've read. Jake had it but my vet said he believed that Pano could be a prelude to worse things.

I don't know what you are feeding, but if you are feeding a puppy food for large breeds, then it should have the right balance of nutrients, fats, etc. to help with proper growth but not the fat content that can cause problems later.

I believe that you should not feed them adult food to cut down on fat and calories and deprive them of the essential nutrients to grow strong bones and aid body developement.

I hope you get more responses to this question as I would like to see what others have to say. Good luck with your puppy and we love to see pictures.
-----
PHRottn
HRottn@PetHobbyist.com" target="_blank">My Email

Rott-N-Dogues make excellent best friends!

First off, yes it is good to keep your puppy on the lean size. Both for the Pano and just to not stress other joints and organs. Personally I feed a good quality dog food that is made from all human grade ingredients, this is what I even wean pups on. As for your dogs size, she will be what she is going to be based on her genetics. If you try to feed her more it will not make her bigger when an adult only an overweight dog. What were her Dame and Sire's weight and height? That can tell you alot. Also if you are not sure of her growth can you contact her breeder and find out what they would expect for size at this age in one of their pups? Female rotties are on the average under 100 lbs full grown so yours does not sound like she is undersized. My female rottie was 87 lbs and you could just feel her ribs.
Good luck with your pup and the Pano.
-----
Val.
proudly owned by
Majic the Rotten
Purl - the Nottweiler (Dogue de Bordeaux)
Quest - the otherweiler (DDB)
Chrissy & Tina who have earned their wings