It is hard to tell from photos, but I think he looks a lovely lean weight, not underweight agreed, he looks fab for his age!

He does not look like a bag of bones! And his coat looks lovely. I guess you are worried because he used to be heavier and he is getting older - that there might be a problem?

I am sure if he was overweight it would affect him in his old age far worse than being a little under.

Lovely dog.

I think he looks fantastic, if he is happy and healthy and has a good appetite I would not be concerned about his weight. Certainly would not put a dog his age through an operation just for him to gain a little weight!

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll leave well enough alone...

he looks great to me as well,at his age, i would not expect the dog to gain to much weight,light walks and pleanty of sofa,good job

Hi There

I have the same problem with 13 year old Flash - an English Setter. He has always been on the skinny side and difficult to feed and as a big dog his optimum weight would be about 35 - 36 Kilio. - and would still look 'racey'

He now weighs 29/31 Kilos. As dogs get older, no matter how well exercised they are, they do lose muscle tone and this shows mainly along the spine, hips and back legs.

If your dog has lost a significant amount of weight recently, you do need a health check to make sure that illness is not the cause. A slimmer dog is beneficial for his joints and general health, but I do understand you are worried that he is too thin and vets tend to prefer dogs that are too thin for my liking.

I keep Flash's weight up by adding mainly extra carbohydrate to his meals - pasta, bread and rice, plus extra treats to make him eat his all in one - like scrambled eggs, pilchards or tuna.

I have to say that your dog looks fit and healthy and perhaps a little slim, wheras Flash looks like a hat rack - so you are doing better than me !

Thalice's Mum

Three mile walks each day and tons of indoor playtime. He's not a huge fan of sitting on his butt lol.

i love it..!thats dedication.

He looks great for his age I don't think he needs fattening up at all - well done for looking after him so well!

I think he looks great for his age and not at all thin. My dear Jenna at that age without her coat would have looks like a toast rack.