Is this normal for a rat terrier?

Question

My rat terrier pup is about 18 weeks old. I got her when she was 13 weeks old and she weighed 6 pounds. Now she is up to 11 pounds! Am I feeding her too much, or is this a normal weight gain in that amount of time? (I also rescued her from a pet hospital)

Answer 1

Man, rats freak me out. You gotta put a girant trap out to catch that huge b*****d.

Answer 2

It sounds like you may have a Rat Terrier mix, either that or you have one of the larger variety (Deckers can be upwards of 25 lbs at full maturity).  Have you talked to your vet about the weight gain?  That's the first person I'd speak with because they may feel that she's gaining at a normal rate.

I've had both Rat Terriers & a Toy Fox Terrier and mine were close to 2-3 lbs at 18 weeks.  They matured to 6-7 lbs after 2-3yrs so gaining 5 lbs in 5 weeks seems to be a bit much if your pup is a true Toy Rat Terrier (A and B types).

Again, I would defer to your vet.  If they feel the weight gain is OK, then don't worry about it.  Puppies do need a lot of food/nutrients while they are growing and for the 1st year may seem a little chunky but so long as you exercise her and feed her the proper diet, she'll be fine.

Answer 3

dogs grow REALLY quick to their full weight in the first year that you have them.  don't worry about it.  human children do the same thing if you think about it.

BTW, rate me, please: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 4

It is rather a lot of weight to be putting on. Go back to the rescue home/hospital and ask their advice on feeding and exercise. She is old enough to have had all her jabs so a good run is essential for her now. Any dog will eat whatever you put down for it, it's in their nature.