- A wide variety of conditions and problems can cause weight
loss in dogs. Here are five reasons why your pet may be avoiding meals or
losing weight.
1. Food Issues
Have you changed your dog's diet recently, or has their
standard dog food been reformulated? Some dogs are picky eaters who don't adjust
well to changes in their diets. Even if their kibble manufacturer has only
changed a few ingredients in their dog food recipe, a picky dog may notice and
turn their nose up at the strange new tastes and smells.
Dogs may also develop food aversion in stressful situations.
For example, if you bring a new pet home or you have an aggressive dog that
eats near a submissive dog, the submissive dog may be too fearful or anxious at
mealtimes to eat.
If you've moved recently, the tap water may taste different
than the tap water at your old place. If you mix your dog's kibble with water
to moisten their meal, the changed flavor of the water may be putting your dog
off from eating.
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is one of the canine diseases that can
cause rapid weight loss in dogs. Dogs who lose weight because of diabetes often
show other symptoms along with food aversion and declining condition.
Along with unexplained weight loss, signs of diabetes in
dogs may include the following symptoms:
- Excessive water consumption
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Cataract formation
As with the human disease, canine diabetes mellitus is a
disease in which a dog lacks enough insulin to break down blood sugar for
nutrition. Without proper levels of insulin, a dog's system begins breaking
down proteins and fats to use for energy, which eventually leads to serious
physical decline in the pet.
If your dog's veterinarian suspects your dog has diabetes
mellitus, the veterinarian will run tests including blood glucose tests and
urinalysis. Treatment for canine diabetes mellitus normally includes insulin
injections and a specialized diet.
3. Pain Issues
Painful physical conditions may cause your dog to stop
eating. For example, an abscessed or broken tooth can make chewing difficult
for your dog. If your dog has lesions on their tongue or sores inside their
mouth, their dry kibble may hurt to chew, so the dog avoids eating.
An ingredient in your dog's chow may cause painful digestive
issues. Bloating, cramps, and gas may make your dog uncomfortable after they
eat, so the dog loses its appetite for their favorite foods.
If your dog recently got into the trash, they may have
developed a blockage in their gut that doesn’t allow food to move through the
digestive system. Watch for the following signs to determine if a serious
blockage or other painful physical problem could cause your dog to avoid food:
- Abdominal pain
- Yelping when stomach is touched
- Drooling or panting
- Anxiety or lethargy
- Vomiting
- Strange breathing sounds
Take your dog for a checkup if any of the above signs are
present. A tumor, foreign object, or simple allergic reaction can cause pain in
dogs that's severe enough to make them stop eating or lose weight.
4. Cancer
Drastic weight loss and loss of appetite can be indications
that your dog is suffering from cancer. Because cancer changes the way the body
uses nutrients, weight loss is often one of the first symptoms that dog owners
observe in their sick pets.
Other signs of cancer in dogs include:
- Bad odors from dog
- Coughing or shortness of breath
- Skin sores that don't heal
- New cysts or swollen spots
- Limping and other mobility issues
- Urination and defecation changes
- Excessive drool
- Eating problems
- Exhaustion
Dogs with cancer may also exhibit changes in their
personality. Schedule an examination for your dog if you suspect your dog has
cancer. Your dog's veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to confirm or rule
out the presence of cancer, and will advise you on the various treatment plans
available for your pet.
5. Other Weight-Affecting Diseases and Issues
Kidney disease can cause weight loss and loss of condition
in dogs. A simple blood test can determine if your dog is suffering from
kidney problems.
Heavy parasite loads can lead to weight loss in dogs. Your
pet's veterinarian will check your dog for worms and other parasites if this is
the suspected cause of your dog's weight issues. Once the parasites are
eliminated from the dog's system, your dog's weight should improve.
Surgery, drug reactions, stress, heart disease, and other
issues may also cause weight loss in canines. If your dog is refusing to eat,
losing weight, or has any other digestive or feeding issues, play it safe and
let the veterinarian take a look at your pet. Chances are good that your dog's
weight loss can be managed with your veterinarian's guidance and a few changes
in your dog's routines.
Calm your worries about your dog's weight loss in the
Seattle region by contacting South Seattle Veterinary Hospital
today. We offer a full range of diagnostic and
treatment solutions to address your dog's sudden weight loss.
