Rapid Weight Loss In Elderly Dogs
It is not unusual for geriatric dogs to become very thin and emaciated just because of old age but in many cases this weight loss is due to some degenerative disorders such as chronic renal or hepatic insufficiencies and or some types of malignancies.
Rapid weight loss in elderly dogs. Since many diseases which cause weight loss are more common in older dogs eliminating a serious issue as the cause is essential. Let s backtrack for a moment. If your dog is losing weight unexpectedly it can be an indication of an underlying health or behavioral issue that requires veterinary attention.
Why your dog is losing weight. Weight loss is generally viewed positively by owners and vets. Dogs with tapeworms are particularly exposed to weight loss.
If your old dog has gotten fat because of inactivity too much food too many treats or you adopted a fat old dog like i did then helping your dog get to a healthy weight is a very good thing. Weight loss in older dogs can have no cause other than age but there is a chance it could be a sign of something else. A gradual loss of weight in a dog is okay and even beneficial if it is expected or there is an obvious reason for it such as an increase in exercise or a deliberate change of diet.
As dogs eat less weight loss is common. In an otherwise happy healthy older dog this isn t usually cause for concern. Senior and obese dogs are more prone to developing diabetes.
However some owners have the opposite problem struggling to have their dog keep weight on. A dog suffering from an intestinal tapeworm for example suffers from a lack of nutrients and loses weight because the tapeworm is consuming all of the food eaten by the dog. In fact most owners find themselves seeking out low calorie dog foods to promote weight loss when their older dogs start packing on extra pounds.
Natalie stilwell dvm ms phd unplanned or rapid weight loss in dogs while not uncommon can be alarming for any pet owner. Dogs with parasites often exhibit rapid and sudden weight loss. However diabetes may be a genetic disease.