Older Dog's Weight
While it is true that a large number of dogs tend to get chunkier as they start to get 'up there' in years, some dogs may actually start to lose weight. But a dog gaining weight as they age is a bit unnatural, isn't it? That's difficult to answer. There are a couple of common reasons why senior dogs gain weight. The first is that weight gain can be a symptom of a more significant underlying health issue. The second common reason for weight gain in older dogs is that they are eating more calories than they expend throughout the day.
But if your dog is eating as much as they ever did but seems to be losing weight, what could be the cause?
Causes of Weight Loss in Senior Dogs
There are eight main issues that lead senior dogs to lose weight These issues are liver/gallbladder disease, dehydration, dental health problems, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Each one of these issues needs to be diagnosed and addressed by your vet. Most of these root causes of weight loss will likely present with other symptoms as well.
The best thing you can do for your senior dog is to observe their symptoms and provide details to your veterinarian. The more details your vet has, the easier it will be for them to reach a quick and reliable diagnosis.
The symptoms that can present with each condition are as follows.
Liver/gallbladder disease
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Fever
- Pain
- Pale or yellow gums
- Yellowing of skin/eyes
Dehydration
- Dry gums
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Less urination
- Dark urine
Dental Issues
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating/chewing
- Bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
Kidney disease
- Increased thirst
- Excessive urination (may contain blood)
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Lethargy
Heart disease
- A chronic cough
- Tires easily
- Exercise intolerance
- Excessive panting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Restlessness
Diabetes
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy
- Repeated urinary tract infections
Cancer
- Lethargy
- Unusual bleeding
- Lumps, bumps, or swelling
- Distended abdomen
- Limping or lameness
- Unusual urination – frequency or amount
Arthritis
- Wobbling
- Lameness
- Scuffing the toes
- Incontinence
What to Do If The Cause of Your Dog's Weight Loss is Unknown
If your vet can’t find any underlying cause for the weight loss, it might be time to change your dog's diet. Consult with your veterinarian about your dog's current diet and the amount of protein, fat, and fiber they are getting. Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable food for your senior dog and calculate your dog's approximate calorie expenditure. From there you will be able to measure out the precise amount of food your dog needs each day and get your dog back up to a healthy weight.
In Conclusion
If your senior dog is losing weight rapidly, schedule an examination for your pup as soon as possible. If you are concerned about your dog's weight, bring it up with your veterinarian at your dog's bi-annual checkup.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.