Weight fluctuations as your dog ages are to be expected but what is too much when it comes to weight loss? Here, our Rockland County vets talk about weight loss in older dogs and when it becomes a concern.
Why is my old dog losing weight?
While it is true that a large number of dogs tend to get chonkier as they age, some dogs start to lose weight. The question you may be asking yourself is why is my old dog losing weight? There are two categories that this answer can take either there is an underlying condition and it is a symptom of a larger issue or your dog’s aging process requires a different balance in their diet.
Reasons Why Your Old Dog is Losing Weight and Muscle Mass
There are a number of common causes behind a senior dog losing weight. These issues are liver/gallbladder disease, dehydration, dental issues, 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 will present with other symptoms that accompany weight loss.
The best thing you can do for your senior dog that is losing weight is to observe them for the other symptoms so you can inform the vet so they can diagnose your dog quicker. 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 No Underlying Medical Issues are Causing Weight Loss
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 their current diet and the amount of protein, fat, and fiber they are getting and if you would like to learn more about what to feed an old dog that is losing weight. If your old dog is losing weight but still eating then you should definitely contact your vet right away to schedule an exam.
Final Thoughts
If your senior dog is losing a significant amount of weight rapidly go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you are concerned about your dog's weight in general, bring it up with your veterinarian at your senior dog's bi-annual routine exam.
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.