Weight fluctuations happen, especially as your pup begins to age. While most of the time it's caused by natural changes there may be an underlying condition behind it. Here, our Bakersfield vets talk about the reasons behind weight loss in older dogs and when it becomes a concern.
Weight Changes in Dogs as they Age
When a dog gets older you may see their weight change. This can either be seen in the form of weight gain or weight loss. The question you may be asking yourself is why is my 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.
When is weight loss in older dogs a concern?
There are certain conditions that are commonly at the root of an old dog losing weight and muscle mass. 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 you may see with each of these conditions are:
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 happens when there doesn't seem to be a cause?
If your vet has assessed your dog for all possible underlying conditions then it may be time to focus on their diet. You can speak with your vet if you would like to learn more about what to feed an old dog that is losing weight.
Final Thoughts on Weight Loss in Older Dogs
If your senior dog is losing a significant amount of weight rapidly go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your old dog is losing weight but still eating, 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.