5 reasons why your dog is losing weight

What should a healthy dog ​​look like?

Each breed has its own standards. Some dogs are denser (for example, Rottweilers), others look like elegant porcelain figurines (for example, Whippets). But there is a “cheat sheet” for all dogs without exception:

Good physical condition is when the dog’s ribs are easily palpable with the fingers, but do not protrude through the skin. The pelvic bones also do not protrude. That eats the outlines of the ribs and pelvic bones that you do not see in your dog.

If the ribs are hard to feel, the dog is overweight. If, on the contrary, they protrude and if the pelvic bones are visible, the dog is underweight.

Usually, problems with weight are accompanied by a deterioration in the quality of wool: it becomes dull, begins to fall out. And the dog itself becomes lethargic or restless.

What is poor appetite?

Any of us may not have an appetite. Like this, for no reason. And it’s the same with dogs. If your pet missed yesterday’s dinner or today’s lunch, it’s perfectly normal. Maybe it’s too hot outside, or he’s just not in the mood.

But if the dog does not approach food at all for two days or more, this is a serious reason to consult a veterinarian. Today, without delay.

Why is the dog losing weight?

Most often, the dog loses weight for the following reasons. The most common are 5.

• Diseases and infection with helminths

These could be chronic pet conditions that you already know about and are struggling with. And there may be ones you don’t even know about.

Most diseases are accompanied not only by weight loss, but also by other symptoms. However, at the initial stage, they may not appear or appear weakly. You may not notice anything.

Weight loss may be associated with helminthic invasion. Even a pet that rarely visits the street and does not come into contact with other animals can become infected with helminths. As long as there are few parasites in the body, they do not give themselves away. But the dog may already be starting to lose weight.

The first thing to do if your dog starts to lose weight is to take him to the veterinarian. This will help to identify the true cause of weight loss.

• Indigestion disorder

Any digestive disorders – diarrhea or constipation – can cause a dog to lose weight quickly. If the dog had loose stools in the morning, but by the evening everything returned to normal, there is no reason to panic. But if the problems with the stool drag on for several days, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian and find the cause.

Prolonged diarrhea leads to dehydration. For weakened animals and small puppies, this can end in death.

• Stress

You may think that the dog’s life has not changed, but let’s think again. Perhaps she had an illness? Or did you change the food? Or the neighbors started a noisy renovation? Or maybe a child or a new pet has appeared in your house?

Any change in your dog’s routine can cause stress. And stress is a close friend of weight loss.

If the problem is stress, try to eliminate the irritant. If this is not possible, help the dog adapt to it. Suspicious dogs will help special sedatives. Their choice must be agreed with the veterinarian. Feel free to seek help from animal psychologists. They will help you understand your dog better.

• Pain when chewing

The dog may refuse to eat because it hurts to eat. Perhaps her tongue or palate is injured. Or maybe a toothache.

Ear diseases can also cause pain when moving the jaws.

Carefully inspect the pet’s oral cavity: the condition of the teeth and mucous membranes. Check the condition of the auricles: there is no copious discharge. Consult with a veterinarian.

• Inappropriate diet and insufficient drinking

We saved the most popular reason for weight loss for last. In 90% of cases, the dog loses weight due to malnutrition.

It may be that the selected food is not suitable for her. Please note that the main ingredient in dog food should be meat. If cereals are in the first place, then here it is, your reason. And one more important point: the food should be complete and balanced. This means that it contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the dog and there is no need to supplement the dog with anything else.

The dog may not have enough fluids. Because of this, she can burp dry food, and the body will not receive enough energy.

Feed changes, overindulging in treats, supplementing food from the table, underserving or overfeeding can all lead to poor eating habits and weight problems.

Make sure the food you choose is right for your dog and that you are following the nutritional allowance indicated on the package. Enlist the help of a breeder: professional breeders know all about the nuances of feeding dogs of their breed.

Not only the quality of the feed is important, but also the quality of its storage. The dog may refuse food because it smells “somehow wrong” or has been in the bowl for a long time. When buying, carefully check the integrity of the packaging and follow the rules for storing food at home.

We have listed the most common causes of weight loss. There are others: for example, intense heat on the street, the period of rehabilitation after surgery or an illness, taking medications, an unsuitable place for feeding, and others. In these cases, the weight usually returns to normal as soon as the body recovers. But we strongly recommend keeping your finger on the pulse and enlisting the support of a veterinarian. It’s never too much!

The ideal weight for your pets. Let them feel good!