Top 8 Causes Of Weight Loss In Older Dogs
Most health problems result in more than one symptom: weight loss in older dogs can be a sign of several conditions, and it’s often the OTHER symptoms that will give your vet the right clues. If you notice that your senior dog is losing weight, pay close attention to his other bodily functions and behaviors and make a note of anything that seems out of the ordinary. Is there anything else that seems off with your old friend?
This will give your vet more ‘ammunition’ to use when making a diagnosis. Here are the top causes of weight loss in older dogs:
Diabetes
If you notice weight loss and…
Possible Cause:
Diabetes can cause an older dog to lose weight because it stops his body from getting the energy it needs from glucose the way it normally would. So, his body tries to convert fat, or protein into energy instead. This doesn’t work very well at all, and Fido will soon use up any reserves he has, and no matter how much he eats his system can’t keep up and he’ll continue to lose weight. Learn more about diabetes in older dogs.
FAQs
There are a lot of reasons an old dog might start losing weight. It could be a result of natural changes to their metabolism and hormone levels as they get older, which simply means a bit of a change in diet is in order.
However, it could also be a symptom of a medical condition that requires treatment.
Dogs will often go off their food if it is painful for them to eat, either because of dental problems or joint problems that mean their bowl is difficult to access.
A change in their eating arrangements could get them eating normally again.
However, a variety of serious medical conditions can also put them off their food or leave their body unable to properly produce energy from food, and therefore, rely on fat stores instead.
Examples of this include diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease. These will usually be accompanied by other symptoms, which will help you make a diagnosis with your vet.
Why Your Older Dog Is Losing Weight And What To Do?
Is your beloved senior dog losing weight fast and you’re worried about the cause? Petwise shares why it might be happening and what you can do to help.
Your dog is a cherished part of the family. That’s why seeing it age and turn grey can be tough, especially if they start to look thinner.
Losing weight is sometimes nothing to worry about, but it can also be a sign of something serious. Discover what causes can make your dog shed the pounds faster as it gets older below.
Any obvious weight loss in senior pets calls for a visit to the vet. Protecting your hound with dog insurance lifetime cover means you won’t have to worry about medical bills if your canine needs treatment.