Weight Loss in Older Dogs

Why is My Older Dog Losing Weight?

Weight gain is more common than weight loss in older dogs. If your dog is losing or gaining weight gradually, it is not alarming, but a sudden weight drop is quite concerning. There can be two reasons for its condition - one can be some underlying health condition, and the other can be the requirement for a new diet plan.

When Should You Be Concerned About Weight Loss in Older Dogs?

You must pay attention to your old dog losing weight and muscle mass. Usually, a lean old dog is considered healthy because older dogs are usually not as active as young dogs, this is why their calorie needs are also reduced. If you can see the ribs or spine of an old dog, then it becomes a concern. Are you concerned for your dog? Some of the issues that can cause weight loss are mentioned below:

• Heart disease can be a major problem for weight loss. There are many other symptoms than weight loss due to which you can identify heart problems. Your dog will experience chronic cough, intolerance towards exercise, excessive panting, restlessness, and irregular heartbeat. It can also tire easily.

• Diabetes can also be a major reason for weight reduction. In this case, dogs will experience excessive thirst, urination, repeated urinary infections, lethargy, and an increase in appetite.

• If your dog is facing weight loss alongside dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, less urination, and dark urine, then your furry friend is suffering from diabetes.

• If your dog is experiencing weight loss, increased thirst, blood in urine, loss of appetite, vomiting, and pale gums, the pet might be facing kidney disease.

• If your dog is facing incontinence, wobbling, and lameness alongside weight loss then it is suffering from arthritis.

• If your dog is suffering from weight loss as well as lethargy, unusual bleeding, distended abdomen, limping, and unusual urination, it might be suffering from deadly diseases like cancer.

• Dogs might be losing weight because of difficulty in eating. It may be because of dental issues. Excessive drooling, bad breath, and swollen gums are also symptoms of dental problems.

What Happens When There is No Diagnosis?

Sometimes the major issue causing weight loss remains undetected because of no diagnosis. If there is a deadly disease behind the weight loss in older dogs, it should be diagnosed as soon as possible otherwise it can be life-threatening for your furry friend. You should be aware of what health problems can kill your dog. Diagnosis is important for old dogs' rapid weight loss treatment. 

What Should I Feed My Dog That is Losing Weight?

Your priority should be getting your dog diagnosed because an old dog losing weight and muscle mass is alarming. If any severe disease is responsible for weight loss, you should go for old dog rapid weight loss treatment. If your dog is properly diagnosed but nothing major has been detected, you should consider changing its diet plan. Add a lot of protein to your furry friend’s diet if your dog is losing lean body mass. Eggs, meat, and other sources of protein are the best dog foods for weight gain.

Importance of Changing Dog’s Diet at a Later Stage of Life

You need to make proper dietary modifications in your dog’s diet according to their age. Growing dogs need the most calories because their muscles and bones are still in the developing stage but adult and older dogs have less calorie needs. Weight loss in older dogs is not a common phenomenon. The diet should also be modified according to age. Regular consultations with a vet can help you to know what kind of changes should be made to your dog's diet.