Why is my dog losing a lot of weight?

LOSS OF WEIGHT IN DOGS

Causes, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention of weight loss in dogs

Didi, a 4-year-old Boerboel, gradually lost weight from 38 kg to 21 kg in 2 months, despite having a normal appetite.

OWNER: Didi did not show any abnormalities within the 2 months of weight loss; he was lively and did everything like a normal dog.

I have tried to increase the amount of food, give him multivitamins, and change the type and feeding time, but all were in vain. No change has been seen, but he is steadily losing weight.

VET DOCTOR: We shall start with a physical examination; if a definitive diagnosis is obtained, no blood samples will be picked. However, if the clinical signs are not pathognomonic, blood samples will be taken to assist in further diagnosis.

Physical examination results of DIDI 

Rectal temperature 38.6°C, respiratory rate 24 bpm, heart rate 85 bpm, pale mucous membranes, body condition score 2/5, rough hair coat, dry muzzle

Blood samples for the total blood picture and kidney and liver function tests were picked and run.

Lab results indicated liver damage.

Didi was given liver tonics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Didi slowly recovered, and he has a happy, healthy life.

How do I tell if my dog has lost weight?

Depending on the breed, sex, age, and physiological state, dogs are supposed to have attained a particular body weight; failure to attain that weight is an indicator of an abnormality in the environment or their body.

Techniques for monitoring the body weight of a dog:

Regular weighing of dogs: pets can be weighed regularly (weekly or monthly) to assess their body condition.

Observation involves keenly looking at the lateral and dorsal views of a dog at a close distance to examine the prominence of the bones.

Lateral view: the contours of the ribs are easily seen in dogs that have lost weight.

Dorsal view: the prominence of pelvic bones, backbones, and waist is obvious in dogs that have lost weight.

Palpation: in dogs that have lost weight, the bones are easily felt on touch. In dogs with the correct weight, the bones are not obvious due to a layer of muscles and adipose tissues under the skin.

Body condition score (BCS) of dogs; scale of 1–5

B.C.S. 1: The ribs and backbone are visible from a distance, and there is no body fat.

B.C.S. 2: Ribs may be visible and easily felt. Obvious waist marking when viewed from above.

B.C.S. 3: Ribs can be felt without an excessive fat layer.

B.C.S. 4: Ribs can be felt with difficulty under a heavy fat layer.

B.C.S. 5: Fat deposits over the neck, limbs, and backbone with obvious abdominal distention

What are the causes of weight loss in dogs?

Liver disease

Kidney disease

Stress

Infectious diseases

Congenital abnormalities

Poor feeding

Gastrointestinal tract disturbances

Cancerous conditions

Diabetes

Dental problems

Heart disease

Gastro-intestinal ulcers

Megaesophagus

Worms

What are the treatments and prevention methods for weight loss in dogs?

Avoid inbreeding

Regular deworming

Proper feeding

Proper vaccination

Proper hygiene

Routine health checkups

Early detection of weight loss is so difficult for pet owners who rarely interact with their dogs. We urge pet owners to create time for their dogs for early detection of any abnormalities.

Contact us call / WhatsApp +256771909946 for free consultations on the current state of your pet 

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