As a fur parent, you’re probably hands-on with your pet’s general health and wellness. You know how much your dog weighs and can precisely notice when they’ve acquired or lost weight. But how much attention do you give to your pet when they’re losing weight? You may not get troubled if you see your pet gaining weight, and you might think their appetite is normal, and there’s nothing to fret about. However, it’s different when your dog suddenly loses weight.
Sudden weight loss in dogs is a major sign that a health condition is developing, so it isn’t something you should take lightly. Now let’s tackle the reasons why canines lose weight.
Why Your Dog Is Losing Weight
Sudden weight loss in dogs and cats should be a cause for concern and is something pet parents should never ignore. Below are five of the possible causes to watch out for.
1. Cancer
If your four-legged friend inexplicably or suddenly loses weight, this could be an early sign of cancer. Since cancer robs the body of important nutrients, sudden weight loss is usually the primary sign.
2. Parasitic infections
Some types of parasites can cause weight loss in pets. Any parasites that obstruct a dog’s digestive system or intestines can influence its appetite, or they might remove vital nutrients from the food your dog consumes. When this happens, their weight loss will be noticeable. Infections caused by these parasites are usually treated with medication.
Heartworms and other serious parasites might be surgically treated or controlled with particular treatments rather than completely removed. The veterinarian can give you directives and suggestions on addressing your pet’s condition. Parasite preventive care and Vaccines for pets in Seymour can help prevent parasitic infections and prevalent dog conditions, so never skip these crucial appointments.
3. Food issues
It’s obvious to see dogs eating less if they don’t like something about their food. A change in diet may be to blame, or perhaps a large pack of dog food started to go bad before your pet had finished it. Giving low-quality dog food or feeding them too little can also result in weight loss.
The next time you take your pet to their regular vet examination, don’t forget to ask about the recommended food options and healthy alternatives to keep their appetite healthy. Want to have discounts on your pet’s preventative care and regular vet checkups? Consider getting pet wellness plans in your area.
4. Gastrointestinal disorders
Any condition that affects your pet’s gastrointestinal system and hinders its ability to absorb nutrients and break down food appropriately can spark weight loss. Dogs might have a healthy appetite, but if their bodies can’t absorb the nutrients from the food they consume, they’ll continue losing weight. However, dogs with inflammatory bowel conditions experience severe symptoms like decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to weight loss.
So if you see the mentioned signs in your furry companion, do not postpone their treatment to get them back in shape and healthy weight. Take them to a vet internist immediately. If you’re looking for an internal medicine veterinarian to examine your pet, you may search the web for “internal medicine vet near me” to see accurate results.
5. Dental issues
Tooth pain makes it challenging to munch on solid foods, which isn’t different for our four-legged friends. Canines are susceptible to dental problems like abscesses, which can affect their appetite and cause extreme pain.