Common Reasons Why Your Dog Is Having Trouble Gaining Weight
Posted on: 12 September 2018
While many dog owners struggle with overweight dogs these days, it's possible that your dog is having the opposite problem. Dogs, as well as cats, horses, or any other animal, can also become dangerously underweight even if he or she is eating well. Sometimes, it may simply be a sign that your dog has a high metabolism, but if your dog was previously a normal weight or overweight and is now getting thin, then it's a sign of something more serious. Here are common reasons why your dog may have trouble gaining weight.
Diabetes
Type I diabetes can wreak havoc on your dog's metabolism. Your dog may seem excessively hungry but still loses weight because the body can't properly utilize the nutrients in the food. Diabetes can also cause excessive thirst and water loss.
Parasites
Parasites in the gut can also interfere with food metabolism and nutrient absorption which can cause weight loss. Other symptoms of a parasite infection include scooting along the carpet, diarrhea, and vomiting. Parasites need to be addressed immediately as they can spread to other pets or even humans.
Poor Food Nutrition/Food Allergies
Sometimes, the food you're using might not be nutritious enough for your pet to maintain a normal weight. There might be too few calories or insufficient nutrients. If your dog also has a food allergy then that, too, can contribute to weight loss as your dog can't properly digest the material.
Disease
Some diseases interfere with food absorption and can affect your pet's metabolism and appetite. If your pet is suffering from watery or loose stools or vomits often, then that is also a sign of a possible disease. Your veterinarian can run tests to pinpoint the exact problem. Make sure you are up to date with all necessary pet vaccinations.
Medications
If you are giving your dog any kind of medication, including flea and tick medicines, then they could cause weight loss. Some medications cause stomach upset or bowel problems that result in undigested or under digested food.
Underfeeding
If you find that your dog is otherwise energetic and active, but seems consistently hungry, then it's possible that you're just not feeding him or her enough. Check with your veterinarian if you are not sure how much your dog should weigh for his or her size or breed. He or she can also give you advice on how much to feed your dog
If you find that your dog is underweight, or has suddenly started losing a lot of weight despite eating normally, then a medical checkup is necessary. This is especially true if your dog is showing signs of ill health like diarrhea or lethargy. Any time you think your dog is ill, contact a veterinarian for an appointment.
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