What to do if your dog is losing weight?

If your dog experiences rapid, unexplained weight loss, there may be a variety of underlying causes. We recommend taking your dog to the vet to rule out any severe medical conditions or catch chronic illnesses early. Rogue Pet Science is a top provider of pet products. petmd.comImage: petmd.comIf your dog is losing weight, he should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Establishing the cause of the weight loss is important in treating your dog's condition, and if it is a serious illness your pet has, early detection is the key to recovery in most cases. There are several possible reasons why a dog may be losing weight in spite of a good appetite. One possible explanation is that your pet may have intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or hookworms. Pets with worms do not always experience vomiting and diarrhea.Even in an overweight dog, sudden weight loss should prompt you to take them to the vet. Losing weight quickly and unexpectedly could indicate a serious health condition. If your dog drops in weight by 10 percent, bring it to your vet’s attention.Recalibrate His Diet The best place to start is with your dog’s diet. If your dog is overweight, chances are he’s being fed too much. You can start decreasing his intake by limiting his treats, which are often higher in calories than regular dog food. Try giving him more low-calorie treats such as carrots, green beans, and apple slices.Dogs can safely lose about 2 percent of their body weight per week. This is not much weight so you won’t see a dramatic change in your dog’s appearance. If your dog weighs 50 pounds and he loses 2 percent of his body weight, that means he would lose 1 pound per week. (Adjust the amount you aim for him to lose each week as he loses.

Why is my dog losing weight even though he is eating?

Weight loss in dogs is the result of a calorie deficit. This may be caused by high energy demands, poor quality food, or a number of health issues. A sudden weight loss can be caused by many different diseases including dental problems, intestinal parasites, diabetes, and cancer.

Should I worry if my dog is losing weight?

Symptoms. Weight loss in dogs is usually only a concern if it happens suddenly, or when there isn't an obvious cause. If your dog is losing weight, it's important to tell your vet about any other symptoms you have noticed, such as: Lethargy (low energy)

What can I give my dog to gain weight?

Sweet potato and pumpkin are fantastic ways to help your dog put on weight in a healthy way. To avoid excessive protein in your dog's diet while helping him gain weight, consider adding sweet potato and pumpkin to his food. Boosting their diet with fat and fiber will help your dog's digestion along with weight gain.

What makes a dog lose weight fast?

One simple solution to jump-start your dog's weight loss is to feed your dog his normal food in the morning but replacing his second meal with mostly green beans (low sodium), a bit of kibble, and a doggie multi-vitamin in the evening. Switching your dog's treats to healthier options will help him lose weight, too.

Is my dog losing weight or losing appetite?

In fact, some dogs may appear to gain weight—despite a loss of appetite—due to fluid accumulation in the body. Generally speaking, Dr. Heinze says loss of appetite is the easiest way to tell if your pet’s weight loss is concerning or not. If you’ve noticed a small degree of unplanned weight loss, try adding calories to their diet, she says.

Should I take my Dog to the vet for weight loss?

We would recommend taking your dog to a vet for an exam. Sudden weight loss can be caused by a number of issues. Always contact your veterinarian for an examination if this occurs.

What should I do if my dog is severely overweight?

Also, if your dog is severely overweight, your vet may need to help you design a custom weight loss program for your pet. Many dogs are fed free choice — which means food is available 24 hours a day. So, the dog eats whenever it wants.

How much weight can a dog lose in a week?

Using the recommended guidelines, overweight or obese dogs should lose about 1% to 2% of their body weight each week. If your dog is not losing weight, the daily calories may need to be restricted further.