- A wide variety of conditions and problems can cause weight loss in dogs. Here are five reasons why your pet may be avoiding meals or losing weight.
1. Food Issues
Have you changed your dog's diet recently, or has their standard dog food been reformulated? Some dogs are picky eaters who don't adjust well to changes in their diets. Even if their kibble manufacturer has only changed a few ingredients in their dog food recipe, a picky dog may notice and turn their nose up at the strange new tastes and smells.
Dogs may also develop food aversion in stressful situations. For example, if you bring a new pet home or you have an aggressive dog that eats near a submissive dog, the submissive dog may be too fearful or anxious at mealtimes to eat.
If you've moved recently, the tap water may taste different than the tap water at your old place. If you mix your dog's kibble with water to moisten their meal, the changed flavor of the water may be putting your dog off from eating.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the canine diseases that can cause rapid weight loss in dogs. Dogs who lose weight because of diabetes often show other symptoms along with food aversion and declining condition.
Along with unexplained weight loss, signs of diabetes in dogs may include the following symptoms:
- Excessive water consumption
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Cataract formation
As with the human disease, canine diabetes mellitus is a disease in which a dog lacks enough insulin to break down blood sugar for nutrition. Without proper levels of insulin, a dog's system begins breaking down proteins and fats to use for energy, which eventually leads to serious physical decline in the pet.
If your dog's veterinarian suspects your dog has diabetes mellitus, the veterinarian will run tests including blood glucose tests and urinalysis. Treatment for canine diabetes mellitus normally includes insulin injections and a specialized diet.
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