How can I tell that my dog is losing weight?
You can identify weight loss in your dog by noticing changes in their body, such as bones becoming more noticeable. When you are at home and petting your dog, feel their body and see if there is a difference, can you feel more bones than normal? You can also pop into your local veterinarian and weigh your pet for an accurate number.
Dr. Meghan Denney
4 Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
Why is it so important to let my vet know my dog is losing weight?
Early intervention in detecting diseases in pets is crucial, as it can significantly impact the prognosis and management of various health conditions. One of the primary indicators of potential organ dysfunction – such as liver, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, or intestinal diseases – is a subtle, gradual weight loss. This change might not be immediately noticeable to pet owners who see their pets daily. It often takes an external observer, like a friend who hasn't seen the pet in a while, to point out that the pet, perhaps named Fluffy, appears unusually thin.
It's essential for pet owners to be vigilant about such changes and cues. Early intervention is key. If you suspect that your dog or cat is losing weight, it's imperative to schedule a veterinary appointment. During the visit, a thorough physical examination and laboratory tests can help determine if there's an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Timely action is vital, as waiting until the pet becomes significantly underweight can lead to severe complications.
Pets with a healthy body weight can generally fight off infections with standard treatments, such as antibiotics. However, for pets that are severely underweight, even a simple urinary tract infection can become life-threatening. Without adequate energy reserves, their ability to combat infections and other conditions is greatly compromised.
Does it matter if my dog is young and losing weight?
No, weight loss is a concern regardless of age. Dogs should be maintaining their weight. If you notice your dog has GI issues, make an appointment to see your vet. Puppies don’t have the best immune systems yet, so we need to act fast. The longer we wait, the more severe issues can become and the harder it is to fight back to health.
If you think your dog is slowly losing weight, please give us a call, and let's schedule an appointment to figure out what's going on.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram