Why your dog is losing weight reviewed and updated for accuracy on december 10, 2019, by dr natalie stilwell, dvm, ms, phd unplanned or rapid weight loss in dogs, while not uncommon, can be alarming for any pet owner if your dog is losing weight unexpectedly, it can be an indication of an underlying health or behavioral issue that requires veterinary attention. Rapid weight loss in a dog. An unplanned weight loss of more than 10% of a dog’s body weight is considered abnormal weight loss occurs because calories absorbed from the diet do not meet the calories being used by the body this can occur due to many factors including excessive cold or physical activity, disease states that heighten the metabolic rate, insufficient calories or poor diet, inability to ingest the diet.
rapid weight loss in a dog
A gradual loss of weight in a dog is okay and even beneficial if it is expected or there is an obvious reason for it (such as an increase in exercise or a deliberate change of diet) unexplained rapid weight loss, however, is a concern and should be checked by your veterinarian as soon as you become aware of it. A dog with parasites may lose weight. dogs with tapeworms are particularly exposed to weight loss. the tapeworm resides in the dog’s intestine and feeds on the food consumed by the dog; consequently, the dog is deprived by essential nutrients and will get thinner. 3. liver disease. A dog with parasites can experience sudden and rapid weight loss. for example, a tapeworm lives in a dog’s intestines and consumes the food eaten by the dog. the dog is then deprived of nutrients and becomes extremely thin..
