Eight issues which are commonly the root problem in elderly dogs where weight loss is a symptom. These issues are liver/gallbladder disease, dehydration, dental issues, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Each one of these issues needs to be diagnosed and addressed by your vet.
There are some occasions in which weight loss can indicate a problem – particularly when it occurs in older dogs. Most geriatric animals lose a little muscle mass as they age (your grandma probably can't bench press as much as she used to), so a bit of weight loss is not necessarily unusual or cause for concern.
As joints degenerate over time, bony spurs develop to provide increased stability. And while they often don't result in any symptoms, they can cause pain, lameness, and reduced flexibility for dogs.
Especially early on these dogs actually will have a big appetite and eat more than before, while losing weight. The reason behind this is that their pancreas stops producing enough insulin which is necessary for the body to absorb blood sugar. Your dog is essentially starving as he is eating.
With senior dogs, in particular, when their spine sticks out, it could mean that they have spondylosis. If you believe your pup has a spinal problem, even if it is caused by old age, it's crucial that you take them to their veterinarian for a check-up.
Usually, yes. If your dog's spine is easily felt with a thin layer of fat, it's most likely normal and indicates your dog is at a healthy weight. That being said, if your dog's backbone protrudes, it may be an indication that your dog is on the thin side (depending on breed and conformation).
Is It Bad If You Can Feel Your Dog's Spine? No, it is entirely normal to feel your dog's spine. However, it should not be very pronounced. This can indicate your dog is underweight.
Like most of us, you probably know some elderly people who have put on weight as they aged, but also others who've lost some. Dogs are just the same, and may shed extra pounds due to muscle wastage, poor digestion, and having less appetite.
An aging dog can experience atrophy of muscles. As dogs age, their nutritional needs change and they are not able to process protein in the same way. Therefore, senior dogs may need a specialized diet with easily processed protein sources to help them maintain muscle mass.
Its a loss of hind leg muscle and strength, and its usually from arthritis or hip dysplasia. Dogs are designed to carry about 2/3 of their body weight on the front end and only 1/3 on their back legs.
When weight loss occurs in older dogs there is a good chance that it is caused by an underlying health condition. These issues include liver/gallbladder disease, dehydration, dental, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Each one of these issues needs to be diagnosed and addressed by your vet.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
Underlying Health Conditions
Being underweight can also signal an underlying illness, especially if the weight loss is sudden. A number of health issues can cause weight loss in dogs, ranging from tooth pain to gastrointestinal discomfort to more serious conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary and is especially common in larger dogs, like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition.
Walking is a great way to strengthen your dog's back legs. If you're walking your pet, keep it slow and short. After all, a long walk could end up doing more harm than good. You could take your dog for a swim or try stretching your pet's hind legs for more strength.
Protein is a priority
“If the dog is losing lean body mass then a diet higher in protein may be necessary,” says Wakshlag. Protein is necessary to build and maintain muscles, and as dogs age, they often stop synthesizing as much protein on their own — increasing the need for it in their diet.
Arthritis is stiffness in the joints that can affect the hind legs and cause weakness. Older dogs are especially at risk. As a dog ages, the cartilage between the joints may deteriorate, which can cause inflammation and pain.
When muscle atrophy in dogs is caused by inactivity, it is often possible to reverse the muscle loss with exercise and adequate nutrition. As dogs get older, their nutritional needs may change. They may also become sensitive to certain nutrients.
Why Is My Dog Getting So Skinny? 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.
Vestibular disease is the main reason why an older dog may experience a sudden loss of balance and an inability to stand or walk normally. How can you tell if a dog has a vestibular disease? A few of the signs include dizziness, stumbling or wobbly steps, and falling over.
The aging profile of dogs varies according to their adult size (often determined by their breed): smaller dogs often live over 15–16 years (no longer than 20 years), medium and large size dogs typically 10 to 20 years, and some giant dog breeds such as mastiffs, often only 7 to 8 years.
When you look at your dog's body, if you can see its ribs clearly, then your dog is underweight, according to the Iams website. Visible ribs on a dog are a sign that your dog has little body fat and may suffer from some type of illness.
You should be able to feel the ribs with a slight covering of muscle over them. But they shouldn't be visible, feel like sharp ridges or be poking out. It's important to really feel them with your fingertips rather than just looking, as many dogs' coats will hide the ribs from view.
Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is characterized by the presence of bony spurs or osteophytes along the edges of the bones of the spine.
Don't pick up a dog by the scruff of the neck. Don't pick them up by the front legs (or “underarms”) like a baby—it can strain their ligaments. There are many steps we can take to give our dogs the best shot at a healthy, full life....