dog losing weight and lethargic
Weight loss. 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.. Drastic weight loss and loss of appetite can be indications that your dog is suffering from cancer. The dog can lose weight despite eating normal portions. Labwork revealed high WBC, and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. My dog has been lethargic and losing weight for 2 months now, and has been treated for pancreatitis 2 times. These are discussed in details below. It’s often the sign of a gastrointestinal tumor. This last episode started 4 weeks ago. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. This usually occurs when the body uses and/or excretes essential nutrients faster than it can consume them. Treating the causes has benefits beyond keeping your dog at a healthy weight. The most common cause of lethargy and loss of appetite in dogs is infection or disease. Causes of a Dog Losing Weight. Because cancer changes the way the body uses nutrients, weight loss is often one of the first symptoms that dog owners observe in their sick pets. A dog losing weight may be caused by something as simple as getting the portion quantities wrong. Radiographs revealed inflammation in her intestines. If your dog is losing weight unexpectedly, it can be an indication of an underlying health or behavioral issue that requires veterinary attention. An unplanned weight loss of more than 10% of a dog’s body weight is considered abnormal. Be aware that even some benign symptoms, such as increased thirst coupled with weight loss, can be a symptom of kidney failure or diabetes. Weight loss occurs because calories absorbed from the diet do not meet the calories being used by the body. Weight loss. This is not a cause for worry, as the dog will soon gain back the weight. This is because the dog isn’t efficiently converting nutrients from its food. The list of possible causes of lethargy in older animals includes excess weight, cancer, osteoarthritis, pain (orthopedic, dental, and cancer-related pain are the most common), diabetes, heart disease, canine hypothyroidism and infections, such as tick-borne diseases in dogs and feline FIV.. Many of the viral infections such as distemper and parvovirus present with lethargy and loss of appetite. Choosing to treat the common reasons behind weight loss in dogs will prolong their life – and keep them comfortable. Finding the root cause of weight loss is the first step. Exercise Intolerance in Young and Older Pets Weight loss is the number-one dog cancer symptom Dr. Zaidel says he sees. One of the conditions confused with malnourishment is poor nutrition. Remember that weight loss in old dogs isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. Kidney and liver function were reportedly normal. It’s also an indicator of liver disease and heart problems. A pregnant dog may lose weight in the first stage of the pregnancy as she lacks appetite due to nausea. Mal-nourishment. If your dog suffers from persistent and dramatic weight loss, which again is defined as 10% of more of its body weight, then you may be looking at some of the serious conditions covered earlier. Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. Sudden weight loss is often accompanied by other symptoms such as poor muscle function, dull coat, dry skin, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or depression. Lethargy And Loss Of Appetite In Dogs. Why Your Dog Is Losing Weight. There also are serious health problems that can lead to rapid loss of weight in dogs.