Weight loss

How do I recognize weight loss in my dog?

Weight loss in dogs is not always easy to notice, especially if your dog has a lot of fur or moves around a lot. To determine if your dog is losing weight, you should weigh him regularly and assess his body condition. You can do this by following the steps below:

• Weigh your dog at least once a month and record his weight. Compare the current weight with the previous one and look for deviations of more than 10%.
• Feel your dog's ribs, spine and hip bones. If you can clearly feel or even see them, your dog is too thin. If you can't feel them at all, your dog is too fat.
• Look at your dog's waist. If you look at your dog from above, you should see a slight indentation behind the ribs. If you look at your dog from the side, you should see a slight bulge in the belly.
• Observe your dog's behavior. If your dog has less appetite, is lethargic, is vomiting, or has diarrhea, this may indicate weight loss.

If you notice one or more of these signs in your dog, you should take him to the vet to find out the cause.

What are the most common causes of weight loss in dogs?

Weight loss in dogs can have many different causes, which can vary depending on your dog's age, breed and health. Some of the most common causes are:

• Parasites: Worms, fleas and other parasites can infest your dog's intestines or blood and lead to a lack of nutrients. This can lead to weight loss, anemia, diarrhea and other symptoms. Parasites can be detected by a fecal sample or blood test and treated with appropriate medication.
• Infections: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can weaken your dog's organism and lead to fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Infections can be diagnosed by a clinical examination or a blood test and treated with antibiotics or other medication.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to it properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. If blood sugar levels are too high, this can lead to weight loss, increased thirst and urination, weakness and other symptoms. Diabetes can be diagnosed by a blood test or urine test and requires lifelong treatment with insulin injections and a special diet.
• Cancer: Cancer is an uncontrolled cell division that can lead to tumors or metastases in various organs. Cancer can lead to weight loss, pain, loss of appetite, fatigue and other symptoms. Cancer can be diagnosed by clinical examination, X-ray, ultrasound or biopsy and can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, depending on its type and stage.

These are just some of the possible causes of weight loss in dogs. There are many other conditions that can lead to weight loss, such as kidney failure, liver disease, thyroid problems, dental problems or mental health issues. Therefore, it is important to have your dog examined regularly by a vet and to pay attention to changes in his weight and behavior.

How can I help my dog to maintain or increase his weight?

If your dog is losing weight, you should first find out the cause and have it treated. In addition, you can take some measures to help your dog maintain or gain weight. These include:

• Feeding your dog a high-quality, high-calorie food that meets his nutritional needs. You can also add wet food or special supplements to increase appetite and calorie intake. Ask your vet about the optimal amount and frequency of food for your dog.
• Offer your dog fresh water and make sure he drinks enough. Water is important for digestion, kidney function and hydration. If your dog doesn't drink enough, it can lead to dehydration, urinary tract infections and other problems.
• Keep your dog active and motivated. Exercise is good for your dog's muscles, joints, heart and circulation. Exercise can also improve your dog's appetite and mood. Play with your dog, take him for a walk or offer him interesting toys. However, make sure that you don't overexert him or cause him stress.
• Show your dog love and affection. Your dog needs your attention, praise and cuddles to feel safe and happy. If your dog feels neglected or lonely, this can lead to depression, anxiety or behavioral problems. Spend time with your dog, talk to him and show him that you care about him.