Holistic Ways of Putting Weight on Underweight Older Dogs

Loss of appetite and weight loss are common in older dogs. Occasionally weight loss can be indicative of an underlying health problem, so if your pet suddenly starts refusing to eat or rapidly loses weight, take him to the vet. Health issues associated with weight loss in older dogs include diabetes, parasitic infections and severe dental issues. Treat underweight dogs in holistic ways by taking into consideration all aspects of their life, formulating a weight gain plan and building a foundation for long-term optimum health.

  1. Food Temperature

    • A dog's sense of smell and taste may diminish with age. Dog food should always be at room temperature, but senior dogs may find warmer food more appealing as this makes the food's smell more potent. Add a little warm water or broth to dry food. This softens the food, making it easier to chew for dogs with dental issues and increases the smell, making it more palatable. You can also place canned food in the microwave for a few seconds.

    The Right Food

    • Choose the right food for your dog's age and needs. Senior dog foods are typically low in protein and fat. While this may be appropriate for most senior companions, an underweight older dog can put a little weight back on just by being on a palatable high protein, high fat diet. Keep your companion on a regular feeding schedule.

    Variety

    • Add cooked vegetables to the dog's food. Steam or boil vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower and add a few florets to your companion's meals. This will add variety to your dog's diet and may increase his interest in food. Vegetables are also high in fiber and may help regulate older dog's digestion and blood sugar levels.

    Small Meals

    • Switch your dog's feeding schedule to three or four small meals a day. One or two large meals may be too much for an older dog's digestive system. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your underweight dog a daily multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement to help correct any existing nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to malnourishment and weight loss.

    Alternative Healing

    • Explore holistic ways of boosting your dog's wellness levels and appetite. Reiki is a non-invasive form of energy healing. Practitioners claim dogs suffering from decreased appetite or loss of energy can benefit greatly from Reiki sessions. During a Reiki session the practitioner places her hands, through which healing energy is supposed to be transmitted, on or near the patient. The practice of Reiki has no side effects. Other forms of alternative healing, such as acupuncture, may help boost an older dog's appetite.