Signs of Malnourishment in Dogs

Malnourishment could be an indication that a dog is being abused, though it can also indicate an illness or disease. Because malnourishment isn't necessarily an indication that the animal is being neglected or abused, responsible pet owners should be aware of the signs of a malnourished dog.

  1. Energy

    • Dogs should be energetic and mobile. When dogs aren't excited when you come home or they don't get up if someone knocks on your door, they might be malnourished. An animal with low energy also could be an indication that the dog is ill. When combined with vomiting, low energy could mean that the dog is sick. Worms and other conditions can cause an animal to lose nourishment from its food and cause the low energy.

    Appearance

    • Though many dogs' ribs are visible even when they receive proper nutrition, an extremely thin-looking dog is perhaps the most obvious sign of malnourishment. The rib cage is the best area to look because it is the area with the least amount of hair coverage. The hip area is another effective location to check for signs of gaping bones. Malnourished dogs also may be limping and they often look like they are in pain when they sit down.

    Dehydration

    • Dehydration is evident if a dog has no skin elasticity. By pinching the dog's skin around the shoulder and observing if it bounces back quickly, you can determine whether the dog is dehydrated. The skin should bounce back immediately. Dogs should always have water available to drink. When pinching the skin, notice if there is any hair loss. Hair thickness can be another indication of malnourishment. Pull the hair gently to see if it stays on the skin or pulls off.

    Actions

    • If you suspect a dog is malnourished, you should call a veterinarian immediately. Diagnosing a dog's issues yourself is extremely difficult because your animal won't be able to communicate its problems. By screening the animal, veterinarians are able to determine precisely what is causing the symptoms that resemble malnourishment. Police should be called if you suspect an animal has been abused or is neglected by its owner.