Sudden unexplained weight loss in your dog can signal a serious underlying illness. If your dog loses weight without a reasonable explanation such as more exercise or a change in diet, then you should consult your veterinarian, who will give your dog a general examination and do a chemical panel and urinalysis. The values given by these tests will help your vet diagnose what is going on in your dog's body.
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Tooth Problems
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A loss of weight can be due to something as simple as difficulty eating because of painful teeth. Your vet will examine your dog's teeth to see if there are any decayed or loose teeth that might be causing your dog pain when eating. Extracting these teeth will make eating easier for your dog.
Internal Parasites
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Internal parasites such as hookworms can cause serious debilitation and weight loss, especially in puppies and can lead to death. Your vet will examine a stool specimen to see if your dog is infected and provide medication to destroy the parasite and restore your dog to health.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system that creates an inability to metabolize sugar properly. It is a hereditary illness in dogs and can cause symptoms of lethargy, excessive water consumption, excessive urination, and unexplained weight loss or gain. Diabetes is diagnosed by your veterinarian through a blood sugar test. A special diet is required to manage diabetes. Insulin and other medications may be prescribed.
Kidney Disease
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Chronic renal disease often occurs in older pets, but can occur in some breeds of dog at a young age because of hereditary factors. Kidney disease can cause poor appetite, weight loss, and muscle wasting. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, and sometimes vomiting and seizures. It is a very serious condition that must be treated by your veterinarian on an ongoing basis to allow your dog to live as long as possible. Treatments include prescription diets that are easily handled by the kidneys, and a number of medications. Renal transplants have not been successful in dogs
Cancer
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Sudden weight loss is one of the chief symptoms of cancer in dogs. Loss of appetite, abnormal swellings, bleeding or discharge of any kind, lameness or stiffness, difficulty breathing, and offensive odor are a few of the other symptoms. Some breeds of dog are particularly susceptible to cancer. Many of the same things that cause cancer in people also can cause it in dogs. A healthy diet, avoidance of toxic substances, and regular check-ups by a veterinarian are the best ways to avoid cancer. Many cancers in dogs are treated successfully.
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