Your dog may be the best companion you could ever have, but that doesn’t mean they’re not struggling with weight issues. Although they may not show it, your dog’s weight can vary greatly from day to day, and it is something you need to be aware of.
Here are seven reasons why your dog may be losing weight and what you can do about it.
They Are Ageing More Gracefully
Owners of older dogs have noticed a difference in their pets’ appearance. Although they may still have plenty of energy, their coats may become shaggier and their joints more prominent. This is especially something you will notice if your dog starts to suffer from arthritis or hip dysplasia. Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine, these illnesses are now treatable. However, this doesn’t mean your dog will escape the pain of ageing gracefully. It just means you can help them feel more comfortable with their body as they get older.
Some things you can do to help your dog age more gracefully include feeding them well and making sure their teeth are brushed regularly. A good diet coupled with some trimming of excess hair around their face will make them look healthier and more appealing. You should consult your veterinarian so they know what measures you are meant to take in terms of your dog’s nutrition.
They Are Lying More Often
Even if your dog doesn’t have an active social life like some dogs do, they will still enjoy spending time with you and lie down when they sense you’re about to give them affection. Unfortunately, this is something owners have noticed, and it might be a sign your dog is feeling insecure about something.
Owners of German Shepherds have noticed a significant increase in this trait over the past few years. Although this may seem like a positive characteristic to you, it is something you need to be aware of. These dogs are famous for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, but if you want a calm, friendly pet, they might not be the best choice. It is also worth noting that German Shepherds are often used in therapy jobs, meaning they get to spend a lot of time with their owners and other dogs. It would be a shame if their desire to be around people made them lose weight.
They Are Under A Lot Of Stress
As previously mentioned, your dog’s weight can vary day to day, and this is something you have to contend with. Even if it isn’t terribly dramatic, a change of a pound or two can make a significant difference in terms of how they look and how comfortable they are with themselves. This variability is a source of frustration for many owners, and it is something you need to be aware of.
If your dog is under a lot of stress, especially if this stress is related to them not feeling comfortable in their own skin, it could be a cause for their weight loss. This is why you need to pay attention to them and how they are acting so you can better understand what is going on. You should also consider getting them a dog stress tester so you can determine what is making them so anxious.
They Are Dealing With A Recent Loss
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, whether it was a friend, family member, or pet, this will definitely be something you are feeling. This is especially true if it was a pet, as they are often the companions who get left behind when their owner goes into a different room. When this happens, the leftover grief can cause your dog to lose weight.
Owners of Australian Shepherds have noticed a massive increase in this trait since the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak. These dogs were among the groups mostly affected by the virus, and their owners were away from home for long periods of time. When they got back, they found their dog had completely recovered from the illness, but they still missed their friend and felt guilty about leaving them behind. This guilt was often manifested in the form of overeating and weight gain. If you’re an owner of an Australian Shepherd or other dogs similarly affected by this issue, be prepared to watch your pet put on a little bit of weight as they come to terms with their new reality. Keep in mind, though, that they will most likely lose this weight once they realize they aren’t being punished for what they’ve gone through.
They Have A Poor Diet
A lot of dogs gain a lot of weight easily, and this is mostly because they are either overfed or underfed. It’s not hard to tell which one it is when you examine their diet. If you notice your dog is constantly reaching for snacks, drinks, or just about anything placed in front of them, it’s probably an indicator they aren’t getting the proper nutrition they need. You should work with your veterinarian to devise a diet plan that will get your dog the right amount of nutrients they need to stay healthy.
They Are Living In Poor Conditions
Certain breeds of dog are more prone to thinning hair, dental abnormalities, breathing issues, and other problems that can make them more susceptible to infection. If you notice your dog constantly licking their lips or trying to inhale stuff, this is probably a sign they are in poor conditions. For instance, dogs that are constantly inhaling dust from the floor or couch are probably living in a dusty environment. This can cause them to suffer from breathing problems which makes them more susceptible to infections. It is also important to note that certain breeds of dog are more likely to develop these conditions, so if you are aware of this, you need to be extra careful when choosing where you feed them and ensure the environment around them is clean.
They Are Vulnerable To Negativity
Your dog’s weight can fluctuate, which means it is something you need to watch out for. This can make your pet more susceptible to unnecessary stress. If you notice your dog is constantly putting on weight and never seems to lose it, this could be a sign they are being bullied or are afraid of something. You should speak to your veterinarian about this so they can advise you on what measures you should be taking to protect your dog.
They Are Unhealthy
Just because a dog is losing weight doesn’t mean they are healthy. Some dogs just have a greater appetite than others, and this can cause them to lose weight no matter what they eat. Your dog may be thin because they are anemic, which is caused by a vitamin deficiency. Certain food types or individual nutrients may also be lacking, which is why you should consult your veterinarian so they can make a more informed recommendation about your dog’s health.
Being overweight increases your dog’s risk of suffering from health complications including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you want a healthy, vibrant dog, be sure to weigh them regularly and ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. One way to do this is by making sure they get adequate sleep and have plenty of time to walk around and get some exercise. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a massive difference in terms of your dog’s quality of life, so be sure to celebrate each pound you lose.
Your Dog’s Personality Might Help You Tell If They Are Stressed Or Sick
Your dog’s personality can be a great indicator of how they are feeling. If you catch them lying around in a state of content relaxation, this is usually a sign they are not stressed or sick. On the other hand, if you see your dog constantly pulling on their chains when they are restrained, this is often a sign they are experiencing some kind of distress – whether it is physical or emotional. You can interact with your dog on many levels to determine how they are feeling, and each interaction reveals something new about their temperament.
You can tell a lot about your dog by observing them in their natural environment. If you want to see how they interact with people and other dogs, take them to a dog park or other social gathering places. Another good idea is to set up a camera and monitor your dog’s reactions throughout the day so you can see what is making them anxious or happy. If you have a teenage daughter who is particularly attached to her dog, it might be a good idea to get them an English Bulldog as a pet so they can experience the joys of having a companion.
Watch Out For These Things If Your Dog Starts Losing Weight
Over the past few years, veterinarians have noticed something about dogs who start losing weight. If your dog starts to lose weight, especially if it’s a significant amount, they may be exhibiting one or more of these signs: