Sometimes weight loss in pets is a good thing; but if you are suddenly noticing ribs on Fluffy or Fido it can be cause for concern. If your pet is losing weight, it is important to ask yourself why it is happening. Weight loss can be a normal physiologic occurrence, but sometimes it is a symptom of a problem.
What Causes Pet Weight Loss
If you understand how and why people lose weight, you can easily understand why pets lose weight. A pet’s body weight is a function of the
calories he or she consumes and the calories that are burned. A decrease in your pet’s intake or an increase in the amount of energy the pet is using on a daily basis will result in the loss of weight.
Causes of “Normal” Pet Weight Loss
Sometimes when a pet loses weight it is as a result of factors outside of the body. In other words, there is nothing wrong with the pet but rather something else is affecting his or her caloric intake or expenditure. This includes:
Decreased Food Intake – Sometimes a pet will stop eating as much as before, resulting in decreased calorie intake. A stressful situation such as a move, competition for food, or a change in the weather might result in this.
Decreased Calorie Content – Even if a pet is still eating as much as always, changing the diet, treats, or accessibility to table scraps can result in a lower daily calorie total, resulting in weight loss.
Increased Exercise – If a pet suddenly becomes more active, he or she will burn more calories than previously. Adding a new pet to the house, going for more walks in the summertime, or moving to a home with a fenced yard might all result in increased exercise for a pet.
Diseases That Cause Pet Weight Loss
Weight loss, especially persistent or dramatic weight loss, in pets can be a symptom of an underlying disease process. While many problems can cause a pet to lose weight, some of the more common problems include:
- Thyroid disease (especially in cats)
- Liver disease
- Periodontal/dental disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease
- Diabetes
- Feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus
What To Do If Your Pet is Losing Weight
If you think your pet is losing weight, it is important to take a step back and assess the situation. Ask yourself if you are noticing any other symptoms such as depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Think about whether your pet’s routine or diet has changed. If your pet’s weight loss is not easily explained by normal variables, or exceeds 10% of his or her body weight, it is time to visit the vet.
Weight loss in pets can be a sign of a problem. If you decide to have your pet examined, your veterinarian will likely ask you questions and do a thorough examination in order to find clues as to why the weight loss is occurring. Often, basic testing such as blood and urine tests and/or radiographs (x-rays) will be recommended.
If you are concerned, and the cause of your pet’s weight loss is not apparent, it is important to investigate further. While no one wants their pet to have a problem or disease, early detection is the best weapon we have to help provide the best outcomes possible.
