Weight Loss in Pet – A Symptom of Underlying Health Problem

Weight Loss in Pet

Just like obesity is an issue with the pet’s general health, sudden weight loss is also a matter of concern. You never know your soon to be anorexic pup may be facing some problem with his system. He may have some underlying health issues, which are the causes of this extreme fall in the weight. Ideally, if your pet has lost more than 10% of his body weight (other than fluid loss) then it is an alarming sign. It should trigger you that there is something wrong with your furry child.

There are various reasons for weight loss in pets. You have to consult your vet to find out the actual one. He will be able to tell you the cause of your concern after diagnosis of the pet. Normally weight loss occurs when there are intestinal worms, stress, stomach infections, depression, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal infection etc. It can also be due to the sudden change in diet, environment and hormonal imbalance. You can get a hint by observing the general behavior of your furry pal.

He may become dull, lethargic, sleepy or exhausted on making smallest efforts. By observing his stool also, you can get a general idea that there is something wrong with your pet. The first step is to be careful with his food. Stop feeding table scraps and junk to him. Next step is to support him deal with the frustration of an ill health. Let him relax! Stop bothering him for a game for a while. Along with this, you should consult your vet to find the exact reason behind the problem.

Vet diagnosis may include:

  • X-Ray of abdomen
  • Stool test for intestinal parasites
  • CBC count check
  • Bile acid test for detecting liver problems
  • Urine and blood test
  • Detecting side effects of preventive treatments like flea and tick, heartworms etc.

Once the problem is detected, you can start the treatment. Once the treatment is over, you need to manage your pet’s life style. Life style changes are required so that you can take proper care to prevent any underlying causes of the disease and stop recurrence of it.

Preventive measures for the pet:

  • Administer high quality diet.
  • Keep him hydrated.
  • Be regular with routine weight check-ups.
  • Go for frequent health check-ups.
  • Give preventive treatments for internal parasites.
  • Appetite stimulants can be administered under vet’s guidance.
  • Keep your pet happy and stress free.

Thus, if your pet is losing weight considerably then take it as a warning sign. Consult your vet and find out if something is wrong with your four-legged best friend. Treat him well and then follow it up with a good life style. That’s it!