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Understanding an Unexplained Weight Loss in Your Dog

also see Weight Loss in Dogs

also see Dog Weight Gain

also see Dog Fat

also see Dog Weight

Dog weight loss is always a cause for further investigation. It's typical for some dogs to experience seasonal weight changes due to reduced exercise during the winter months. Normally, a dog should have adequate fat to cover his ribs. But if too many bones are showing, it's time to rule out a health problem. In some cases, the following conditions may be the cause for an unusual weight reduction.

Dog Disorders and Weight Loss

Hyperthyroidism: This happens when excess amounts of the thyroid hormone are in a dog's system. When a dog's thyroid is on overdrive, he becomes very sluggish.

Other signs:

Addison's Disease: This is a deficiency of the adrenal gland hormones. Sometimes cancer is the culprit destroying these glands.

Signs:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This condition occurs when a dog's stomach or intestines react to inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes and plasmacytes.

Signs:

Gastritis: When a dog gets an infection or inflammation in his stomach area, gastritis occurs. If your dog eats a spoiled food, his stomach lining may become irritated and lead to changes in his appetite.

Signs:

also see Dog Arthritis: 4 Tips For Prevention

also see Understanding Arthritis and Joint Care for Dogs

also see Fundmentals of Dog Weight Loss

also see Preventing Weight Gain in an Older Dog

also see The Chewing Dog: Behavior Modification Solutions

also see A Short Dog Health Guide for Casual Owners

also see Preventing Canine Heart Disease Through Weight Reduction

also see Dog Depression Symptoms: 8 Tell-tale Signs