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Understanding an Unexplained Weight Loss in Your Dog

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 Causes of Dog Appetite Loss

also see Managing Colitis With a Fiber-Rich Diet

also see How to Exercise Your Dogs In The Winter

also see A Short Dog Health Guide for Casual Owners