Can dogs lose weight due to stress

Sudden weight loss in dogs

Causes

There are many different conditions that can cause weight loss in dogs, some of the most common include:

Diet

If your dog isn't getting enough calories they often will lose weight. If your dog is losing weight, but seems otherwise healthy, have a think about whether they are:

• getting enough food/calories for their size
• eating less than usual
• growing quickly (so needing more calories)
• having their food eaten by another pet
• doing more exercise than usual (so needing more calories)
• pregnant or feeding puppies (so needing more calories).

Gastrointestinal (tummy) problems

Gradual weight loss is a common symptom of many different gut problems, such as chronic diarrhoea, protein losing enteropathy, stomach ulcers and IBD.

Cancer

Many types of cancer cause weight loss or muscle wasting, which can be gradual or very sudden.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease often causes weight loss as well as increased thirst, and other symptoms such as smelly breath, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Dental disease or mouth pain

Dental disease and mouth pain can stop your dog from wanting to eat and cause them to lose weight.

Liver disease

Liver disease often causes weight loss and other symptoms such as increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and jaundice (yellow lips, skin and eyes).

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that stops your dog being able to control their blood sugar levels. It causes rapid weight loss, changes in appetite, increased thirst, and is likely to make your dog pee a lot more than usual.

Heart problems

Heart problems can lead to weight loss as well as symptoms such as coughing and low energy.

Addison's disease

Addisons disease is a rare hormonal problem caused by a lack of steroids in the body. It causes symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, weakness, drinking and peeing more and collapse.

Old age

Most dogs lose a certain amount of weight as they age, especially as their muscles start to shrink. However, if your dog is losing a noticeable amount of weight as they age, it could be caused by something more serious so always have them checked by your vet.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is an uncommon condition that causes very dramatic weight loss and diarrhoea. Its most common certain breeds such as German Shepherd dogs.

Can stress lead to weight loss?

Stress may lead to weight loss in some people. However, in others it may lead to weight gain. This may happen as stress affects many of the bodys processes, and can lead to changes in a persons eating habits.

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Work, finances, relationships, and life changes can all cause stress.

A person experiencing stress may begin overeating or experience a loss of appetite.

In this article, we look at how stress affects the body and weight. We also examine how to reduce stress and when to see a doctor for further care.

Stress affects almost every area of the body. Some of the effects that it has on bodily systems and processes can cause weight loss in different ways.

Inflammation and activation of vagal nerve

Stress and poor dietary choices as a result of stress can contribute to widespread inflammation and weight loss.

This inflammation can cause activation of the vagus nerve, which influences how the gut processes and metabolizes food.

Activation of the bodys fight-or-flight response

When the body is under stress, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of epinephrine, also called adrenaline, from the adrenal glands. A rush of epinephrine activates the bodys fight-or-flight response, which prepares a person to flee or fight off an impending threat.

Epinephrine causes the heart to beat faster and breathing to speed up, which can burn calories. Additionally, it changes how the gut digests food and alters blood glucose levels.

Alteration of the HPA axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis controls the bodys response to stress, which affects cortisol levels.

When the body is under stress, the pituitary gland signals to the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This hormone increases the bodys fuel for energy by releasing fatty acids and glucose from the liver.

Cortisol also helps regulate the bodys immune response and reduces inflammation.

Chronic stress impairs the functioning of the HPA axis, causing changes in metabolism and eating habits.

Gastrointestinal distress

Stress affects the communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system, making GI symptoms more apparent.

Stress affects all parts of the GI system, including the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and bowel.

Stress can cause GI symptoms, such as:

These symptoms can affect a persons eating habits, which may lead to weight loss.

Stress can also cause weight gain despite diet and exercise interventions.

Research suggests that stress can lead to:

• poor sleep
• increased appetite
• cravings for unhealthful foods
• reduced motivation to engage in physical activity

All of these factors can lead to weight gain or hamper weight loss interventions.

A person should try to keep up with their exercise routine as much as possible. Physical activity is beneficial for maintaining physical health and a moderate weight, and it is also good for the mind.

Exercise can lessen fatigue and increase overall cognitive function. It also improves sleep, elevates mood, and decreases stress. Even just 5 minutes of aerobic activity can produce a noticeable effect.

The following tips can help people maintain a diet that is good for their mental and physical health and well-being:

• eating on a regular schedule without skipping meals
• avoiding high glycemic foods to prevent crashes in blood sugar
• eating plenty of fruits and vegetables for nutrients and antioxidants
• planning meals ahead to avoid impulsive choices, such as eating fast food
• eating a snack that provides protein and healthful fats after exercise

A person can try many different techniques to reduce stress. Strategies that may help include:

• breathing and relaxation techniques
• meditating
• exercising
• listening to music or reading a book
• practicing time management techniques
• getting adequate sleep
• talking to family and friends
• practicing mindfulness
• doing volunteer work and helping others
• avoiding drugs and alcohol

A person can also help keep stress under control with the foods that they eat. A person should try to incorporate the following nutrients into their diet:

A person experiencing stress should also try to get more sleep and avoid caffeine, which can worsen anxiety.

If self-help techniques do not reduce stress, it is a good idea for a person to contact their doctor for help.

A doctor may suggest behavioral therapy or medical interventions for untreated anxiety and depression.

If stress is causing a medical problem, such as high blood pressure, a person should get advice from their doctor.

A person should also contact their doctor if they experience persistent unintentional weight loss. Weight loss can be a sign of an underlying illness.

Stress-related symptoms that may indicate that a person needs to get advice from a doctor include:

• a loss of more than 5% of body weight over 612 months
• fatigue
• poor appetite
• vomiting often
• fever
• a change in bowel habits
• using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress

Stress, especially chronic stress, can cause weight loss or weight gain due to its effects on bodily processes.

Stress affects the production of stress hormones and the GI system, which can lead to changes in appetite and metabolization.

A person can use a variety of self-help techniques to decrease stress.

If a person cannot get stress under control or experiences persistent unintentional weight loss, they should contact their doctor.

Why Your Dogs Losing Weight and What to Do

Its normal for a dogs weight to vary a little bit over time. If you change their diet to one that isnt to their liking, theyll probably lose a few pounds. Or maybe they are staying inside more during the winter; in this case, theyll probably gain a little.

But what about a dog that keeps losing weight and you dont know why? Unexplained weight loss can be the first sign that a health problem is brewing.

Why Is My Dog Losing Weight?

Weight loss in dogs has many causes. Problems with a dogs diet, environment, and health could all be to blame. Here are a few of the most common causes of unexplained weight loss:

• A problem with their food: Dogs may eat less when there is something they dont like about their food. A change in diet may be to blame, or perhaps a large bag of food has started to go bad before your dog has finished it. Feeding too little or giving your dog low-quality dog food can also lead to weight loss.

• Stress:A dog thats anxious or stressed may find it hard to relax and eat because they feel like they always need to be on alert.

• Exercise: Dogs that start exercising more but dont take in more calories will lose weight.

• The environment: Dogs require extra energy to stay warm when they spend lots of time in the cold. Conversely, hot temperatures can reduce a dogs appetite.

• Reproduction:Pregnancy and lactation (nursing puppies) put extra nutritional demands on dogs. If they dont take in more calories, they will lose weight.

• Dental disease and other oral problems: Any problem that makes chewing and swallowing painful or difficult will discourage a dog from eating.

• Intestinal worms and other parasites: Parasites get their nutrition from their hosts, which can lead to weight loss in dogs.

• Cancer: Cancer cells use energy to grow and divide, and this means that the energy is not available to the dog, so they often lose weight. Cancer can also directly affect a dogs digestive system and appetite.

• Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: Problems that affect the functioning of the digestive tract can reduce a dogs appetite or their ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Inflammatory bowel disease, lymphoma, adverse food reactions, or partial intestinal blockages could be to blame.

• Nasal problems: Any condition that affects a dogs ability to smell their food can lead to a reduced appetite.

• Diabetes mellitus: The changes in glucose metabolism seen with diabetes mellitus frequently lead to weight loss in dogs, even when they have a good appetite.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): When dogs have EPI, they dont produce enough of the digestive enzymes needed to break down food and absorb nutrients.

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can directly affect the GI tract and lead to weight loss. Fighting an infection anywhere in the body requires extra energy, and if dogs dont eat more, they will lose weight.

• Kidney and liver disease: When the kidneys or liver dont function properly, waste products of metabolism build up in the bloodstream, which can make a dog nauseated and not feel like eating. Dogs with kidney disease may also lose protein in their urine, which can lead to weight loss.

• Heart disease: Weight loss is common as heart disease progresses. The exact causes of this are unknown, but the condition goes by the name cardiac cachexia.

• Addisons disease:Dogs with Addisons disease (hypoadrenocorticism) dont produce enough of certain types of adrenal hormones, which can lead to poor appetite and weight loss.

• Hyperthyroidism: Although hyperthyroidism is rare in dogs, it can increase their metabolic rate and lead to weight loss.

• Neurologic conditions: Any disease that adversely affects a dogs ability to eat and swallow can result in weight loss.

Is My Dog Too Skinny?

Regularly checking your dogs weight by using an accurate digital scale is the best way to monitor for weight loss or gain. However, evaluating a dogs body condition score can also help you determine if your dog is too skinny. In general, a dog might be too skinny if:

• You can easily see their ribs or other bony points.

• When looking down from the top, they have a very pronounced waist.

• When looking from the side, they have an exaggerated abdominal tuck.

When to See Your Vet About Your Dogs Weight Loss

A little bit of weight loss isnt always an emergency. As long as your dog doesnt have any other signs of illness, you could try to change their diet or environment to see if it solves the problem. But there are times when you should get your dog to a veterinarian ASAP:

1. Puppies shouldnt lose weight! As they grow, puppies should be gaining weight, so call your veterinarian immediately if your puppy is losing weight or getting too skinny.

2. Weight loss in a dog thats older or has an underlying health problem is always concerning. The risk of serious diseases that cause weight loss increases as dogs get older.

3. Weight loss combined with symptoms of illness is never normal. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog has difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, weakness, lethargy, increased thirst and urination, or any other worrisome symptoms. If your dogs symptoms are severe, call a vet immediately to determine if you should head to the clinic right away.

4. Rapid or pronounced weight loss should always get your attention. Any health problem can lead to serious weight loss. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog has lost more than 10% of their normal body weight or is losing 2% or more of their body weight per week. Heres what that can look like for dogs of different sizes:

Serious Weight Loss in Dogs

How Do Vets Treat Unexplained Weight Loss in Dogs?

A veterinarian will start by asking you a lot of questions about your dogs diet, appetite, environment, behavior, medical history, and any current medications (including parasite preventives) or supplements that you are giving. They will also determine how many calories your dog is taking in each day and if this amount should be meeting their energy needs.

Next, they will perform a complete physical examination and use the information they uncover to recommend treatment or further diagnostic testing. A basic laboratory workup includes a fecal examination, bloodwork, and a urinalysis. Additional testing can involve x-rays, ultrasound examinations, specialized lab tests for specific health problems, endoscopy, exploratory surgery, and tissue biopsies.

Whenever possible, veterinarians will recommend treatment for a dogs weight loss that aims to cure or at least improve its underlying cause. For example, they will prescribe a dewormer if a dog has intestinal parasites, dental care for damaged teeth, or antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Oftentimes, a change in diet can also help dogs regain the weight theyve lost. Options include:

• High-calorie, nutrient-dense dog foods for generalized weight gain

• Highly digestible diets when GI function is impaired

• Dog foods with added fiber may be appropriate for some types of GI problems or for dogs with diabetes

• Hypoallergenic dog foods made from novel ingredients, hydrolyzed proteins, or individual amino acids for food allergies and intolerances

• Disease-specific diets like those designed to help manage kidney or liver disease

The right food and other treatments will depend on the specifics of your dogs case. Dont wait too long to get your dog the care they need. Its easier to manage a dogs weight loss when it hasnt had a chance to progress too far.

Featured Image: iStock/Capuski