Why is my 13 year old Labrador losing weight
Weight Loss In Old Dogs: Our Veterinarians Share What To Do
This article was updated on October 19th, 2022
Weight loss in older dogs can be slow and subtle, or it can be sudden and noticeable. Either way, if you have a dog who is losing weight its important to figure out why its happening.
This is because sudden weight loss could be a symptom of an underlying health problem and sometimes this problem can be serious.
The earlier you find out whats causing the pounds to drop off, the better your chances of getting the issue under control quickly, ensuring your senior friends quality of life is maintained in his twilight years.
You see your dog every day and are in the best position to notice any changes, even if theyre small or seem insignificant. Its especially important to be on top of this when Fido is a senior.
In this article, we will discuss when old dogs typically lose weight and when you should be concerned about it. We will also review the top 8 causes of weight loss in older dogsand, finally, review what you should feed your old dog, with easy tips & tricks that can make a big difference.
Older Dogs Often Lose Weight As They Age
As many as 40% of seniors dogs (Source) actually gain weight as they enter their senior years (age 6-8 for larger dogs and 8-10 for smaller dogs). However, as time goes on and old age progresses to very old age, most dogs begin to lose weight and have difficulty maintaining their body condition.If your old dog is entering very old age, this could be the reason why your old dog is slowly losing weight.
This stage of life actually requires more calories and readily digestible protein sources to help your very elderly dog keep lean muscle (Jump to our section on: What Should You Feed An Older Dog That Is Losing Weight?). However, it is essential to keep in mind that weight loss could also be the sign of a more serious medical condition. This is why we recommend that your vet perform a full medical exam if weight loss appears to be a concern. Lets discuss now when you should be concerned about an old dog losing weight.
When You Should Be Concerned about an Old Dog Losing Weight
So, what is considered to be significant weight loss? What size dropis enough that it could be a sign of illness, or at least warrant a trip to your veterinarian?
Veterinary standards suggest that if your dog has lost 10% or more of his normal weight, then its something to be concerned about.
Not panicked, but concerned. Not all weight loss means trouble. Its not unusual for even healthy senior dogs to lose weight slowly as they age. Things which can cause this type of weight loss include:
- Loss of muscle mass
- Reduced appetite
- Poor absorption/digestion of food
If the weight loss happened gradually, its less likely to be caused by a serious health problem. If the weight loss happened fast, and especially if you notice other symptoms, it becomes very important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. In any case, its obviously important to rule out an illness, even if the weight loss is slow or subtle.
However, once given a clean bill of health, there are some simple steps you can take to help keep weight on your older dog (as long as he/she isnt overweight to begin with).
If your older dog has lost 10% or more of his body weight over the past few months (or within a year) then a trip to your veterinarian for a full check-up would be advisable.
You also need to visit the vet asap if your dog:
- stops eating completely
- vomits, dry heaves and/or has diarrhea
- is severely constipated or his belly is distended
- seems stressed or is panting/pacing/whining
- is lethargic, depressed or confused
- is acting differently
Top 8 Causes Of Weight Loss In Older Dogs
Most health problems result in more than one symptom: weight loss in older dogs can be a sign of several conditions, and its often the OTHER symptoms that will give your vet the right clues. If you notice that your senior dog is losing weight, pay close attention to his other bodily functions and behaviors and make a note of anything that seems out of the ordinary. Is there anything else that seems off with your old friend?
This will give your vet more ammunition to use when making a diagnosis. Here are the top causes of weight loss in older dogs:
1. Dehydration:
If you notice weight lossand
- Dry rubbery gums
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Less urination
- Dark urine
Possible Cause:
The aging process can cause overall loss of fluids and weight loss in older dogs. This is normal, but it means that you need to make sure that Fido gets plenty of fresh water every day.
What you can do: You can increase his fluid intake by adding broth (low sodium) to his kibble. Canned dog food (wet) contains much more water per cup than dry food does, so mixing some with the dry kibble can also help. Senior dogs whose senses of smell or taste are fading, who have dental issues, or who have become picky eaters, can also often be encouraged to eat more this way too.
Diseases that affect older dogs can also cause dehydration, so have Fido checked out by your vet to make sure theres no underlying health problem.
2. Dental problems
If you notice weight lossand
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating/chewing
- Bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
Possible Cause:
Weight loss in older dogs can sometimes be caused by something as simple as broken or decaying teeth, gingivitis, or gum disease. There are more serious oral conditions such as tumors too. Your vet needs to look inside your dogs mouth as soon as possible.
3. Diabetes
If you notice weight lossand
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy
- Repeated urinary tract infections
Possible Cause:
Diabetes can cause an older dog to lose weight because it stops his body from getting the energy it needs from glucose the way it normally would. So, his body tries to convert fat, or protein into energy instead. This doesnt work very well at all, and Fido will soon use up any reserves he has, and no matter how much he eats his system cant keep up and hell continue to lose weight. Learn more about diabetes in older dogs.
4. Cancer
If you notice weight lossand
- Decreased appetite
- Sudden lethargy
- Unusual bleeding
- Lumps, bumps or swelling
- Distended abdomen
- Limping or lameness
- Unusual urination frequency or amount
Possible Cause:
Cancer is one of those diseases that can be very difficult to diagnose through visible symptoms alone. There are many different types of cancer, and some of them have no obvious symptoms until theyve become advanced and spread. BUT you know your senior dog better than anyone else, and you are in the best position to notice what might be very subtle changes that couldbe warning signs.
Please dont panic and assume Fido has cancer if he fits one or two of the symptoms above, but have your veterinarian give him a thorough check-up and mention ANYTHING you think might be relevant.
5. Liver or gallbladder disease
If you notice weight lossand
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Pain (panting/pacing/drooling)
- Pale or yellow gums
- Yellowing of skin/eyes
Possible Causes:
- Liver disease
- Gallbladder disease
The signs of liver disease in dogs can be very subtle, but sudden weight loss is one of them. The yellowing of gums or skin (jaundice) often indicates a liver or gallbladder problem. Several of these symptoms could point to other digestive problems, so again dont panic and assume that Fidos liver is at fault. Only your vet can make an accurate diagnosis.
6. Kidney disease
If you notice weight lossand
- Increased thirst
- Excessive urination (may contain blood)
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Depression or lethargy
Possible Cause:
As dogs get older, major organs stop working as efficiently as they used to. Kidney disease can come on so slowly that you dont notice it until the kidneys start to fail. In fact, the kidneys are great at compensating until they are about 70% damaged, so often when signs appear, the disease has already progressed quite far.
This is another reason to be very careful about monitoring Fidos overall health carefully and get help if you notice weight loss in older dogs, especially if its accompanied by any other signs of illness. Early diagnosis of any problem makes the prognosis better!
7. Heart disease
If you notice weight lossand
- A chronic cough
- Tires easily
- Exercise intolerance
- Excessive panting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Restlessness
Possible Cause:
Heart problems in dogscan show subtle signs early on, and mistaking these for the normal slowing down of old age isnt unusual. But, as with most diseases, the earlier a diagnosis is made the better. Many heart conditions can be managed with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes if theyre caught early on. Learn more.
8. Lower back issues or hip arthritis
If you notice weight lossand
- Wobbling
- Lameness
- Scuffing the toes
- Incontinence
Possible Causes:
- Lower back issues, such as spondylosis
- Hip arthritis
Lower back and hip issues can lead to difficulty walking normally in the hind quarters which can lead to depletion of muscle mass. Its a common sight for an elderly dog to look pretty chunky at the front end, but skinny in the hind quarters as the lower back and hips are the most common areas for age-related orthopedic issues to occur.
If you are aware that your dog has an elongated back or hip dysplasia, talk to your vets about lifestyle management to prevent them from developing into degenerative orthopedic conditions.
Summary: Below is an infographic summarizing these 8 common conditions causing weight loss in senior dogs, with a summary list of typical symptoms:
What Should You Feed An Older Dog That Is Losing Weight?
If no underlying medical conditions are found, and a healthy older dog loses weight, make sure that its diet is adequate. As discussed above, older dogs, especially very old dogs, need a calorically dense diet, so they do not have to consume as much to obtain their caloric needs. The protein source needs to be high-quality and easily digestible. If the dog has issues with deceased taste or smell, top-dressing the food or soaking it in an attractant may be helpful.
There are many diets on the market for senior dogs. Assuming your dog has no underlying health conditions that require special dietary needs, the most important factors to consider are protein, fat, and fiber:
It was previously believed that protein should be restricted in senior diets because it may potentially damage the kidneys. Though this is true in dogs with kidney disease, it is not the case with animals with normally functioning kidneys.
Determining whether the kidneys are healthy and functioning well is vital, and screening blood work should be performed on all dogs at least annually.In healthy older dogs, their diet needs to contain increased protein, and a minimum of twenty-five percent of the calories should be from protein.
Fat should be restricted in elderly dogs with health issues such as pancreatitis or any digestive sensitivities to fat. During the early stages of older age, a moderate fat content in the diet will be helpful to control weight gain in a dog with a slowing metabolism.
Then, as the dog becomes truly geriatric, adding high-quality fats to the diet will not only make the diet more attractive to a picky eater, but also increase the calorie content and improve protein efficiency.
Fiber, like fat, may have opposite roles in the early stages of old age as opposed to the later stages. In the beginning, adding fiber to the diet is a great way to satiate, or give a feeling of fullness, to a dog when they eat. A dog consuming more fiber will feel full and satisfied while also consuming fewer calories. Fiber may also be used to alleviate constipation issues.
Again, however, diets often need to be lower in fiber in our truly older dogs to allow for more caloric density in the food and make the diet more easily digestible.
Properly feeding an aging dog can extend their healthy and happy years dramatically. It is vital to rule out any medical conditions and consult with a veterinarian if any questions or concerns arise.
Read more with our 9 Tips to Get Your Old Dog To Eat More or our recommendations for Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs.
What To Do About Weight Loss In Old Dogs
A premium dog food that is a good fit for your golden oldies health and age, along with appropriate exercise, is often enough to keep dogs at an acceptable weight no matter how old they are.
Lots of dogs gain weight as they get older, and a gradual thickening of the waistline is pretty normal. In an otherwise happy, healthy older dog this isnt usually cause for concern.
But rapidweight gain in older dogs, just like rapid weight loss, is a different story, and needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian.
If your senior dog seems a little thinner, but its a change that has happened gradually, its less likely to be caused by a serious health problembut its unusual enough to warrant a visit to the vet. However, if the weight loss is sudden (or slow but obvious), and especially if you notice any other signs that Fido isnt feeling well or acting normally, then its very important to have him examined by your veterinarian asap.
Treating the weight loss itself can only be done by treating the problem which is causing it to happen, and the only person who can make an accurate diagnosis is your veterinarian.
Theres no need to panic or assume the worst, many times its something simple at the root of the problem, and even chronic or serious illnesses can be treated or managed.
All dogs should be seen for a thorough examination with a veterinarian at least annually, but senior dogs should be seen bi-annually. Dogs cannot talk and are therefore unable to tell anyone when there is something amiss. It is also essential to bear in mind that our canine companions age much faster than we do.
Weights should be tracked, and any changes without explanation may be cause for concern. If a weight loss is noticed, it is essential to provide a thorough history to your veterinarian. Changes to the dogs life such as food changes, medications or supplements added or discontinued, stress or significant life events, injuries, and any new or abnormal behaviors should be documented. Based on the history provided and a physical exam, the veterinarian will perform necessary diagnostic tests.
So, get Fido that check up and you can get peace of mind!
Do Older Dogs Eat Less?
Studies have shown that older dogs require an average of 20% fewer calories to keep the same weight as their younger counterparts. Senior dogs who continue to eat the same quantities on the same diet may start gaining weight: as dogs enter more mature years, it is indeed common for them to add extra weight.Like in humans, changes to the metabolism cause the body to burn fewer calories and store more in the form of adipose (fat) tissue.
As a result, obesity is a frequent issue with older dogs: a nutrition study for aging dogs (link) mentioned that 40% of older dogs are overweight.Most dogs that are considered seniors will do well on a diet with less fat and fewer calories initially.
However, as time goes on and old age progresses to very old age, most dogs begin to lose weight and have difficulty maintaining their body condition.If your dog is entering very old age, this could be the reason for the weight loss.
This stage of life actually requires more calories and readily digestible protein sources to help the very elderly dog keep lean muscle. Complicating matters for these very old pups, decreased appetite, due to changes in taste and smell, can make eating a difficult task: physical issues such as arthritis can make picking up, chewing, and swallowing food difficult.
A consultation with a veterinarian is essential to address any medical conditions and identify a diet tailored to your senior dogs specific needs.
It may be helpful to raise food bowls off the ground, add substances to improve the smell and taste of the food, and use foods that are calorically dense with easily digestible protein sources. Dogs with specific medical conditions may also require special diets. Read our 9 Tips to Get Your Old Dog To Eat More.
Related posts about senior dog nutrition:
Dr. Jamie Whittenburg is a Veterinarian Director at 'Senior Tail Waggers' and Director and Owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital, a full-service animal hospital in Lubbock, TX. She graduated from Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and has over 17 years of experience working as a veterinarian & hospital director.
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Dr Jo De Klerk, BVetMed (Hons) MScTAH MRCVS, is a principal Veterinarian at JDK Veterinarian Services . She is a board-certified veterinarian, who earned her Honors of Veterinary Medicine from the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in London in 2014. She is registered with the RCVS and SAVC and has a Masters degree in Animal Health and a Certificate in Veterinary Pain Management. She is the author of 11 books including "Old Dog Love: A Common-Sense Guide to Caring for Your Senior Dog", and a writer for Veterinary Practice Today.
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Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.
