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Weight loss in dogs can be associated with many normal and abnormal conditions. This article refers to weight loss that is unintentional. If your dog is on a diet and you are concerned that they may be losing too much weight, please consult your veterinarian.
Weight loss is clinically significant when it exceeds 10% of the normal body weight and when it is not associated with fluid loss or dehydration. For example, a healthy golden retriever that weighs 70 pounds, typical for the breed, would have to lose more than 7 pounds before the weight loss would be considered clinically significant. Changes in diet (not including restricted-calorie foods), environment, or stress levels, including the addition of new pets, may lead to weight loss that is rarely permanent or significant. The more rapid the weight loss, the more potentially concerning it is.
Dogs lose weight when they take in fewer calories than their body requires. This imbalance may be caused by the following factors:
Weight loss can be caused by disorders in many of the body's organ systems, and conversely can affect all organ systems. Questions that may provide insight into the cause of your dog's weight loss include:
Your veterinarian will obtain a thorough medical history and perform a nose to tail physical examination. Additional testing, including blood and urine laboratory tests, X-rays (radiographs), and possibly an abdominal ultrasound may also be recommended.
Many diseases can cause weight loss. In fact, most chronic diseases will result in weight loss at some point during the disease. However, some of the more common conditions associated with weight loss include the following:
Treatment will be determined by the specific cause of your dog's weight loss. Once your veterinarian makes a specific diagnosis, they will initiate treatment to resolve the problem or improve your dog's quality of life. This may involve diet changes, medications, and other treatments geared toward your dog’s specific problems.
The prognosis ranges from good to poor, as it really depends on your dog's specific diagnosis. A thorough medical history, complete physical examination and appropriate diagnostic testing will assist your veterinarian in determining both the prognosis and the best course of treatment for your pet.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Apr 26, 2023.
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Phone: 703-549-7297 Fax: 703-549-2163 Email: info@pawspurrsandexotics.com
5838-A North Kings Highway Alexandria, VA 22303
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