Factors That Cause Sudden Weight Loss In Pets !
Sudden weight loss in pets is a dangerous sign. Which calls for attention, as losing weight without cause is a risk indicator !
Whereas, a controlled and planned weight loss with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is particularly beneficial for overweight pets. Certain forms of weight loss in animals can be of concern.
If your cat or dog has a weight loss plan due to obesity, veterinarians generally recommend losing one to two percent of their body weight per week.
But an unplanned or sudden weight loss could be a symptom of something serious.
Here are the most common reasons for unwanted weight loss in pets :
The Causes of Sudden Weight Loss In Pets :
1-Internal Parasites (Worms)
Cases of weight loss due to parasites are not as common as they used to be because many pets take monthly anti-worms medications. However, not all products are effective against all worms.
White worms, in particular, are not killed by many human drugs. It is more common in dogs than in cats and this is due to eating spoiled food or contaminated water.
Among its symptoms is weight loss, and the symptoms of the intestinal parasite in pets also include: vomiting (intermittent or continuous), soft stools, diarrhea and decreased appetite.
Therefore, using a drug designed to prevent worms is one of the first things that veterinarians may do to help a dog suffering from sudden weight loss symptoms in pets.
2-Cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the causes of weight loss in both dogs and cats. While it is more common in older dogs than cats, it is a very serious diagnosis.
The lump may appear in the stomach, intestine, or rectum. Other symptoms include vomiting, poor appetite, and abdominal pain.
In addition, any type of cancerous process can cause weight loss, including cancer of the digestive system, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.
3-Kidney disease
Unlike some other conditions for which weight loss, pets with kidney disease will not start shedding weight immediately.
Whereas, if they were only diagnosed after they started losing weight, then it is likely that they have had the disease for a long time.
The same goes for hyperthyroidism, a disease where weight loss is a symptom of cats rather than dogs.
The difference is : pets with kidney disease will drink and urinate a lot, whereas cats with hyperthyroidism will eat more than necessary and drink a lot (polyuria).
4-Advanced Heart Disease
Like kidney disease, pets with heart disease won't start losing weight right away. In fact, some dogs may gain weight despite losing their appetite due to bloating.
In general, anorexia is the easiest way to find out if your pet's weight loss is related to the disease or not.
If you notice minimal unplanned weight loss, try adding calories to your pet's diet. If they eat more and gain weight, they are probably fine.
Additionally, make sure to isolate your pet's food from other pet food in the home. The experience needs to be controlled, which also means being wary of leftovers or eating too much food.
5-Dental Disease
Mouth pain may lead to weight loss in pets, because dogs and cats will have difficulty chewing when they suffer from an abscess or other problem with the gums.
Thus, the problem of sudden weight loss must be treated by cleaning the teeth of dogs or cats periodically in the veterinary clinic.
So brush your dog or cat's teeth today and closely monitor your pet's appetite to make sure it returns to its normal state.
6-Changing Food
Not all cases of weight loss that cannot be explained by a specific disease are explained by one of the most common explanations for weight loss is changing your pet's food.
Many resort to asking about an appetizer for cats, and when we ask the owner of the cat, why? It appears that the cat's food has changed and the cat is not eating well.
Upon examination, it was found that the new food had 20 percent fewer calories, so the cat eats the same amount, but he loses weight due to the lack of calories.
If you plan to change your pet's food, check the ingredient label on packages and choose based on calories.
7-Stress
Although this is not a common cause like a medical cause, stress can cause changes in the pet's appetite and should not be ignored.
Is your pet feeling anxious? Has something recently changed in your house. You had a new baby or you brought a new animal home.
All of these reasons may lead to sudden weight loss in pets without your knowledge.
