Introduction
Being underweight can be a serious health concern for dogs. An underweight dog is defined as having a body weight 15% or more below ideal body weight. This can leave the dog vulnerable to infectious diseases, delayed wound healing, loss of strength and stamina, lethargy, and a poor quality of life. Understanding the risks, causes, and solutions for underweight dogs is important for any dog owner.
It’s normal for a dog’s weight to fluctuate some over time. However, rapid weight loss or progressive thinning over weeks or months is a red flag. Paying attention to your dog’s body condition score and any changes is key. An underweight dog may have visible ribs, spine, and hip bones. They often lack muscle mass and fat coverage. Their waist will be clearly defined and abdominal tuck dramatic. These signs indicate an underweight body condition that requires veterinary attention and treatment.
Getting an underweight dog back to a healthy weight improves immune function, wound healing, energy levels, joint health, and overall wellbeing. Nutritional intervention and treating any underlying illness are key. With proper treatment and care, many dogs can successfully regain lost weight and enjoy a good quality of life. This guide covers how to identify, manage, and prevent unhealthy weight loss in dogs.
Identifying an Underweight Dog
There are several visual signs that can indicate if your dog is underweight. One of the most telling is if your dog’s ribs are easily visible and very prominent when they are standing or lying down. According to experts, you should be able to feel the ribs when you run your hands along your dog’s sides, but they should not be starkly protruding or clearly visible (source). If the rib bones are sharply defined and you can see the outline of individual ribs, your dog is likely underweight.
Other visual cues include having a tucked abdomen with no fat covering it, and a narrow waist that is noticeably smaller than the ribcage. If your dog’s hip bones and vertebrae along the spine are also very visible and pronounced, with little or no flesh covering them, it is another sign your dog may be too skinny (source). The spine should not have hard, bony protrusions. Overall, if your dog looks extremely thin or emaciated, with no fat or muscle covering the frame, it requires an evaluation for underweight condition.
When a dog is underweight, it causes a significant health risk and can lead to severe complications. An underweight dog has reduced energy stores and weakened immunity, making them more susceptible to illness and infection.
Health Risks
Being underweight compromises a dog’s health in several ways. With reduced fat and muscle mass, underweight dogs have less reserve energy to withstand illness or injury. Their immune system is also impaired, making them prone to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.
According to The Pet Activist Life [1], an underweight dog is at higher risk for hypoglycemia, organ failure, and digestive issues. MetLife Pet Insurance [2] also notes increased likelihood of diabetes and fatty liver disease. Underweight dogs often exhibit fatigue, lethargy, and intolerance to cold temperatures.
By keeping your dog at a healthy weight, you can reduce the risk of illness and other complications.
Common Causes
There are several common medical conditions that can lead to underweight dogs, including:
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms can impair nutrient absorption and decrease appetite, resulting in weight loss. Deworming medication prescribed by a vet can eliminate parasites.
Dental disease
Dental problems like gum disease, infections or broken teeth can make eating painful and difficult, reducing food intake. Professional dental cleanings and tooth extractions may be needed to treat dental issues.
Cancer
Cancers like lymphoma, intestinal tumors and mouth cancer can suppress appetite and metabolism. Diagnostic testing like ultrasounds, x-rays and biopsies are required to diagnose cancer.
When to See the Vet
If your dog is visibly underweight or has experienced rapid or severe weight loss, it’s important to schedule a veterinary appointment right away. According to The Farmer’s Dog, sudden weight loss can be a sign of a serious medical issue that needs prompt attention. Underlying conditions like diabetes, dental disease, cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders can all cause unhealthy weight loss.
Your vet will do a physical exam and ask about your dog’s diet and behavior. They can determine if your dog is underweight based on body condition scores and by feeling for ribs and bony prominences that should not be so pronounced on a healthy dog. If the weight loss is severe, the vet may recommend hospitalization for IV fluids, nutrition, and care.
Diagnostic tests like blood work, urinalysis, imaging, and biopsies may be recommended to pinpoint the cause of the weight loss. Underlying issues need to be addressed before your dog can regain a healthy weight.
Severe or rapid weight loss is considered a veterinary emergency. According to TriStar Vet, prompt veterinary care can be lifesaving, so do not delay in seeking attention if your dog exhibits these symptoms. Addressing any health issues and determining the weight loss cause is key.
Diagnostic Tests
There are several diagnostic tests a veterinarian may perform to determine if a dog is underweight and identify any underlying medical issues.
A physical exam allows the veterinarian to feel for fat covering and muscle mass loss. They will check for a prominent backbone, ribs, shoulder blades, and hips as indicators of low body condition. The veterinarian will also assess appetite, energy level, coat condition, and other symptoms.
Bloodwork such as a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel can check for issues like anemia, infection, kidney disease, diabetes, and more that may be causing weight loss (VCA Hospitals).
Veterinarians may recommend imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound to examine the abdominal organs for masses, infections, foreign objects, or other issues that could affect appetite or nutrient absorption.
Urine tests can check for diabetes and kidney problems. Fecal tests look for intestinal parasites that may contribute to weight loss.
Treatment
The main treatment for an underweight dog is to increase their calorie intake through a high calorie diet. According to How to Help Your Dog Gain Weight – PetCareRx, the number of calories your dog needs can be determined by factors like age, activity level, and ideal weight. Your vet can help calculate the exact caloric needs and make diet recommendations, such as high protein or high fat dog foods.
Exercise restriction may also be part of the treatment plan for an underweight dog. Reducing exercise and activity can help conserve calories and prevent further weight loss. According to 4 Tips to Help an Underweight Dog Gain Weight – Daily Paws, walks should be kept short and low impact until your dog reaches a healthy weight again.
Prevention
Preventing your dog from becoming underweight starts with regular weighing at home. Aim to weigh your dog at least once per week to monitor any fluctuations. Sudden weight loss is a red flag and should prompt a vet visit. Staying on top of your dog’s weight allows you to address any issues early before they become more serious.
Feeding your dog a high quality diet designed for their life stage is also key for maintaining a healthy weight. Choose a dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition with adequate protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Consult with your vet for specific diet recommendations based on your dog’s age, breed, activity level and health status. Some dogs may need more calories or a therapeutic formula. Stick to the feeding guidelines on the label and monitor your dog’s body condition.
Supplementing meals with dog-safe fruits, vegetables, proteins and oils can provide extra calories if your dog is struggling to gain weight. But check with your vet first, as sudden diet changes could upset your dog’s stomach.
Outlook
The prognosis for an underweight dog depends greatly on the underlying cause. If the cause is something relatively minor like parasites, switching to a higher calorie diet, or an end to lactation, the outlook can be good with prompt treatment. However, if the dog is underweight due to a chronic disease like cancer, kidney failure, or liver disease, the prognosis may be guarded to poor depending on the severity and how advanced the condition is. For geriatric dogs experiencing weight loss along with other aging changes, the prognosis tends to be more guarded. However, with supportive care and focusing on quality of life, many dogs can still live happily despite being underweight from age-related causes. The key is to have the dog thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and then quickly implement an appropriate treatment plan.
When to Be Concerned
As a dog owner, it’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and body condition and be on the lookout for key signs that your dog may be underweight:
- Visible ribs, backbone, and hip bones (source)
- Noticeable waist when viewed from above (source)
- Less energy and stamina for daily activities (source)
- Dull coat, flaky skin, and hair loss (source)
If your dog is displaying any of these signs, schedule a veterinary visit right away for an evaluation. Sudden or rapid weight loss can indicate a serious underlying health issue that needs prompt treatment.
With early intervention and a customized treatment plan from your vet, many dogs can fully recover and regain a healthy body weight and condition. As a dog owner, staying vigilant and speaking up when you notice changes will give your pup the best chance at a positive outcome.