Help! Why do older dogs lose weight and what can I do?
Okay, so I've noticed my old buddy, Buster, isn't looking as plump as he used to. He's getting up there in years, and I started to freak out a little when I saw he was losing weight. I mean, he's always been a good eater, so what gives?
First thing I did? Straight to the vet. No messing around when it comes to my dog's health. We ran some tests, blood work, the whole shebang. Turns out, there wasn't one single HUGE problem, which was a relief, but it also meant figuring out what was actually going on.
The vet talked about a few things that can cause weight loss in older dogs.
- Dental problems.Makes sense, right? If it hurts to chew, they won't eat as much. We checked Buster's teeth, and sure enough, he needed a little dental work.
- Changes in their sense of smell and taste. Apparently, just like us, their senses can dull as they age. Food might not be as appealing anymore.
- Muscle loss.This is a big one. Older dogs naturally lose muscle mass, and muscle weighs more than fat.
- Underlying medical conditions. Things like kidney disease, heart problems, or even cancer can cause weight loss. That's why those tests were so important.
So, what did I do? Here's my action plan, based on what the vet and I discussed:
- Dental Fix: First, got Buster's teeth cleaned.
Switched up his food. I started adding a little warm water or broth to his kibble to make it softer and smellier. I also experimented with different flavors to see if anything sparked his interest.
Smaller, more frequent meals. Instead of two big meals, I started feeding him three or four smaller ones throughout the day.
Supplements.The vet recommended some joint supplements to help with any muscle loss. I add the soft chews into his meal.
It took a few weeks, but I'm happy to report that Buster's starting to put some weight back on! He's still an old man, but he's got a bit more pep in his step, and his ribs aren't as noticeable. It's a work in progress, but we're getting there.
The key was the vet, the tests, and my effort changing some thing, finally, it is work!
