Why is your dog losing weight? Get insights into potential causes and take steps to address the issue. Read now for a healthier pup!

Unpredictable, sudden weight loss in dogs can be symptomatic of a larger issue, or it may just be because they are exercising more and eating less than usual. If your dog drops over 10% of his or her total body weight in a short period and with no discernable outside factors, then you should be concerned.

Is your dog losing weight but eating a normal (or increased) amount? If you aren’t trying to get him or her to shed some pounds, this could be a sign of a medical condition. To help prepare you for your dog’s visit to the vet, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby discusses the 10 most common causes of weight loss in dogs.

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.

In the article below, you’ll find a list of some of the most likely reasons why your dog could be losing weight. Although this list does not cover all the possibilities, it can be a good starting point to help you narrow down the issues you want to discuss with your vet.