Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44
My dog is losing weight. Is it because we cut out people food? | Ask A Vet
 

 


Dog ate chocolate?

 ask a vet

Dog is losing weight.

Species: Dog
Breed: Min Pin
Age: 5-8 years
I have a 7yr old larger sized min pin. Had her fixed at 1yrs old and she has always been obese. We give her Beggin' strips throughout the day; she always has dry food (Beneful) and she gets 1/2 can of wet food at night. She also got fed human food.

For the wet food: It was Purina One before and recently switched over to Pedigree a couple of months ago.

Ever since we switched her over I'm seeing a noticeable weight loss. I'm concerned. Is it possible that she's losing weight because we switched to Pedigree and stopped the people food altogether? The only exercise she has is running around the house and yard. Her waist is trimmed and I can feel her rib cage now. She still eats a lot, plays and seems happy. Should I be worried?


Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

This is an interesting question!

I'm pleased that you are making healthier choices for Lulu. I'm assuming that you have cut out the Beggin' strips? These things are really not healthy at all. It's definitely possible that cutting out treats and human food could contribute to weight loss.

How is her appetite? If she was losing weight and not wanting to eat then I might be concerned.

Is she vomiting or does she have diarrhea? This could be a cause for concern?

How is her thirst? If she is drinking a lot of water then this could be a sign of diabetes which could definitely cause her to lose weight.

But, if she is eating well, not excessively thirsty and still a happy dog then there is likely not anything to worry about.



Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?

Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Hi Dr,

Thanks for replying.

She still gets the beggin strips - every morning and at night. She has no loss of appetite. No vomiting.

She still eats everything and still lingers around for more. But today I noticed that her nose is dry. It's not wet at all. My brother in law said she might have a fever if her nose is dry.... is that true?

I tried to find some of her poop - its moist but not diarrhea. Not 100% sure about the water intake though.

Is it possible that she's able to digest the Pedigree brand better than the Purina One? There's both commercial brands (not so great)

Thanks



Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hmmm...if we're losing this much weight but still eating beggin strips every day then I think I'm concerned.

The whole thing with a dog having a dry nose is an old wive's tale. It doesn't matter whether a dog's nose is dry or wet.

Pedigree and Purina One are quite similar nutrition so this probably isn't the issue.

I think it really would be a good idea to have your vet take a look at her. It could be that she has some parasites. Another possibility is a pancreas condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This condition causes dogs to not be able to absorb their foods properly. But, it's relatively rare. And then diabetes is a possibility as well.

I really hope everything is ok!

Dr. Marie.



Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

Vomiting due to virus? Hello Dr.Marie. Okay so my 14 year old cat smokey has been going threw some... (22321 views)

Dog pees when excited. comit had surgery done to remove a hernia and the vets said it was of most good to... (15858 views)

Swollen ankle on dog. I have a 3 year old chocolate lab. He is very active. His right hind leg has a... (95261 views)

Bloody diarrhea. Hi Marie its 630 and there is no open vet or petstore/grooming in site =( then i... (63611 views)

Protein in urine. Hi, My Yorkie is 12 and had smelly pee starting in September 2010. I took a sample... (14941 views)

Cat losing clumps of fur Our beloved 9 yo old male cat Gretzkey is ripping his hair out in clumps. Our house... (48463 views)

Hair loss around eyes. Recently my maltese is loosing hair around his eyes. I have been feeding him the... (20216 views)

Limping cat. My cat is limping, she is not putting weight on her left hind leg. She isn't cut or... (27142 views)

Coughing cat. My cat has had a horrible cough for two or three months and the vet doesn't know... (9290 views)

Aggressive cat My cat is having some behavioral issues. When I got her as a kitten she always came... (15586 views)

See all questions...

Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.