My dog is getting older and losing weight rapidly. Is there anything to give her that can help???

Question

My dog is about 16 years old. All of a sudden she just started losing weight. Are there any vitamins or special kinds of foods to give her that could help her gain weight again?

Answer 1

Take her to the vet. There's probably an underlying reason for the weight loss that should be addressed. She's 16, and yes, will not be keeping weight on like she once was, but any sudden, noticable weight loss is a medical concern. Vitamins or special foods should be considered as prescribed or suggested by your veterinarian.

Answer 2

How long has this been going on? You need to bring your dog to a vet immediately. He could have worms or worse. And he's probably not pooping since he throws up his food. The fact that he's losing weight quickly is all the more reason to bring him to a vet now. Small breeds are not hardy and his life could be in danger I doubt very highly your dog is being spiteful. Wait for that issue till the baby is born- that is if you get him to the vet fast enough.

Answer 3

Corn oil is digested in animals like fat. its high in carbs and things vitamins needed for a healthy coat.

Eggs are excellent for thin dogs as well.

So is tuna in oil.

When i end up with a rescue animal that is far too thin i put them on a special diet of the above.

I get some cans of good quality wet food, with the highest protein count I can find, mix in a couple eggs and a SMALL amount of corn oil. Maybe mix it with some high protein dry food as well.

Corn oil is also a laxative. If your dog has the runs and is thin, go to the vet. For a 60 pound dog i wouldnt give more than maybe a tablespoon a day with the food mix.

A give a can of tuna during the day as well.

Obviously you dont want to over feed, so take into consideration the size of your dog. Obviously this plan would make a lot of food for a toy dog.

If your dog is skinny suddenly, and not eating, its time to see the vet.

Older dogs often grow thin as their old bodies start shutting down, they have a harder time getting the nutrients they need from their regular diet.

not eating, having loose stools, and suddenly losing a lot of weight are all signs of something more serious.

Answer 4

Take your dog to the vet to be checked out. There could be an underlying health problem that you may not know about. I would suggest doing this before switching food since if it is a health problem, the food you switch to could cause a reaction or be unhealthy for your dog.

Answer 5

I would take her to the vet. She may have become diabetic. This happened to my 16 year old cat...she lost weight and was drinking a lot. She really needs to go to the vet...especially at her age. You want her to be comfortable.

Answer 6

Put her on a food like http://www.frrco.com/121668
I recommend the Fish and Chips formula. It is what we use. If you keep the portion size the same as what you feed her now, she should put on some weight.

It's delivered free to your door, and it's quality dog food.

Good luck!

Answer 7

well my dog started losing weight in early december. then she could barely walk after christmas. she died 2 days ago

im not saying this will happen to your dog, but that happened to mine.

Answer 8

no mean to alarm you but it sounds like cancer. when dogs or cats lose weight like you just described the answer usually lies in cancer. i would take her into the vet immediately and describe to him what you just told me. Good Luck.

Answer 9

I agree with Salsa-it happened that exact same way with my 7 year old great dane (old for them). She ended up having to be put down. Hopefully it isn't the same situation, but it would be good to have her checked.

Answer 10

if food was your only source of pleasure make sure to reconnect with other things you enjoy music sports volunteer work or movies for example