My Dog Is Too Skinny But Still Eats A Lot - Causes & What To Do

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When we take our dog to the veterinarian to assess their dietary needs, we might find out they have health issues which affect their diet. Often, these problems can cause the dog to lose weight while increasing their appetite, a symptom which may seem counterintuitive. Endocrine diseases are those which affect the endocrine system, i.e., the system which sends messages in the body via hormones.

Often the endocrine disease causes imbalances in the dog's hormone levels. This means incorrect messages are sent to the brain, making them perform unnecessary or incorrect actions. This can include causing the dog to have an increased metabolism, meaning they burn off more calories than they can seem to eat.

There are various endocrine diseases in dogs which affect appetite and weight, including:

  • Hyperthyroidism: one of the most important elements of the endocrine system are the thyroid glands. Different problems can affect the thyroid, but one of the most common causes of canine hyperthyroidism is due to tumors. These can cause the gland to malfunction and result in weight loss despite eating normally. One of the most common and effective treatments is surgery to remove the tumor.
  • Diabetes mellitus: insulin is an essential hormone created in the pancreas which is very important for the endocrine system. If the dog has a pancreatic disorder, it often leads to diabetes mellitus. Diet is a very important factor in this disease and treatment is usually management of the disease via insulin injections.
  • Addison's disease: this is a disease which affects the adrenal glands and, therefore, the production of adrenaline. Causes of Addison's disease are varied, but are all related to damage to the adrenal tissue. These can include infections and tumors. Symptoms of this disease are quite non-specific, but they can include becoming skinny while still eating sufficiently. Treatment is usually dependent on the underlying cause, but most will need a dietary change.

Cushing's disease in dogs, a disease which affects levels of the hormone cortisol, is another endocrine disorder. While this can affect how the dog controls their weight, a common symptom is the development of a pot-belly. This means they are not as likely to become skinny, although they may have an increased appetite.

Endocrine disorders might require lifelong management, including regular check-ups and adjustments in medication. It's crucial to monitor any changes in the dog's behavior or weight, as these could indicate a need for treatment modification.

My Dog is Too Skinny But Still Eats a Lot - Endocrine problems

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