Dogs

       Many dogs eat and drink normally, yet their weight keeps dropping, causing owners distress but finding no suitable solution. If a dog has this condition, the owner should first consider whether the dog is suffering from certain diseases.

       1. Parasitic Diseases

       Because parasites live for a long time inside a dog's body, most parasitic diseases present as chronic persistent infections, so dogs gradually become emaciated. Generally, dogs do not show obvious discomfort shortly after contracting parasitic diseases, so owners find it hard to detect. For the dog's health, owners should regularly deworm their dogs and avoid letting them play in dirty and messy places.

       2. Chronic Diseases

       Chronic diseases usually develop over a long period. Once a dog has a chronic illness, weight loss will occur and may cause damage to important organs such as the heart and kidneys. Common chronic diseases in dogs include chronic digestive tract diseases (chronic gastroenteritis, stomach ulcers, etc.), diabetes, heart disease, tumors, and more. The long course and complex causes of chronic disease, along with costly medical expenses, can also be a burden for owners.

       3. Infectious Diseases

       For example, tuberculosis. Dogs in the early stages of the disease show no symptoms but later exhibit loss of appetite, lethargy, and progressive emaciation.

       4. Other Diseases

       Diseases such as hyperthyroidism (commonly called overactive thyroid), anemia, and deficiencies in trace elements can also cause dogs to become emaciated. When a dog experiences unexplained weight loss, it is best for the owner to immediately take the dog to a veterinary hospital for a comprehensive checkup. If the dog is confirmed to be ill, you should cooperate with the veterinarian to treat the dog promptly.