(02/13/2009) By kmcb59. Diabetes is caused by insulin deficit or the incapacity of the body to absorb the sugar from the blood. I am wondering if maybe it his heartworm, but, he is on preventative and doesn't have a cough. Diabetes normally causes dogs to have an increased appetite, but they will still lose weight. Cancer is generally more common in older dogs, and malignant forms can be life-threatening. He is on Revolution for parasite preventative. As dental disease progresses, oral bacteria can spread throughout the body, leading to painful infections in the heart, liver and kidneys. Also, malabsorption or maldigestion disorders may impair the intestine’s ability to break down and absorb valuable nutrients from the diet. Dane losing weight on raw. Educational site for people who purchase Great Danes and large and giant breed dogs. Pets contract these by ingesting the eggs directly from the environment, from contaminated soil or water. Diabetes. He has diahhrea most of the time, so it appears that he's not digesting his f … Deuce is just turning 2 years old and has had exceptional health. It is a large dog, weighs between 50 kg and 100 kg. In July, she had an EKG & echo thinking the wt loss was from cardiomyopathy. Dr. Heinze says one of the most common explanations for weight loss is changing your pet’s food. weight loss. Although it is usually a healthy breed, this animal can get to suffer some diseases that must be identified; therefore, in the next article we will address the usual health problems in the Great Dane. the vet said it was a very mild case. RE: Great Dane Needs to Gain Weight When my babies were little, my pediatrician had me give them a little cream (heavy whipping cream in the little cartons). Moderate activity is okay, but your dog should avoid exertion. She looks great now, and we only feed her some twice a week now to maintain her good weight. When a dog is losing weight, he burns more calories than he consumes. we have a vets appointment for Thursday. Diabetes can develop because of genetic or weight factors and is often seen in senior dogs. God. You've taken the appropriate first step in setting up a vet appointment. She had had her thyroid test come back normal, she just wasn't good at keeping the weight on. 5 lbs raw ground beef -- (20% fat) Large heavy cream. As I said before the blood test showed no larvae or non adults in the blood. Share. The subjects covered are; Diets, Nutrition, Pet Health Issues and General Pet Care. We've changed his food to Large Active Breed Naturals. The Great Dane is also known as the gentle giant, and rightfully so. They also develop other abnormalities because of the lack of thyroid hormones, and severely affected puppies die before weaning. Older Dane, losing weight 02-18-2016, 04:41 PM. Fat Great Danes have a harder time moving around as they get old, plus the extra weight is hard on their joints and other body parts, and besides simple management, it’s very unhealthy. Glad to know you have an answer. Sometimes, however, we forget that our Danes can get bored, just like us! Weight loss is associated with several malignant cancers in dogs, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma and osteosarcoma. Let's talk about Great Dane health & dog illnesses often found in Danes and many large breed dogs. The chance of issues with parasites isn't necessarily 100% eliminated by Revolution and deworming, there are way too many possibilities out there to nail them all. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem. She's been raw fed since she was 10 weeks old. NOTIFICATIONS. The congenital condition can be identified by the stunted growth of Great Dane puppies, states CIDD. Great Danes a cross between a sighthound and a Mastiff (hundreds of years ago) and I have found they are just as sensitive to drugs as my Collies & Shelties. Symptoms of intestinal parasite infection in dogs can include: Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed through a fecal exam to identify the eggs or other parasite life stages (depending on the type of parasite present). The dog would run outside after being treated and roll around in the grass. While not as common as other causes, Dr. Bartl says that stress and anxiety can significantly affect a pet’s appetite and should not be overlooked. Some owners report that these simple steps reduce shedding by a whopping 90%! The experiment must be controlled, which means it’s important to avoid feeding table scraps or too many treats. 1. The height and weight for female Great Dane is a little less at 29 to 33 inches and 110 to 140 pounds respectively. Moderators:Dugan1st, Sandhill Farm. He's been to the vet and treated for a UTI and has been de-wormed w/out results. He eats about 3 times a day 4cups each time. my Great Dane does not gain weight. Great Dane Health > losing weight . Treating the underlying dental disease should help address your dog’s weight loss, but it’s important to monitor your pet’s appetite closely to make sure it’s back on track. And while that can seem inspiring for a minute, it’s not proven to be a sustainable way to achieve long-term weight loss and maintenance. Protein is the single most important nutrient for losing weight. However, some weight loss at different times for no apparent reason is not all that uncommon. Various types of cancer can cause unexplained weight loss in dogs, says Dr. Heinze. And she is still very energetic. We also have an 11 year old cocker spaniel and a 9 month old female dane and neither one of them is having any problems. The best way to reduce Great Dane shedding is to brush their coat once per week and provide an occasional bath. Other canine cancers, such as oral melanoma, may make eating and swallowing more painful, causing the dog to avoid food. Fortunately, much of the shedding can be prevented with the simple grooming tips described below. Why is my dog losing weight. Dr. Heinze says it’s easy to miss this because foods are marketed in seemingly confusing ways when it comes to nutrition. Sign #13 – Weight Loss. With these tumors, weight loss may occur due to the metabolic demands of the tumor itself, or because pain and discomfort is causing reduced appetite and activity. Reviewed and updated for accuracy on December 10, 2019, by Dr. Natalie Stilwell, DVM, MS, PhD Unplanned or rapid weight loss in dogs, while not uncommon, can be alarming for any pet owner.. He has been on revolution since the vet turned me on to him, so we have started the treatments and will go fromt there. This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, General Great Dane Breed Information & Discussion. If your dog appears highly nervous or depressed, then she may be more interested in factors other than her food. “Sometimes, a food that is marketed for overweight pets—it might say ‘healthy weight’ or ‘weight maintenance’ or ‘reduced calorie’—might have more calories than ‘regular’ food,” she says. Both signs can result from a variety of causes, so it’s best to talk to your veterinarian, who can help determine the underlying problem. Deuce tested positive for heartworms!!!! He showed no sign of non mature heartworms in his blood stream on three different tests. Moderators:Dugan1st, Sandhill Farm. Oddly no. Once you can identify why your dog is losing weight or muscle, you can take action. The clinical signs associated with metabolic conditions are complex, and advanced diagnostic testing may be required to identify these conditions. They’re open books and it’s fairly easy to see their basic emotions. We use these recipes to keep our danes in great shape for the show ring. He said it was odd, but, he has seen another dog have heartworms while on Revolution. Most Dane owners are pretty attuned to their dog’s needs – when they are hungry, tired, need out, etc. Dr. Heinze says that if you’re looking for food that’s truly meant to help your dog lose weight, talk to your veterinarian. Post Dec 20, 2010 #1 2010-12-20T17:45. Friendly discussion focused on Great Danes and large breed dogs. If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. The Great Dane’s life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years, depending on the care provided. I was told normally the worse the case the quicker the result shows up. I dewormed him just to ensure he didn't pick something up somewhere and it doesn't seem to have helped. So about 12 cups a day. Share. In fact, some dogs may appear to gain weight—despite a loss of appetite—due to fluid accumulation in the body. Have you tried supplementing him with some high-calorie additions? diehardmason. I hope he recovers quickly. He gained weight like that and he was in the 28 at 3 months. Can you post a pic of yours. Oral pain, says Dr. Lara Bartl, DVM, Diplomate DABVP (Canine/Feline Practice), assistant professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech University, may lead to weight loss in pets, as dogs will have a hard time chewing hard kibble when they’re dealing with an abscess or other gum problem. Unexplained Weight Loss. Deuce is just turning 2 years old and has had exceptional health. If your dog is losing weight unexpectedly, it can be an indication of an underlying health or behavioral issue that requires veterinary attention. diehardmason. The doc seems to think he was infected prior to me beginning his heartworm treatments. In elderly canines, there are ways to counteract the effects and give your dog their best life – even in old age. Heat stroke is a very serious condition and without quick medical care can be fatal. If there is a large amount of fluid in the dog’s heart, the vet may remove some fluid. In fitness it’s all about looking great in a certain type of clothing, or on the beach, or at your high school reunion. Share with: Link: Copy link. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and hypoadrenocorticism (also known as Addison’s disease), can alter your pet’s body condition. This is truly quite upsetting for me. Chronic stress can also weaken the immune system and increase your dog’s risk of developing an infection. The treatment for weight loss in cats depends on the cause. Hello!!! Satin Balls are not used as treats but either as a stand alone or dietary supplement for older danes. The dog will probably be placed on a low salt diet, and overweight dogs will be encouraged to lose weight. I currently use Revolution as his heartworm meds. In order to stop the boredom, first you need to be able to recognize it. If you’ve noticed a small degree of unplanned weight loss, try adding calories to their diet, she says. My Great Dane got into a bag of her dog food and over ate. Constantly losing weight and then regaining it won’t necessarily change the texture of your breasts, says Fitch—unless you’re losing a lot of weight at once. He eats 6 cups of Solid gold Wolf King. Rather, weight loss is typically associated with chronic forms of the disease. His play and demeanor have been unchanged. Weight loss generally affects both body fat and muscle, resulting in emaciation. But he is doing fine (frequent vet visits due to his neurological issues early this year confirm that he is fine). “It turns out the dog’s food was changed. Add some cream to his food and see how he does. Any idea's what this could be? I'd love to stay updated on the growth of yours to confirm or reject my suspicions. NOT for young puppies! The same for a female Great Dane is 29 to 33 inches and 110 to 140 pounds. I'm glad to hear it has been diagnosed and is now being treated. Lol And there are tons of other medical issues that can cause weight loss. He plays outside very often due to the warm weather here in S. La. Hi there, ... always have. About the same as always. If you don't overdue it (which may give the dog diarrhea) it may help. 1 You have an over-active thyroid. Dogs are generally adaptable to our lifestyles, but they are also highly perceptive and will notice even minor changes in their surroundings. Great Danes are a wonderful mix of nobility and goofiness. The owners were feeding them the same amount every day, but the new food had 20 percent fewer calories.”. Pets who are suffering from these types of conditions will generally be significantly underweight, no matter what type or amount of diet is offered. I have a 1 1/2 year old male Great Dane that has lost so much weight in the past month that his rib cage is now visible. 5 GOOD reasons for losing weight. URGENT: Long time website contributor and friend NEEDS OUR HELP.Read Mary's story here. Treatment of intestinal parasites involves the use of a broad-spectrum dewormer, Dr. Heinze says, followed by a monthly preventative medication to prevent reinfection. This is South Louisiana and mosquitoes are the size of danes. why is my dog losing weight, he eats, just not much, and drinks(not liquor, just h2o), and seems depressed, but is still alert and comfortable??? If you plan to change your pet’s food, check the ingredient labels of both brands and make the swap based on calories. Interceptor is what we used to use, then the company folded, so now the same substance is used in Comfortis (fleas/tick only) and in Trefexis (Heartworm and flea/tick combo). Though it may not be an answer anyone would want, the good thing is that it was caught and can be treated. “If they’re only getting diagnosed after they’ve started losing weight, they’ve probably had the disease for a long time,” Dr. Heinze explains. Our belief is as a community we can all learn from our combined. GARO Getty Images. She is a three year old Great Dane, she is normally a very active loving dog, today I went to mow the back yard and she didn't even try to move out of the way of the mower. Many times, weight loss is seen in older Great Danes. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. 10 Weird Cat Behaviors That Could Be Signs of a Sick Cat, 7 Ways Cat Lovers Can Celebrate International Cat Day. 62. They won’t ever get as round as maybe a Dachshund can, but they can definitely have too much fat–especially aging Danes that are not as active as they used to be, but are still fed the same amount. ... FORUMS. They all get dry food, left out for them all day, and I try to chose the top quality brands. If your dog loses more than 10% of his total weight, this should be a reason for worry. I'm seriously starting to think he may be part Great Dane. I noticed recently he is a little thin. My Great Dane, is losing weight quickly and has recently started to drool alot? Any suggestions? Unplanned or rapid weight loss in dogs, while not uncommon, can be alarming for any pet owner. He eats and eats, but we (my vets and I) cannot figure out why he doesn't gain weight. Generally speaking, Dr. Heinze says loss of appetite is the easiest way to tell if your pet’s weight loss is concerning or not. Also, dogs with advanced dental disease generally feel unwell and may lose body condition. You saw Great Dane is a ‘gentle giant’ but your puppy is so normally small. “If they eat more and gain weight, they’re probably OK,” she says. It is warm 10-1/2 months out of the year here. Heat stroke is unfortunately a common occurrence in summer months for large breed animals. He's very happy and active. “Whipworms, in particular, aren’t killed by a lot of products,” says Dr. Heinze. MESSAGES. He did the antigen test and it didn't register until the last few minutes of the test. Here, eight health issues that could explain why you’re losing weight so suddenly. Member. Like kidney disease, pets with heart disease won’t start losing weight immediately. DISCUSSIONS. If your dog is losing weight unexpectedly, it can be an indication of an underlying health or behavioral issue that requires veterinary attention. Any change there is a good indicator-- if he's more hungry yet still dropping weight then either internal parasites or another digestive disorder are possible. Your vet will do a physical exam first. Treatment for Weight Loss in Cats . Though it’s not common, Great Danes can get overweight. Muscle atrophy in dogs is surprisingly common – it’s not just a human ailment. If you lose more than 5% of your weight in 6 to 12 months, tell your doctor, especially if you’re an older adult. The vet may suggest some supplements and vitamins such as: I do see my Dane eating every day, so I know she hasn't stopped eating. Unlike some of the other conditions for which weight loss is a symptom, pets with kidney disease typically don’t drop pounds right away. This is a great way to add weight to skinny danes. 62. Share with: Link: Copy link. The ratio was approx 80% meat, 10% organ, 10% bone. Were there any other symptoms (other than weight loss) that you can look back on and say they might have been attributed to heartworms? “I have had people come to me because their dog is losing weight. Wow! GI problems can lead to weight loss over time. 1 doz eggs Dr. Cailin Heinze, MS, VMD, DACVN, assistant professor of nutrition at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, says that weight loss due to parasitism is less common than it used to be, because many pets receive monthly protection against heartworm and intestinal parasites. My nine year old Great Dane has been losing weight. all about Great Danes Discussion Forum > Great Dane Discussion > Great Dane Health > Losing Weight. He had no coughing or anything that would alert you to another condition. This is quite possible with Deuce, but, I doubt it. Tips for Reducing Shedding. The information provided at this site is designed to assist pet owners in the care and feeding of their companion animals. Her appetite is good. Why we recommend that Great Danes be Indoor Dogs. This site has some great recipes for helping dogs gain weight. Stools look normal & neg for blood and ova and parasites. Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea decrease the amount of available nutrients for your pet. We have an answer!! I think i take really good care of Deuce and it pains me to know he has to go through this. Congenital hypothyroidism can be treated if it's caught before the dog ages past 3 to 4 months. Diabetes is characterized by insulin deficiency, also known as the body’s inability to absorb sugar from the blood. Here are nine of the most common causes of unanticipated weight loss in dogs. In addition, make sure you’ve isolated their food from the other pets in the house to reduce food sharing or stealing. If your Great Dane has suddenly lost a lot of weight and you have not been actively trying to get them to lose weight. Why Your Dog Is Losing Weight. My Great Dane got into a bag of her dog food (Natural Balance). I was looking at pictures of Mack from a year ago and noticed that he is a bit lighter nowadays. all about Great Danes Discussion Forum. This should be a very significant warning sign that your Great Dane has something wrong with them. 3. My female dane is almost two. The ideal height and weight for a full-grown male Great Dane is 32 to 36 inches and 140 to 170 pounds. We used the Fatten Em Up Quick Meatloaf on our 2 yr old female, and it worked great. She was 117 in Nov 09.; 112 in February; 107 in June and is now 91 lbs. The ideal height for a full-grown male Great Dane is 32 to 36 inches and weight 140 to 170 pounds. When we started, she literally ate anything I gave her, meat from any animal with bones in, and any organ meat she would just chomp down. However, not all products are equally effective against all worms. Dog Illnesses and Great Dane Health. As the illness progresses, dogs generally feel unwell and experience vomiting, loss of appetite and dehydration. That sounds on target with my puppy. 8 posts losing weight losing weight . 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