What to Do If Your Dog Is Too Thin?

1 Nutrition: The Most Common Cause

A thin dog is usually undernourished and simply needs more nutrition. Disease, digestion problems, tumors, and parasite infection can also cause weight loss and require prompt treatment. Read on for the causes and solutions.

Poor nutrition is the most common reason for a scrawny dog. Pick a high-quality kibble that provides balanced protein, fat, carbohydrate, and vitamins, and choose it according to the dog’s age, size, activity level, and special needs. Puppies and active dogs generally need more nutrition.

Beyond good kibble, add nutritious foods occasionally, such as cooked chicken, fish, or egg, and some fruit and vegetables, to round out the diet.

2 Feeding Routine and Exercise

For a thin dog, feed smaller meals more often to aid digestion and absorption, and keep a regular schedule to maintain appetite and a healthy digestive system.

Appropriate exercise also helps a dog stay healthy and gain weight. Moderate activity raises appetite and metabolism. Take the dog for regular walks and play to increase movement and improve appetite and digestion.

3 When to See a Veterinarian

If correct feeding and exercise do not help, take the dog to the clinic for blood, fecal, and other tests to find any hidden problem. Besides poor nutrition, disease, digestive trouble, tumors, and parasites also cause thinning and must be addressed before they worsen.

Also note that ideal weight varies by breed. Some dogs are naturally slim, such as the Chinese slender hound, Doberman, Chihuahua, and Greyhound. If such a dog is thin but active and normal otherwise, there is no need to worry. Judge your dog against its breed’s typical build.