Progressive changes in weight

You should be concerned if your dog appears to lose weight progressively over two to four weeks, or shows a slow but steady weight loss over a longer period. Unexpected weight gain can also indicate a problem. Dogs can become obese due to a variety of reasons. Some common causes of sudden weight gain in dogs include changes in diet, over-eating, lack of exercise, and problems with hormones (such as polycystic ovary syndrome or Cushing's syndrome).

Dogs that are obese may also have increased risk for certain medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and joint conditions. If you see your dog gaining weight rapidly or becoming visibly unhealthy, it is important to take them to see a veterinarian or pay attention to their diet. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and carry out a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the obesity and make treatment recommendations.

When your dog suddenly starts putting on weight, a trip to the veterinarian is often in order. While there are many possible causes for obesity in dogs, some medical conditions may be responsible. Some of the most common causes of obesity in dogs as discussed earlier would be pre-existing medical conditions (hormonal or linked to diseases). In some cases, it may be caused due to unhealthy diets and improper nutrition.