Why is my 13-year-old dog suddenly so hungry and raiding trash?

Hi there. Increased drinking and urination, along with increased appetite, are very common signs illnesses like diabetes or Cushing's disease in dogs. I would recommend taking Jack to the vet for an exam and some lab work to help determine what's going on. Both of these problems are very treatable once a diagnosis is made, so there's a good chance your veterinarian will be able to help after some testing is done.

I am very sorry to hear that Dodger is begging you and following you around. I am sure this is very unsettling for you both. Unfortunately there is quite a range of reasons why Dodger may be exhibiting these behaviours including metabolic diseases like diabetes, intestinal concerns such as parasite infestation, as well as cognitive changes associated with older age. If these behaviours continue to persist, I would advice taking Dodger into see a veterinarian. Though the behaviours may seem relatively mild, they could represent a potentially serious medical condition. Your vet will run diagnostic tests, such as blood work and urine and fecal examinations to determine the precise cause. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Dodger feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Excessive water intake can be seen with conditions such as urinary tract infections, and metabolic conditions such as Cushing's disease to name a few. Given that Chico is also showing signs of being hungry, it is possible that he has something called Cushing's disease which is a metabolic condition which at times requires treatment. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian who can test for that if it makes sense based on further history and physical examination. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures Jack doesn't look skinny, but if they are trying to make him gain weight and he isn't, I recommend taking him to a vet to rule out medical problems. Some possibilities are intestinal parasites, pancreatic problems, intestinal problems, and organ problems to name a few. Also, he may be on an inadequate diet. Once a vet performs a physical exam, they can discuss the testing recommendations. Good luck and kisses to Jack!

I would recommend taking your dog to the vet for an exam, as there are definitely some medical conditions that can cause a dramatic increase in appetite like this. Some possibilities would include Cushing's disease, diabetes, a thyroid tumor, or a problem with absorbing nutrients from the GI tract. Your veterinarian can do blood work or other testing if needed to help determine what may be causing this.

There are some disease processes in dogs that can cause an increased appetite. Most notably is an endocrine disorder called Cushing's Disease and the appetite is the result of excessive steroid production in the body. A pet taking steroid medication could also have increased appetite. There are other possible diagnoses as well so if the change is significant a good place to start would be an exam and bloodwork with your family vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I would definitely recommend some blood work, if this hasn't been done recently. Older dogs are prone to a number of health issues that can cause decreased appetite along with being less active - chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism are two possibilities that are both very common. In many cases, these issues are treatable (at least to some extent) once a diagnosis is made, so it's well worth checking for them if you can - hopefully, there are some things you can do to make him feel better for as long as possible, even though he's getting older.