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My senior dog is losing weight, in pain, weak, and won't play. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 8 months old | 60 lbs

My 11 year old unneutered German Shepherd, has lost alot of weight. Eats and drinks very good, his poop is very normal. He is in pain where ever I touch him he whinces. He has weakness in lower hips legs. His vision is very good. Has trouble balancing front legs. Does not want to play at all. He won't even chew on his toys or his favorite ball.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2018

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Vinnie! In a senior dog, losing weight despite eating can have some very serious causes such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer. It's also concerning that he is in pain wherever you touch him. This pain would prevent him from not wanting to play, and be more lethargic than usual. He needs to see a vet today for these problems. I would take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 6th, 2017
It is very concerning that Duni has lost that much weight in such a short period of time. It may not be that he's picky, he could have a medical illness causing his weight loss. These medical problems include dental problems, kidney failure, diabetes, liver failure, cardiac problems, or even cancer among others. Dogs can be very stoic when sick, and oftentimes they are quite ill before showing any signs. I would recommend that Duni sees a vet first thing Monday for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, urinalysis, and chest x-rays to diagnose if there is a medical illness causing his weight loss and reluctance to eat. If one is found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 13th, 2019
Hi Jesus. This tells me Kely is quite sick, she needs to see a vet immediately. She could have a serious disease occurring, like kidney failure, liver failure, heart disease, or even cancer. She will starve to death if you leave her like this, and it cannot be treated at home. Please take her into a vet immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Veterinarian
Published on January 13th, 2019
Your Max sounds very sick and should see a veterinarian. Decreased appetite and weight loss are non specific signs and could indicate many problems including something wrong with the gi tract itself or any other body system (kidneys, liver, blood cells, etc). Being lethargic and wobbly are also non specific signs secondary to the disease process that is going on. He could be dehydrated, painful, have a fever, have a low red or white count, etc. Your guy needs to be seen for an exam and testing. Initial tests are likely to include bloodwork and xrays. This is the best way to get answers as quickly as possible and to get a treatment plan to make Max feel better. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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