My old boy, a pointer, whose age is indeterminate because he is a rescue (yes, the same one with tail issues) is getting really skinny.  I need to get him in to be checked by the vet.  His activity level is the same, he is alert, he still eats with gusto.  I'm wondering if it's a thyroid thing. 

Anyone face a similar situation with a senior they own and love?

Lab,

     definitly get the dog in. I had a mix that was 16! I noticed when i petted her I started feeling the spine. She eventually went off food, she ws sick. but 16! When your dog comes back with a clean bill, then you can consider a dietary program.

F

Thanks for the responses.  Taking a stool specimen in today, then we'll go from there.....   These old guys are so sweet you just hate to see age catch up with them.

Lab

 I have a standard poodle that was in rough shape when i adopted him. amoung lots of issues, he was anemic. I started him on liquid iron. his energy became normal( he's about 9) and levels were normal. doc gave him 6 to a year to live, i have him 18 months now! he is never better. Innova makes a hi protein food called EVO. You must be sure the dog has healthy kidneys before giving a hi protein food. I would seek the advice of a vet with some nutrician knowledge( good luck) Here is a great web site.

www.drmarty.com

F

Frank - thanks for the link and the tips.

When I take him for a follow up visit in a couple weeks, I'll ask about switching to a hi protein food.

My dog is not a senior; however, she was losing weight for no apparent reason (to the point of her ribs beginning to show) and the vet suggested adding a powdered product called Prozyme to her food.  She has been on 1/2 teaspoon of this added to her food daily for the past 2 months.  I am very happy to report that when the vet weighed her this week she had gained back 11 pounds!  (she is a 4 yr. old German Shepherd)  If you decide to try Prozyme, it is not available in pet stores but you can find it on the internet and it was well worth the cost.