Malabsorption and maldigestion
EPI destroys pancreatic enzyme production, preventing nutrient absorption. IBD inflames the intestinal lining. Both cause weight loss with diarrhea and hunger.
Dog Symptom
My Dog Is Losing Weight — Online Vet Assessment
Unexplained weight loss is always concerning. Get expert guidance on parasites, malabsorption, organ disease, and cancer — with a clear diagnostic path.
Licensed Vets
$65 Flat Fee
Same-Day Rx
24/7 Access
Moderate urgency — consult a vet within 24–48 hours
When weight loss needs investigation
Expert online help when your dog is losing weight
Licensed vet assesses body condition and muscle wasting on video
Same-day diagnostic and nutrition plan
Appetite stimulant and supplement prescriptions when appropriate
$65 flat fee — comprehensive evaluation
Coordination with local lab for bloodwork and fecal testing
Prescription diets for malabsorption and organ support
Weight loss from increased exercise or intentional dieting is expected. Losing pounds without explanation — especially with a ravenous appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting — points to malabsorption, parasites, diabetes, or cancer.
TelaVets veterinarians evaluate body condition score on camera, review stool quality and appetite, and recommend fecal testing, TLI (EPI panel), CBC, chemistry, and imaging as clinically indicated.
Signs to watch for when your dog is weight loss
- Visible ribs and spine despite eating well
- Ravenous appetite with continued weight loss
- Chronic diarrhea or greasy stool
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Lethargy and muscle wasting
- Increased thirst and urination
- Abdominal distension or masses
- Rapid weight loss over weeks
Common causes of weight loss in dogs
- Intestinal parasites
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Dental disease causing reduced intake
- Addison's disease
Why is my dog weight loss?
Early diagnosis of weight loss improves prognosis for most conditions. Our vets prioritize the most informative tests for your dog's presentation.
Parasites and chronic disease
Hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms steal nutrients. Kidney and liver disease alter metabolism and reduce appetite over time.
Neoplasia and endocrine disease
Cancer increases metabolic demand. Diabetes causes glucose loss in urine. Addison's disease disrupts cortisol balance, leading to progressive wasting.
How our vets assess this online
Video body condition assessment combined with detailed history guides our vets toward the most likely cause and appropriate diagnostic workup.
- Body condition score estimated on video
- Appetite, stool quality, and vomiting history reviewed
- Recent diet changes and parasite prevention status
- Age, breed, and prior medical history considered
- Recommendation for fecal exam, TLI, CBC, chemistry, and imaging
Treatments we may recommend
Many causes of weight loss are treatable when caught early. Our vets initiate supportive nutrition and targeted therapy while coordinating diagnostics.
Prescription pancreatic enzyme supplementation for EPI
Deworming protocols for intestinal parasites
Prescription hydrolyzed or novel protein diets for IBD
Appetite stimulants and high-calorie recovery diets
Insulin therapy guidance for diabetes
Pain management and dental referral if oral disease is the cause
Oncology referral when cancer is suspected
All medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate by a licensed veterinarian and dispensed through our FDA-compliant pharmacy.
Maintaining healthy weight in your dog
Maintain year-round intestinal parasite prevention
Feed a balanced, age-appropriate diet
Schedule annual wellness exams with weight tracking
Address dental disease promptly to maintain food intake
Monitor body condition monthly — ribs should not be prominently visible
Why pet parents choose TelaVets
Licensed DVMs Only
Every consultation is with a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine — not a chatbot or technician.
$65 Flat Fee
One transparent price covers your full video consultation and treatment plan. No facility fees or surprise charges.
Same-Day Appointments
Most pet parents are connected with a vet within 1–3 hours of booking, 7 days a week.
Next-Day Prescriptions
When medication is appropriate, prescriptions are issued same-day and delivered to your door next business day.
Stress-Free Home Visits
Your pet is assessed in their calm home environment, which often makes symptoms easier to evaluate on video.
Secure & Private
Encrypted video calls and HIPAA-compliant records keep your pet's health information protected.
How TelaVets works
Book your consultation
Pick a same-day or upcoming slot — appointments available 7 days a week.
Connect with a licensed vet
Your vet assesses your pet via secure video, asks detailed questions, and reviews their history.
Get your treatment plan
Receive a diagnosis, personalised care plan, and same-day prescriptions delivered next-day.
What Our Pet Parents Say
Join thousands of happy pet parents who trust TelaVets for their furry family members care
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
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Frequently asked questions about weight loss in dogs
weight loss in dogs can have many causes. Our licensed vets use your pet's history, symptom pattern, and a visual assessment via video to narrow down the most likely cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
If your dog's weight loss has lasted more than 24–48 hours, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting), book a consultation immediately.
Yes. Our vets can assess your dog's symptoms via secure video, ask detailed diagnostic questions, and prescribe appropriate treatment — all without a clinic visit.
If medication is clinically appropriate, our licensed vets can issue prescriptions same-day with next-day delivery to your home.
Mild weight loss often isn't an emergency, but if your dog shows severe distress, difficulty breathing, collapse, or other alarming signs, seek emergency in-person care immediately. When in doubt, book a consultation — our vets will help you assess the urgency.
Get expert help for your dog's weight loss today
Same-day appointments — $65 flat fee — licensed vets