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Why is my dog lethargic, losing weight, has pale gums, and eats dirt?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is lethargic, has lost a lot of weight, has pale gums, front paws are swollen, eats dirt but wouldn't eat food.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2018

Hi. The pale gums and weight loss are very serious signs! I don't know the age, or sex, or history, so it's a bit hard to review the most likely possibilities. But with pale gums and weight loss, 8d be concerned about internal bleeding, cancer, immune mediated disease, parasites, k8dney disease, and many more. An exam, lab work, and x-rays will be needed to get down to the the potential cause. I would recommend getting him seen right away.

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