What does it mean to have a lethargic dog? Lethargy in a pet is similar to that in a human: simply put, your dog may be feeling drowsy and not quite himself. Luckily, spotting a lethargic dog is relatively simple. Your pup may show reluctance to go for a walk, not want to play, or even be disinterested in their food. The first step is to understand whether your dog is lethargic or just tired, and to treat the root cause.
A tired dog is simply in need of a bit of rest. A lethargic dog, on the other hand, lacks the energy to complete normal, daily dog tasks. Signs of lethargy include lack of appetite, shortness of breath, and dramatic change in behavior.
One simple reason for lethargy in dogs is warm weather. This causes whatâs known as âexpiring lethargy.â Once the temperature cools off or your dog cools down, his lethargy should subside. If the weather is hot, make sure your pet has plenty of water and a cool or shady spot to rest.
However, if symptoms of lethargy persist for more than a few hours, there may be an underlying issue. There are many different reasons that your dog may be feeling lethargic, from infection and diseases to experiencing pain and reacting to different medications. Thatâs why itâs important to get your dog checked by a vet.
Causes of Lethargy in a Dog Include:
Step #1: Let your lethargic dog rest. Cut out the long walks and runs on the beach (at least for now). It is important to let your dog receive sufficient rest to prevent further stress.
Step #2: Keep a close eye on your lethargic dog. Consider keeping your pet in a comfortable and enclosed space. This will allow for close observation of their lethargy and allow you to further monitor their symptoms. If your dog appears to be in any discomfort or pain, or has an unusual change in appetite, this a red flag.
Step #3: When in doubt, visit the vet! If symptoms of lethargy do not disappear in 24 hours, take your dog to a veterinarian and get him thoroughly examined as soon as possible. (In the meantime, it may be worthwhile to make sure your pet insurance is fully up to date to prevent any nasty surprises.)
Step #4: Watch your dogâs appetite and behavior.
Upon returning from the vet, it is essential to monitor both the behavior and appetite of your pet. Both should improve after receiving treatment from the vet. If this is not the case, contact the vet again, consistently keeping them updated. Remember, professional help is essential here.
The nutrition your dog needs,
the food they want.
Get StartedFAQs
Seek veterinary care for sudden or persistent lethargy, or if other concerning symptoms are present. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve fluid therapy, medication, and other treatments.
What do I do if my dog is lethargic and can't get comfortable? âē
A few of the more common causes of weakness or lethargy in dogs include the following: Infection. Any kind of infection -- including serious ones such as parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and heartworm disease -- can make your dog lethargic. Some of these infections could be life-threatening.
When a dog is lethargic then fine? âē
Mild lethargy may occur in dogs who overexert themselves, especially in hot weather. They may be sound asleep for a long while and may not rouse, but when they do wake up again, they usually feel fine and behave like they normally do.
What do you give a dog that is not feeling well? âē
Give cooled, boiled water little and often. If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water. Then, offer small amounts of a white meat diet such as boiled chicken or boiled fish (cod or coley), with white rice.
How long should a dog be lethargic before going to the vet? âē
Lethargy is a sign that something may be troubling your dog. A lethargic dog may be uninterested in playing, going for a walk, or participating in activities they usually enjoy. Normal fatigue or sore muscles can sometimes be due to high temperatures, but you should see a vet if symptoms persist for more than two days.
Does lethargy go away in dogs? âē
In situations where your dog is lethargic but showing no other signs of illness, your veterinarian might suggest waiting a few hours to see if the problem resolves on its own. If there is no improvement after 24 hours, your dog should see the vet for a full physical exam and bloodwork.
Why would a dog suddenly become lethargic? âē
There are several reasons that could be causing your dog to appear tired and listless. The most common causes of lethargy in dogs are: Infection, including parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough and leptospirosis. Metabolic diseases, such as heart problems, liver problems, diabetes, and hypoglycaemia.
Why is my dog so lethargic and sluggish? âē
Lethargy and shaking commonly indicate that your dog is in pain and may be intentionally limiting their movement to reduce it. These symptoms can also point to nerve or gastrointestinal issues, as well as soft tissue injuries and fever.
Is my dog sick or just tired? âē
If your dog seems unusually tired or sluggish, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If your dog is much slower to react, not as playful, or simply much lazier than normal than they usually might be, It's best to take your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough examination.
When should I be concerned about my sick dog? âē
Pay attention to any changes in your dog's behavior
Seemingly benign symptoms like butt scooting, head shaking, pawing at ears or eyes, drooling and increased water intake, among others, can indicate that there's a medical issue.
It should also be noted that you should still talk to a vet if the condition continues for any length of time. If your pup has diarrhea, it can be difficult to know what you should feed them. Scrambled eggs are a good option for dogs with diarrhea because they are easy to digest and packed full of protein.
How to cure a sick dog at home naturally? âē
Ginger. Ginger is one of the best home remedies for your dog's vomiting and upset stomach. You can make ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger root in water, cooling it, and giving it to your dog in small amounts throughout the day.
How to nurse a dog back to health? âē
Road to Recovery
An animal suffering from malnourishment only needs love and help to recover to full health. A gradual increase in the feeding plan set up by a vet, a calm environment, easy exercise and support supplements all contribute to adding back on the right amount of weight for the pet.
What are the signs of parvo? âē
These are some important signs to watch out for:
- Lethargy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Severe, often bloody, diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain and bloating.
- Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
Common symptoms of heartworms in dogs
- Seeming breathless or struggling to catch their breath.
- Coughing after exercise.
- Refusing to exercise or play.
- Seeming lethargic or weak.
- A bulging chest cavity.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Irregular heartbeat.
Symptoms include:
- vomiting.
- diarrhoea.
- dehydration.
- hyperactivity.
- high temperature and blood pressure.
- abnormal heart rhythm and tremors.
What are the signs of leptospirosis in dogs? The clinical signs of leptospirosis vary. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, or severe muscle pain.
