lethargy in dogs
If your dog is showing signs of laziness, don't ignore them. You might notice a marked lack of energy. Also, be sure any drugs you discard in the trash can't be reached by your pooch. Try not to get too distressed though. It really doesn’t take much to please a dog, so when they experience pronounced mood or behavior changes, the changes are obvious. It’s important to rule out any health problems that may be interfering with your dog’s ability to absorb nutrients from their food, such as a worm infestation or inflammatory bowel disease. Sudden lethargy in unspayed female dogs is cause for alarm. Therapy may include intravenous (IV) fluid administration, 24-hour monitoring, and drug treatment. You know if your dog is acting lethargic, or if he or she is just tired from a busy day. As gross as that thought may be, intestinal worms are pretty common. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Dog Weakness and Lethargy: Common Causes and Treatments, Other Causes of Weakness and Lethargy in Dogs, Dog Behavioral Problems -- Barking, Chewing, and More, The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan Talks Canines, Kids, and Finding Balance, Food Guarding and Food Protection in Dogs, Poisoning (for example from eating foods that are toxic to dogs, like garlic, leeks, or onions). Other diseases like an underactive thyroid cause lethargy. If you think your dog has consumed human medication -- or anything that might be toxic -- call your vet at once or call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Dogs and cats can actually exhibit signs of depression, and it often manifests as lethargy. Distemper can cause additional symptoms along with lethargy, such as fever, coughing, and eye/nose discharge. Some dogs can actually get clinical depression caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Medications can make dogs lethargic and lose interest in their normal day-to-day activities. Other health conditions that are painful and trigger lethargy are: If your dog experiences persistent vomiting, or you notice blood in their stool along with lethargic behavior, you should see your vet immediately. If you notice lethargy in your dog then you need to take your furry companion to a veterinarian. Generally, excessive tiredness or lethargy signifies any underlying health issue which is why your pooch’s body appear weak. Lethargy can occur for many different reasons, some that are mild and do not need treatment and others that may be life-threatening. A lethargic dog, on the other hand, lacks the energy to complete normal, daily dog tasks. Lethargy in dogs. Similarly, lethargy can also be a symptom of many behavioral problems in pets. You might notice a … It’s a lazy weekend at home, and you are going about your business, cleaning the house, making lunch, doing laundry. Studies suggest that mental fatigue causes perceived physical tiredness in humans, and I have no reason to believe it can’t be the same for dogs. Your dog most probably is unwell and needs care. Something else to note is that your dog’s environment can be a cause of lethargy. Do not confuse lethargy in dogs with relaxation or tiredness. Lots of things can make your dog feel this way but these symptoms could also be the signs of a more serious illness. However, it’s important to assess your pet for other symptoms as well, and notice whether or not they exhibit any additional abnormal behaviors. Anything that causes pain or discomfort such as arthritis is likely to make your dog feel under the weather and lethargic. And because weakness and lethargy can indicate anything from a chronic condition to a life-threatening illness, you should always talk to your vet when you notice either symptom. As dogs get older, they get lethargic more often. This disease is not easy and need to be cured in a very effective way. But in general, lethargy when your dog is in heat is perfectly normal. Other reasons behind lethargy in dogs or a certain age could be heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, general pain, hypothyroidism, and tick-borne diseases, to name a few. Lethargy and refusing to eat are common symptoms in a dog that has been poisoned. Treatment of lethargy in dogs. Receive 25% off your next order when you share your testimonial with us! One of the most common concerns that you may face as a dog owner is whether or not your dog has worms. Liver disease can cause lethargy in your dog, and be accompanied by abdominal bloating, jaundice. If a dog is not feeling well for any reason it may become lethargic. Especially if your dog has osteoarthritis. By Michelle McDaid. The underlying factors that may be the cause for lethargy in dogs are: Since lethargy is a symptom, treatment of lethargy in dogs depends on the underlying cause. A dog's body consists of up to 80 percent water. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Lethargy and weakness -- these are vague but common symptoms of illness in dogs. A lethargic dog may: Here’s what you need to know about worms in dogs: how to tell if your dog has worms, how dogs get worms, and how to get rid of worms in dogs. So always keep human drugs out of reach of your pet. Causes of Lethargic Dog Drooling. The dog shows little or no interest in things in general, and there is a delay in response to external stimuli (such as sound, touch, smell, or sight) around him. In geriatric animals, lethargy is common in dogs that are overweight or obese, or that are suffering from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, or hypothyroidism. Some symptoms might include anemia, heart or respiratory conditions, inflammation or infection, dehydration, or hormonal changes. In other words, dogs get dazed and confused, too. A dog will become lethargic if the fluid levels in its body drops. Your dog appears distressed when he’s shaking. As an animal lover, you know that most dogs like to spend their days eating and playing with their toys (much like children), interspersed with napping, sitting around soaking in patches of sunlight, and generally having a blast and enjoying life. But as a devoted pet owner, you know your dog well, and can sense when something is not quite right. Dog lethargy is a common issue and it manifests physically and emotionally as well. Many of the viral infections such as distemper and parvovirus present with lethargy and loss of appetite. Dog Weakness and Lethargy: Common Causes and Treatments Parvovirus is spread through feces. Distemper can cause symptoms such as fever, lethargy, discharge from the eyes and nose, and coughing. Your dog may be depressed due to the loss of a playmate or family member. Common symptoms like lethargy, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, cloudy pupils, frequent urination, weight change, disorientation, slow-healing rate, and bad breath are often-ignored clues of serious disease. Lethargy is a side effect that commonly occurs whenever a dog … your own Pins on Pinterest Getty Images/THEPALMER. Pet owners often describe their dog’s lethargy as a constant fatigue or inexplicable weakness. That includes heart problems, liver problems, diabetes, and hypoglycemia. This is because your dog is unable to use sugar in the bloodstream for energy. When a patient presents with an elevated temperature, it is important to distinguish from the outset whether the increase is due to fever or nonfebrile hyperthermia (see Is It Fever or Hyperthermia? Once the underlying cause is identified and addressed, the symptom of lethargy will disappear. The first reason: the dog suffers from some disease; The second reason: lethargy because of fear of a thing or person; The third reason: the absence of an important person in the dog’s life; Fourth reason: side effects of drugs cause lethargy in dogs; The fifth reason: the ingestion of poisonous plants or substances This is especially helpful if you find that you are away from home fairly often or for hours at a time. Signs of Lethargy in Dogs. https://www.healthline.com/health/9-warning-signs-dog-needs-veterinarian, Assisi Botanicals – Our Products for People. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can cause lethargy. If your dog is depressed, anxious, or unhappy for any reason, it can manifest in lethargic behavior. Things that can make your dog lethargic and weak can range from infection and disease to pain and medication. Any of the following can cause weakness and lethargy in dogs: Because so many things can cause weakness or lethargy in your dog, always give your vet a call if you notice these symptoms. All rights reserved. Labored breathing (such as dogs with asthma), Exposure to poisons or toxins (environmental or foods like onions, garlic, and leeks), Hypoglycemia can weaken your dog and trigger. Sometimes lethargy is caused by nothing more than the dog’s age. Display a delayed response to outside stimuli and the things going on around them. They might ask for blood tests with blood count, a urinalysis, a fecal exam, x-rays, and/or a biochemical profile. And many things, some of them quite serious, can make your dog weak or lethargic. Heart disease is a potentially fatal health condition, and lethargy as well as exercise intolerance can be warning signs for congestive heart failure. There are a great many toxins out there, including common human foods, plant life, and chemicals. A dog will usually respond to food or toys. A lethargic dog could be suffering from a disease affecting the liver — like leptospirosis. So yes – when a female dog is in their heat, lethargy is very common and normal during most stages of their heat, as are many other unusual behaviours. Learn when you should be concerned and see a vet. Symptoms also include fever, red eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and muscle pain. ", Canine Liver Disease Foundation: "Treatment Options for Canine Liver Disease" and "Signs and Symptoms of Canine Liver Disease. There are many health issues that can cause lethargy in your dog. When people have to face this problem of dog acting lethargic, they need to know first about lethargy in dogs and what the symptoms are. Dogs with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy or any other physical abnormality may be treated with hospitalization. Causes of lethargy in dogs. Your instincts will tell you when something more is wrong. Kennel Cough and Lethargy in Dogs One common cause of lethargy in dogs is kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis. , fever, and weakness all accompany a dog with a heartworm problem. You might also consider getting a secondary animal if you don’t already have one, so that your pets can keep each other company. Pain. Signs of lethargy include lack of appetite, shortness of breath, and dramatic change in behavior. Lethargy and weakness are common symptoms when a pooch isn’t feeling very well. It can be a symptom of pyometra, which is an often deadly uterine infection. Heart and lung disease can make it difficult for dogs to exercise. Pay attention when you give your pets. You’re probably familiar with the tried and true method many dog owners have relied on to see if their dog has a fever: Feel his nose. “The Common Symptom of Many Pet Disorders.” Healthy Pets, Accessed 18 March 2017. The first step is to get to the vet for a proper diagnosis. They can lead to weakness, lethargy, even death. While some of the conditions that can cause your pet to become lethargic are mild, others can be very serious. Parvo can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with lethargy. Ever feel drained and tired on a cloudy day? There are a great many toxins out there, including common human foods, plant life, and chemicals. Lethargy in Dogs. National Institutes of Health, Veterinary Medicine Labels: "Clomicalm (clomipramine hydrochloride) Tablet, Clomipramine (clomipramine hydrochloride) Powder. The causative factors of lethargy could be infections, malnutrition, metabolic diseases, medications, tumours, anaemia, poisoning, any trauma or old age. As you do, you notice your dog seems to be moping around, sleeping more than normal, and not behaving nearly as joyfully or playfully as he or she usually does. This affects the respiratory system, leading to a cough that often sounds like a honk. Dog lethargy is not a condition that a vet will treat in and of itself, but your vet will look for underlying causes for the lethargy and attempt to treat those conditions. A heartworm infection can also cause a dog to appear listless. The walking service and dog advice site, Wag!, adds that exercise intolerance in combination with other symptoms—such as a lack of appetite, coughing, or fainting—could also be a sign of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) or other cardiovascular disease. Lethargy And Loss Of Appetite In Dogs. Lethargy is a side effect that commonly occurs whenever a dog is feeling ill or its body is not working properly. Fogle, B. Caring for Your Dog, Dorling Kindersley, Ltd., 2002. We’ll follow up with a 25% off coupon code! This is because … OTC drugs like ibuprofen are poisonous for animals. The list of possible causes of lethargy in older animals includes excess weight, cancer, osteoarthritis, pain (orthopedic, dental, and cancer-related pain are the most common), diabetes, heart disease, canine hypothyroidism and infections, such as tick-borne diseases in dogs and feline FIV.. Keep in mind that as your dog ages, some lethargy will be normal. There are only so many underlying conditions that trigger lethargy in dogs.The most evident signs of it are drowsiness, lack of activity, and a very … Heartworm disease is caused by heart worms. Some symptoms might include anemia, heart or respiratory conditions, inflammation or infection, dehydration, or hormonal changes. Flea and heartworm medications can sometimes trigger lethargy too. Home » Pet Nutrition » Lethargy in Dogs. If you drop a pill, pick it up immediately -- before your dog does. The dog shows little or no interest in things happening around him, and there is always a noticeable delay in response to external stimuli such as touch, sound, sight, or smell. The most notable symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs includes rapid breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, lethargy, anorexia and abdominal distension. Sometimes lethargy in dogs can be due to the weather, perhaps … Even a gastrointestinal infection may show lethargy as a symptom. A dog who’s lethargic may show no interest in going for a walk, even though that’s usually the highlight of their day, or they might not want to play or eat. “5 Reasons Your Pet Is Lethargic (and When to Worry).” PetMD, Accessed 18 March 2017. A wide range of chronic conditions can leave dogs weak or lethargic. Here's information about the most common conditions, how they are treated, and when your dog should see a vet. Remember to keep human medications well beyond your dog’s reach. Weakness and lethargy are vague symptoms but nonetheless are very common in dogs. As a dog’s condition progresses, appetite loss and rapid breathing may also develop. If your dog is laying around, does not want to play, and is generally unhappy for longer than 24 hours, you should call your veterinarian. Their lack of energy keeps them on the couch, rather than wanting to go for a walk around the block. Remember, lethargy is an early warning sign that tells you there is something wrong with your dog. Lethargy is the feeling of being sluggish, drowsy, and lacking in energy. Diagnosis is complicated as there are many possible causes of lethargy in cats which range from mild to severe, as lethargy is a symptom of most illnesses and disorders. While the two conditions may overlap at times, and are related to each other, they are still classified as two very different conditions by most vets. Email It’s also important to make sure that you are feeding your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet. Lethargy means sluggishness, drowsiness or dullness. He will perform a thorough physical test of your pooch and will ask you about his medical history which will help him in understanding the underlying illness which is making your dog lethargic. Your dog will develop healthy and lasting attachments to other pets, so it’s nice when you are able to provide them with a playmate. Lethargy. Sometimes a dog who seems lethargic may really be suffering from ‘exercise intolerance’. However, if your dog appears to behave lethargically for longer than a day, or if your dog displays other symptoms as well, you might need to go ahead and book that vet appointment. Sleep for an extended period of time, especially lengths of time you know is unusual for them. By definition, lethargy is a state of inactivity or sluggishness. If your vet finds anything concerning or notices any abnormalities, he could recommend other tests, such as bacterial cultures, biopsies, MRI or CT scans, cardiac ultrasounds, a behavioral assessment, or even a complete neurological exam. Metabolic Disease: A diverse range of chronic conditions can result in weakness and lethargy in dogs. If you notice weakness after starting a new drug or using a new flea or heartworm product, call your veterinarian immediately. Sometimes, dogs can feel tired because of excess exercise the night before or it is probably just the weather, like when you feel tired on a cloudy day. If you have a large dog but live in a small apartment, it’s vital to make sure that you take your dog outside for regular play and exercise. Signs of lethargy include lack of appetite, shortness of breath, and dramatic change in behavior. A lethargic dog does not want to eat, drink, go for a walk, or even get out of their bed. A lethargic dog is inactive, who appears tired or sleepy all the time. Normal Signs of Aging vs Serious Symptoms in Elderly Dogs. www.healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/09/16/lethargy-in-dogs-cats.aspx. Lethargy is a nonspecific sign associated with many possible underlying systemic disorders. Lethargy or reluctance to exercise is usually the first indicator that your pet is in pain. Buy Our Products at Local Retailers & Veterinarians. As an example, if your dog normally greets you with eager excitement when you arrive home, but one day lies there sleeping instead, with zero interest in your arrival, you can be fairly certain something is amiss. The problems and diseases that cause lethargy range from minor bothers that will typically go away untreated, to serious and sometimes life-threatening issues that require extensive medical care. Untreated diabetes can cause extreme lethargy. Just like people, dogs can become overtired and need a day off to recuperate and get a little R&R. Exercise Intolerance in Young and Older Pets Finally, remember that just like people, dogs can get bored. A few of the more common causes of weakness or lethargy in dogs include the following: Infection. Lethargy is generally fairly self-evident, and can be identified fairly easily in dogs. Some prescribed medicines might make a dog feel lethargic. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You might consider writing down your findings, and book an appointment with your vet if your dog doesn’t seem to perk up after a day or so. Lethargy accompanies a vast majority of canine and feline medical problems, and while they might be small ones, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian as soon you observe excessive lethargy in your animal – anything more than 24 hours, Williams said. Causes of lethargy in young dogs more often than not is related to parasites. “How to Treat Sudden Lethargy and Exercise Intolerance in Dogs.” Vetstreet, Feb. 2014, Accessed 18 March 2017. Discover (and save!) Baseline lab tests are always useful to help your vet identify things that could require a closer look. When a dog is frightened because they are in a new home, or even when they are afraid due to thunder, fireworks, or gun fire, you may notice changes in their mood or behavior. When people have to face this problem of dog acting lethargic, they need to know first about lethargy in dogs … Hookworms, ticks and fleas (especially if your animal is highly infested), heartworms (especially on dogs who aren’t on preventives), as well as infectious diseases such as the Parvovirus can cause lethargy. Below are some common reasons why your dog has no energy. Much like people, when dogs get bored they sleep, and it’s very easy for them to sink into a depression as a result. However, you should be careful not to confuse a lethargic dog with a relaxed dog. Lethargic dogs can also have delayed responses to external stimuli, like someone calling their name or tossing them a tennis ball. Jun 7, 2019 - This Pin was discovered by Pure Pet Food. Causes of lethargy in dogs. Sometimes dogs can seem to be lethargic because of too much exercise the day before, or perhaps due to weather changes. At the end of the day, you know your dog the best. A dog drooling that is also lethargic may be poisoned. ", Humane Society of Utah: "Year Round Heartworm Testing & Medication Provides the Protection Your Pet Needs.". Dogs suffer from Addison’s disease when their endocrine system doesn’t produce enough hormones for the body to function properly. ).Most dogs that present with fever have some abnormality on physical examination that helps guide the diagnostic process. Your dog starts shivering after ingesting something unusual. Lethargy in dogs is a sign which suggests that the dog may not be well, either physically or mentally. Lethargy can indicate anything from chronic illness to a fatal medical issue. Get a coupon for 30% off a future order when you join our newsletter! Oct 31, 2014 | Pet Nutrition. Medications. Typically, your dog will develop heartworms because of mosquito bites, especially if they aren’t on any kind of preventative medication. ", Department of Agriculture and Food: "Health Care of the Farm Dog. Any kind of infection -- including serious ones such as parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and heartworm disease -- can make your dog lethargic. Lethargy is the feeling of being sluggish, drowsy, and lacking in energy. It’s also an indicator of liver disease and heart problems. A dog that has been poisoned will likely lay down and pant heavily. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Extreme tiredness may show up if your dog is suffering from an infectious viral disease like Canine Distemper or Parvovirus infection. If there are no other symptoms, your vet might recommend further testing to try to rule out any other accompanying health conditions.
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