You know how active your dog is on a regular basis, so if your dog suddenly seems lethargic and is moving around less, there may be a reason why. Lethargy can be a sign of an underlying problem that shouldn't be ignored because it may indicate a serious issue that requires treatment. It is helpful for dog owners to understand why their dog may act lethargic, so they can get their dog the help it may need. Find out more about the underlying causes of lethargy, how a diagnosis is made, and how this condition may be treated.
Lethargy in dogs can be a result of a myriad of concerns. Lethargy by itself is not something that is used to identify a specific problem or illness, but it is often one of the first of several signs that is seen in combination with other symptoms. Some common causes of lethargy in dogs include the following.
Osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, gastroenteritis, intestinal parasites, neurological disorders, and many other illnesses or diseases can cause a dog to be lethargic. Some diseases cause lethargy due to a decrease in metabolizable energy, nausea, pain, disorientation, or other problems that result in a dog being more tired. Lethargy is just one of the signs that these illnesses or diseases can cause, so it's important to assess and look for other symptoms when you notice your dog is lethargic.
Torn cruciate ligaments, bee and other insect stings, dog fights, and other situations that cause a pet to be injured can result in lethargy. Sometimes the lethargy is due to pain, but other times it may be due to internal bleeding or instability of a joint. External injuries may be easier to see than internal injuries, but both can cause lethargy and be very serious.
When a dog does not consume enough water or loses too much water because of a disease or extreme heat exposure, dehydration will occur. The body needs enough water to function normally so without it, lethargy will result. Diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, and other issues can all cause dehydration in your dog and therefore result in it being lethargic.
If you notice your dog acting more lethargic than usual, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. A full physical examination and a history of your pet will be obtained. If there is no clear reason for the lethargy, diagnostic testing will be recommended. X-rays, a fecal analysis, and blood work are often the first tests to be run. These will look for broken bones and other internal abnormalities like organ dysfunction, signs of infection, or changes to electrolyte levels. Occasionally MRI or CT scans and more specific blood tests may also be recommended depending on what is suspected.
Once the cause of the lethargy is diagnosed, a treatment plan can be made. Various medications to treat the underlying illness, disease, or infectious cause of the lethargy will be prescribed. Pain will be addressed and may be treated with physical therapy, medications, acupuncture, laser therapy, or other treatments. Sometimes rest is needed, especially if there was an injury. Other times, an increase in activity, especially for a dog with obesity are needed to treat the underlying reason for the lethargy. On occasion, surgery may also be necessary.
Because practically any illness can cause lethargy in dogs, it is impossible to prevent them all, but there are some steps you can take to help keep your dog happy and active. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and having a routine blood screening can help detect problems before they have the chance to cause lethargy in your dog.
Ensuring your dog always has access to fresh water, is not left in high heat for extended periods of time, and uses regular parasite preventatives can also decrease some causes of lethargy in dogs. Otherwise, basic safety measures of keeping your dog on a leash when on a walk, not forcing it to perform activities that it isn't well-conditioned for, and keeping it away from toxins, chemicals, and garbage can decrease the likelihood of your dog becoming lethargic.
There are a few reasons why your dog is eating your underwear, including curiosity and attraction to the smell, but also boredom, anxiety, or health c
Chiggers are tiny mites that can affect dogs, people, and other animals. They live on the surface of the skin and feed on skin cells. Unfortunately, t
Just like people, dogs can have allergies to a variety of things. This means that their immune system can be extra sensitive to various types of aller
Anemia is an indicator of compromised health in a dog. It has a variety of causes, from trauma-related blood loss to immune-mediated diseases like inf
The Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed created by crossing Bernese mountain dogs with poodles. Standard poodles are most commonly used. Depe
The pomsky is a cross between a Siberian husky and a Pomeranian. These fluffy, medium-sized pups have fur that grows in an array of colors, including
The Berger Picard is a medium-size herding dog breed from France that has a medium-length, wiry coat that forms its trademark shaggy beard, eyebrows,
The Maltese is a small and affectionate toy dog breed that hails from the Mediterranean region and is known for its trademark silky, white fur that ac
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
