A few of the more common causes of weakness or lethargy in dogs include the following: Infection. The Golden Rule of dog training is never to hit your dog. They’ll contentedly slumber for hours afterward. I took her to the Emergency Vets yesterday, and he did bloodwork. Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach. The most common reason a loss of appetite occurs in cats is change. There are several ways that you can do this: If these techniques do not reignite your dog’s interest in playtime, further investigation is needed. Small shifts in a routine can throw off your dog’s mood. Don’t forget gum – if it contains xylitol, it could be fatal to your dog. This is likely in the case of rescue dogs that have been traumatized. If your dog recently consumed the toxin (less than 30 minutes ago), inducing vomiting may help. If you find yourself worrying: “my dog is lethargic and won’t eat or drink,” there are some questions you should ask before you panic. Picky Eating: Many dogs will eagerly eat cookies, treats, or people food, but may turn their nose at kibble or dog food. Of course, this runs the risk of spoiling your dog into only eating when those appetite enhancers are offered. Now he just lays around a lot, drinks a lot of water, and won't do much. So let’s say you brought your puppy home at 8 weeks – they could be susceptible to parvo until they’re 12 weeks old. Luckily, trying to break them out of a funk by playing with them doesn’t mean a trip to the vet. Many people consider it one of the best parts of owning a dog. a pulled muscle, which will heal itself. Dogs will never willingly go hungry. He never plays around and just lies down on his bed for most of the day. Dogs are intuitive creatures. If another pet is bullying them, keep them separate. Vet trips for you are expensive though, and stressful for you and your dog. This may be frustrating, as you spent good money on them, but your dog can’t help it. PetLab Review: How effective are these joint chews for dogs? Sometimes, dogs refuse to eat when left alone. Ensure that your dog consumes a worming treatment at least once every three months. In dogs, refusal to eat is referred to as anorexia, although it’s not purely a psychological disease like it is in humans. Better yet, make sure your dog is on a preventive medication. When moving, try to reproduce your dog’s old sleeping arrangement as soon as possible. Canine depression is hard to watch, and unfortunately, it can’t really be aided. If your puppy won’t eat or your old dog won’t eat , extra attention needs to be given. With attention, affection, and reassurance, your dog will get over this. You have lovingly prepared a home-cooked meal for your dog, ensuring that every single nutrient that your pet could need is present. 5 Reasons Why Joint Health Is Important in Dogs, Why Health Insurance Is Important for Your Dogs, Beginner’s Guide to Home-cooked Dog MealsÂ, Do Puggles Bark a Lot? A dog who is lethargic, not eating or drinking, and just laying around is a dog trying to tell you something. If your depression keeps you in bed all day, don’t be surprised to find your dog by your side. Your dog can’t tell you what’s bothering them, but you can help figure out what’s caused their change in behavior. Scolding an anxious dog helps nobody. Dogs may have a lack of appetite out of the blue or may go through cycles of normal and abnormal appetite. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Dogs need to hydrate regularly. The main thing to be careful with is not to allow your dog to over-indulge on water or food. If your dog suddenly loses interest in their toys, there could be a scientific explanation. Dogs like to lick and sniff things, and could accidentally consume something toxic in your garage or under your sink as a result. It’s part of core puppy vaccinations, so they can be protected as early as 6 weeks of age. Dogs have been known to eat some pretty weird things – sewing needles, thumbtacks, and metal shavings can all become stuck in your dog’s mouth. There’s a laundry list of reasons your dog is refusing food and laying around for no apparent reason. My dog doesn't want hardly anything to eat. Parvo is notoriously contagious, and not all pet owners are responsible about reducing its spread. They can also have a cough, diarrhea, and vomiting. Your dog will quickly realize that the new place is safe and will soon act normally. A dog shaking is never something to ignore, especially if they’re also sluggish. If your dog’s anorexia is pronounced, you might need to entice them into eating while the underlying problems get solved. Most otherwise healthy dogs will eventually eat once they become hungry enough – but a two-day hunger strike isn’t unheard of. The signs that a dog is dying are not always consistent. Punishing dogs by striking them or yelling at them can cause them to experience “learned helplessness” – a psychological condition that causes depression. Are they sick? It’s not entirely clear exactly why they do, but there are a few theories. If you have a rescue dog that seems depressed, consider the possibility they came from an unhappy home before you adopted them. If your dog’s questionable demeanor passes 24 hours though, you should take action. But that doesn’t mean a depressed dog is beyond our help. Even if they didn’t have much physical exercise, mental stimulation tires a dog out. She is 12 yrs. Just laying around sleeping. A symptom is defined as “any problem that can indicate an underlying disease” and may be your first clue to the presence of a life-threatening problem in your dog. Some of these questions have easy answers, and some need the knowledge of a trained vet. Also, some materials are caustic. Why Won't My Dog Make Eye Contact with Me? A canine that loses their lust for life, and will not eat or drink, is especially concerning. Dogs eat things they’re not supposed to, we all know it. My Dog Isnt Eating But Acting Normal – 7 Reasons Your Dog May Be Sick 0. Try to encourage your dog to go for a walk. But still take your dog to the vet ASAP. As VCA Hospitals explains, dogs can seem perfectly normal between seizures. There are other symptoms to look out for when your dog has a sudden change in eating habits and energy levels. If the weather is just too bitter for more than a thirty-minute walk, make time to play indoors, and consider puzzle-type toys to keep your dog entertained. The dog’s age and physical condition will also play a part. If you have a member of the family who leaves for extended periods – deployed servicemen and women or college students – your dog might become glum each time they leave. There are serious symptoms that should never be ignored in your dog. A sudden loss of weight could indicate kidney or liver problems. Picture the scene. Abused dogs can be rehabilitated to trust humans and live a happy life. It won’t be as simple as your pet finding plain water boring. The latter is a significant problem, and a medical emergency. There can be much less serious (although equally frustrating) reasons behind your dog’s lethargic state. Too much or too little water intake can also be a sign of a problem. Ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced, age-appropriate, and of the highest quality that you can afford. Your pet will approach you for reassurance and comfort. Proper introduction also lays the groundwork for a stress-free transition for all parties involved. During the winter months, your dog will likely be getting less sunlight and outdoor time. Investigate dietary changes and supplements that will boost your pet’s mobility. A dog fasting for 24 hours, while not ideal, is not lethal. The longer the parasite feeds on your dog, the more likely long-term repercussions become. Even if it’s cold outside, your dog still needs proper exercise and stimulation. The kicker here: puppies need three rounds of parvo vaccines at 6, 8, and 12 weeks, but they aren’t completely protected until they get the entire series. Temporary loss of appetite is also a common factor when a dog undergoes vaccinations. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so. Typically, abnormal panting relates to one or several of these scenarios: If it’s hot, heatstroke is likely to blame. Occasionally he lies in the grass in the sun. Tagged dog not eating but seems fine, dog not eating for a week, dog wont eat but drinks water, dog wont eat or drink and just lays around, How long can a dog go without food or water?, how to get a sick dog to eat, my dog isnt eating but acting normal, old dog not eating, When should I worry about my dog not eating?, why my dog is not eating Depression may seem like a complex condition that only impacts humans, but dogs experience it too. Did you recently switch from the day shift to the night shift? It’s always worrying when a dog is acting out of sorts. Every pooch parent will have experienced an explosion from their pet’s behind at some time or another, and it’s familiar for…, Owners often find that dogs are restless and pace about when they want your urgent attention. You can use hydrogen peroxide for this. They must cool off and rehydrate. my dog has been sick since sat. If you are one of the people wondering why my dog isnt eating but acting normal, we have some answers that can help you. The psychological reasons your dog is lethargic aren’t fixed in a day. We’ve partnered with JustAnswer Veterinary – click here to connect with an experienced veterinarian. Poor nutrition can significantly shorten a pet’s lifespan. Yes he should go to the vets asap. Secure all toxic plants (or give them away to pet-free households). Dog Weakness and Lethargy: Common Causes and Treatments. But less sunlight will increase the production of melatonin in their body – and it could make them sluggish. They can also have a cough, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog takes regular medication, it’s possible that they’ll experience side effects. It might be loud or have a distinct “honking” sound. Dogs actually like the taste of water. My dog (jersey) is just over one year old, she developed a limp last night, and after I rubbed and massaged her leg for a little while she was running around like normal, today she isn't even using her leg, and when she is standing her back right leg is raised and she keeps pushing it backwards. She has just been laying around all day. Dogs are creatures of habit, so alterations of their schedule might make them nervous. Just because they can though, it doesn’t mean they should. Toothache is no fun, and it can seriously hamper your dog’s quality of life. Sometimes their housemate is only gone temporarily, but sadly, some losses are more permanent. If your dog isn’t on a worm-prevention pill, and they’re acting tired, they could be suffering from anemia. Caught early enough, these toxic substances are usually treatable. Similar symptoms in puppies and unvaccinated dogs should be addressed promptly so that these infections can be tested for. When you or a housemate is experiencing depression, your dog could be mirroring your symptoms. A healthy dog can live 3 to 5 days without eating anything. More often than not, an illness may be to blame. How Long Can a Dog Survive Without Water? A lethargic dog with labored breathing is concerning. In addition to being a sign of stress in general, refusal to drink water is common among sick dogs, along with loss of appetite. This condition can occur for a number of reasons. Dogs could be depressed simply because they’re under-exercised, or they’re feeling lonely. Luckily, most pet owners only have to endure this once before they learn their lesson. It’s not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the impact is just as severe. Keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations will not only keep them safe; it will give you peace of mind. If they’re chewing the remote control, replace it with an acceptable toy. This is, naturally, much more concerning. Don’t wait for nature to take its course. Fleas and ticks can have a significant impact on any canine. Your dog may also have experienced a traumatic event. If your dog appears to be panting without good cause, something is wrong. This sounds like a honking goose, and can be worrying if you’re not familiar with it. You’re their number one advocate, and they need your help to put the spring back in their step – and the kibble back in their tummy. Check their teeth. Most canines only really suffer for a day or two. If they lose interest in these key activities for a prolonged period, something is amiss. Maintain regular flea and tick treatments. Pseudo-anorexia in dogs is a condition when a dog wants to eat but can’t because of another problem. Because it affects the intestines and stomach, refusal to eat and drink can be an early symptom. Plants in the nightshade family are toxic to dogs, as well as several varieties of popular houseplants. It’s particularly concerning if your dog won’t eat or drink, and just lays there. Too much water could be a sign that they have a fever, kidney problem, or hormone issues. Anxious dogs will lack appetite, and may become very lethargic. In order to get your dog to eat, don’t leave them alone and play with them, even if they don’t feel like doing so. They could also look for more attention than they normally would. But knowing that getting help for themselves also means helping their dog can encourage them to seek treatment. A missing pack of gum and a lethargic dog warrants an immediate trip to the vet. We’ve said it already, but we’ll say it again – mental stress isn’t reserved for humans. Any dog that behaves uncharacteristically could be prone to severe sickness. Dogs may not sweat much, but they lose water all the same. To achieve this, identify the stress trigger and remove it from the dog’s life. If you ate something that left you feeling wretched, you’d avoid it in future. If your dog is experiencing lower energy levels and decreased appetite, you can try taking them out (unless they refuse to walk), or playing with them. The good news is it’s easily preventable: distemper vaccines can be given as early as 6 weeks old, and the virus doesn’t last in the environment as long as parvo does. Dogs that are anxious and restless are known to refuse food. Confirm that your dog’s refusal to go outside is not due to external factors. It’s just the nature of things. They might be in for a round of activated charcoal, and you’ll have an expensive lesson in keeping medications secured. It’s alarming when your normally vibrant best friend does a 180, and their energy seems to drain. Mostly he just lies around and sleeps in his bed all day. Upset stomach could be caused by numerous things such as eating too quickly, eating something your dog shouldn’t have, and going through some motion sickness. Food and exercise are two of a dog’s favorite activities, after all. The body simply no longer needs the energy from food as it once did. Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of easing into a new routine. Punitive training is ineffective – and it causes many more problems than it solves. Please note that once puppies show symptoms of parvo, they can die in as little as 48 hours if they don’t receive medical attention. This is a situation where time is of the essence – if you suspect parvo, err on the side of caution and get to a vet as soon as you can. Offering small amounts of both, frequently throughout the day will help prevent vomiting. If there's an infection, the dog needs antibiotics also: Cephalexin every 8 hours (for a dog about 45 lbs). This depends on the individual dog. This could be a physical or emotional ailment. Sometimes they get ahold of something that can cause them harm. Be careful of your dog snapping up food off the ground outside – there are some bad folks out there who lace such things with poison or needles. Many dogs loathe the rain, and refuse to walk in wet conditions. As long as your dog isn’t acting aggressively, one thing you can do to check is to poke and prod (gently but firmly) around their body — just like your vet does. Avoid yelling or raising your voice at your dog. If it doesn’t, seek advice from your vet. If they fear loud noises, such as the vacuum cleaner or thunder, give them a quiet room of their own. Your dog may be anxious or frightened. Dogs can’t be forced into “snapping out of it” any more than a human could – in this case, time is the best thing to help heal your dog. Fortunately, worm infestations are easily treated – however, the aftermath isn’t for the faint of heart. A body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or above is considered a fever in dogs. We know moving is time-consuming, but taking a break from unpacking for your daily walk could benefit both of you. It doesn’t teach them anything. Lethargy and refusing to eat are common symptoms in a dog that has been poisoned. Conditions such as arthritis, for example. Never give a dog human medication, such as paracetamol. Of course, the list of human foods dogs shouldn’t eat is extensive. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. And as always, reward good behavior – praise and enticing treats are both highly effective. Worming is every bit as important. Dogs won’t eat or drink if it causes pain. Where your dog won’t eat but drinks yet seem fine and exhibit normal behavior, there should be no cause for alarm. Canine dehydration is a serious concern. If they yelp and refuse to let you touch parts of their anatomy, they’ll be hurting. If you’re immediately concerned with any of the symptoms or complications related to your dog’s condition, you can chat live with a vet online now. Just laying around sleeping. That includes eating food and drinking. If a change is inevitable, try to bring it on gradually. Dog brains are hardwired to always seek new experiences. Dog won’t eat alone. Tag: dog wont eat or drink and just lays around. A hot, dry nose is often seen with a fever and alongside the loss of appetite and lethargy would definitely indicate she is unwell. Dogs love to eat and walk. How to Choose the Perfect Pet Carrier for Your Dog. Most dogs with kennel cough will also lose their appetite, and seem lethargic. If it hurts to walk to a bowl, your dog will avoid it. Most of the time your dog will start eating again after he skips a meal or two. Grapes, raisins, dark chocolate, coffee, and alcohol are all things your dog shouldn’t ingest. You can’t put a price on avoiding the yuck factor of your dog expelling dead worms. Not lethal more sinister is afoot dog interested in eating is half the.. 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