Lethargy is a common symptom of a wide variety of dog ailments. 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.
No matter what, a lethargic dog points to them being out of the normal spectrum of health and it’s important to understand why your dog may be acting that way. However, before you can go about working toward a diagnosis, it’s important to be able to determine whether or not your dog is, in fact, lethargic.
That’s what we’ll be covering in this post today. By the time you’re done reading you’ll know:
- How to tell if your dog is lethargic
- Common causes of lethargy
- What to do to help your lethargic dog
Let’s get started!
How to Determine Whether or Not You Have a Lethargic Dog
Lethargy is a pretty straightforward problem, and it’s typically easy to tell if your dog is lethargic.
A lethargic dog is typically:
- Excessively tired, groggy, slow
- Listless (lacking energy or enthusiasm)
- Uninterested in normal activities
- Slower to react to sensory stimulation
- Doesn’t react at all to stimulation
- Generally acting out of character
These symptoms point towards a lethargic dog, so pay attention to whether or not your dog is just tired, or acting out of the norm and in need or more serious attention.
Is Your Dog Presenting with Additional Symptoms?
There are several common causes of lethargy. As it is associated with such a wide variety of ailments, it’s important to understand whether your dog is a little “under the weather” or in need of a visit to the vet.
To help determine the severity of your dog’s problem, let’s look at the common problems/symptoms that come along with a lethargic dog:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Pain
- Breathing issues
- Restlessness
- Disorientation
- Behavioral issues
- Weakness
- Shaking
Take note of all of your dog’s symptoms to help determine the severity of the problem. Your lethargic dog may or may not need immediate medical attention.
Common Causes of Lethargy
A lethargic dog can point to such a wide variety of problems that you won’t be able to tell what your dog is suffering from based on a single symptom. It’s important to understand the most common causes of lethargy to help determine what your dog may be experiencing.
Your lethargic dog may have simply ingested something that doesn’t agree with them or be suffering from something far more serious.
If your dog presents their symptoms suddenly, they may be due to:
- Anemia
- Bloat
- Inflammation or infection
- Drugs or medication
- Dehydration, reduction in electrolytes
- Hormonal changes or disorders
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypothermia
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Urinary tract disorders
- Skin diseases
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Exposure to toxins
However, if it starts as mild lethargy and progressively gets worse, they may be experiencing a more chronic problem:
- Respiratory conditions
- Glaucoma
- Heart conditions
- Cancer
- Immune system problems
Mental/Emotional State
Dogs can also become lethargic due to mental/emotional disorders. If you have an otherwise healthy lethargic dog, look for signs of:
- Boredom
- Depression
- Malnutrition
- Old Age
Be sure you’re aware of your dog’s current mental or emotional state when determining the cause of their lethargy. A lethargic dog may just be a dog that’s missing something in its life. A bored, lonely, depressed, or old dog may simply be slowing down due to outside influences.
Older Dogs
Older dogs may be slowing down as a part of the aging process. With old age comes the potential for a decreased appetite, energy, excitement, and even the chance of developing arthritis. Older dogs need special care in their own right, so be sure to speak with your vet to see how you can help your dog transition into old age.
Malnutrition
Also, if your dog is not eating enough food, or eating a low-quality food that doesn’t deliver the proper nutrients necessary to thrive, they may be prone to lethargy. If you have questions about your dog’s nutritional needs or the quality of the food you’re serving, your vet will likely be happy to help you pick out the right food (and amount) for your dog.
What to Do for a Lethargic Dog
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons that you may have a lethargic dog at home. The problem with it bring associated with such a wide variety of ailments is that it can be very difficult to know how to proceed in helping them recover.
How Long Before Going to the Vet?
The most important thing to remember is this—if you’re concerned for the wellbeing of your lethargic dog, the best thing you can do is take them to your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re not panicking about your dog’s current state, it may be alright to wait a few hours or even a day or two to see if they improve.
Monitor your lethargic dog closely in order to determine whether or not they are improving. This is typically the best approach if they are not presenting with any other symptoms. The cause of their lethargy may be fleeting, and you may see you dog return to normal in a matter of hours.
That said, if your dog is presenting with one or multiple other symptoms, you should consult with your vet immediately. They’ll be able to help you determine the severity of your dog’s condition and help you address the problem appropriately.
When in doubt, see your vet, especially if your dog seems to be uncomfortable!
What next?
Now that you’re able to determine whether you have a lethargic dog, take a close look at their other symptoms. It’s up to you what you do next. No matter what you decide, be sure to pay close attention to your dog while they’re experiencing this lethargy. Careful monitoring is imperative and may be what saves your dog’s life in the event of a more serious complication.
