“Lepto” is a zoonotic bacterial disease, so if your dog is diagnosed with it, you should take precautions from being infected yourself. While your dog is receiving antibiotics, take extra care not to come into contact with their urine. 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. The truth is, healthy, vaccinated dogs probably won’t ever have any of the issues listed above. It’s not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the impact is just as severe. Dogs might eat an animal which has been killed by poison, exposing them to the poison themselves. Dogs may have a lack of appetite out of the blue or may go through cycles of normal and abnormal appetite. 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. Because it affects the intestines and stomach, refusal to eat and drink can be an early symptom. 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. Keep observing the dog and see if the loss of appetite resolves within 24 hours. The most common trigger for canine depression is extreme pining. Some of the conditions that lead to lethargy and a lack of appetite include: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to resolving this issue with your dog. We’ve said it already, but we’ll say it again – mental stress isn’t reserved for humans. Dogs actually like the taste of water. These side effects leave canines dehydrated. The tell-tale sign of kennel cough is, well, a cough. While some approach a new environment with excitement, some will be quite distressed at first. If a change is inevitable, try to bring it on gradually. A body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or above is considered a fever in dogs. Depression may seem like a complex condition that only impacts humans, but dogs experience it too. How Long Can a Dog Survive Without Eating? Tag: dog wont eat or drink and just lays around. A dry nose and red, sunken eyes may also accompany this. Whether you go by train, plane, or automobile, traveling can throw some dogs into a tizzy. It’s part of core puppy vaccinations, so they can be protected as early as 6 weeks of age. Here is a list of 21 symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them from your dog! But you also want to rule out serious doggie health issues that could be affecting your four-legged loved one. 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. My dog is drooling and won't drink or eat anything. They’ll contentedly slumber for hours afterward. Dogs will never willingly go hungry. You can’t put a price on avoiding the yuck factor of your dog expelling dead worms. If you ate something that left you feeling wretched, you’d avoid it in future. But if you suspect poisoning, it’s time to load your dog up for a trip to the vet. If your dog suddenly loses interest in their toys, there could be a scientific explanation. While some of these infections can be quite serious, they are all treatable. If your pet fails to do this, they are slipping into the realm of lethargy. Ordinarily, your pet will welcome this attention. Cleaning materials, antifreeze, and rodent poison are all as toxic to a dog as they would be to you. They might vomit or have diarrhea, but they could also become lethargic, listless, and uninterested in food. Canine dehydration is a serious concern. Ensure that you know the difference between shaking and a seizure. They’ll do this eventually. a pulled muscle, which will heal itself. Their bodies are made up to 80% water, and just like humans, that needs to be topped up. Parvo is so contagious that most vets will recommend you don’t set your puppy down on the floor of the vet’s office. Your dog can’t tell you what’s bothering them, but you can help figure out what’s caused their change in behavior. Your dog will quickly realize that the new place is safe and will soon act normally. Parasites are less active in cold weather, but they may have laid eggs in your home. So let’s say you brought your puppy home at 8 weeks – they could be susceptible to parvo until they’re 12 weeks old. Dog Won’t Eat or Drink, Just Lays around and does not Move, Is Shaking and Lethargic Their routine is disrupted, their familiar smells are replaced with new, strange ones, and they might be exposed to a lot of new people and pets. Mostly he just lies around and sleeps in his bed all day. Be sure they’re vaccinated too – they can contract and spread the disease to your dog. Too much water could be a sign that they have a fever, kidney problem, or hormone issues. As founder and editor of PetCarrierVerdict.com, I combine my passion for animals with expert advice to bring you articles that will make you a better, happier pet owner. Many pains leave dogs lethargic and reluctant to eat and drink. 2. A dog that drinks more water than usual could be developing kidney disease or diabetes. Some canines sleep for hours after a busy day. A neighborhood pet could have attacked them, for example. Minor fractures, for example, are not always visible to the naked eye. If your dog is unsettled and won't lie down, then you'll know better than…, It’s a common belief that making eye contact is a vital part of human communication and body language, but can the same be said for dogs? Your pet will approach you for reassurance and comfort. Most of the time your dog will start eating again after he skips a meal or two. A canine that loses their lust for life, and will not eat or drink, is especially concerning. Dogs nose is warm and dry, won;t eat or drink, won't go to bathroom. Why Does My Dog Bark at Strangers on Walks? Some of these questions have easy answers, and some need the knowledge of a trained vet. Dogs usually let you know when they’re injured. This is similar to human ‘flu. This is likely in the case of rescue dogs that have been traumatized. A dog might express their nervousness by avoiding their favorite areas in the house, hiding, and refusing food. This means they can quickly become bored with the familiar. Just laying around sleeping. They know when something isn’t right within themselves, and this will be reflected in their behavior. Dogs can be exposed to the bacteria in water, soil, or as a result of direct contact with the waste of an infected animal. If it hurts to walk to a bowl, your dog will avoid it. Is it just his dog food he won’t eat or he’s lost interest ... sadly got her wings on May 18 2018. Taking them somewhere new, with a range of unique smells, will get the brain firing. My dog is lethargic, won't eat, just lays around, whines, is shaking - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Monitor your dog carefully. Offer a teaspoon of honey. The dog needs to work through their sadness by themselves. © 2021 - PetDt.com. A sudden loss of weight could indicate kidney or liver problems. Dogs eat things they’re not supposed to, we all know it. Asking a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter for help can make a new schedule less of a shock for your dog. They can spread disease if they have previously fed from a questionable food source. If he is lethargic and not eating it may be quite serious. Loss of appetite and listless lethargy are common warning signs. My dog is a 3-year-old Louisiana Catahoula. Not all dogs will exhibit all of these signs, and some dogs will exhibit even more. More often than not, an illness may be to blame. Dogs are creatures of habit, so alterations of their schedule might make them nervous. This is toxic to canines. Dogs can’t connect a negative behavior with punishment the way a toddler can – so scolding them for an accident that happened hours ago will only cause them distress. Calm your dog down and remove whatever triggered this panic attack. My dog won’t eat or drink and just lays there If our dog does not want to eat and you also observe symptoms such as weakness or lethargy for an extended period of time, call your vet. Dogs won’t eat or drink if it causes pain. Whether it’s your face, the…. If you do spot a parasite on your pet, deal with it immediately. If it’s any longer, something more sinister is afoot. They may be sluggish for around a week, though. Canines can go into shock, which is dangerous. This may be frustrating, as you spent good money on them, but your dog can’t help it. This is because toxins frequently impact their liver and kidneys. Keep the dog hydrated (you can force-feed him some Pedialite if he won't drink water).Reduce activity. Even if they didn’t have much physical exercise, mental stimulation tires a dog out. Keep this up during the winter too. They can also have a cough, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most canines only really suffer for a day or two. A dog that has been poisoned will likely lay down and pant heavily. You get to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh…, Ah, diarrhea – the dark side of pet ownership. If your dog is not in otherwise perfect health, hydrogen peroxide can cause further issues. During the winter months, your dog will likely be getting less sunlight and outdoor time. It's either take my dog to the vet, or put food on the table for my family. ... Spot always had so much love to give but now he just lays in one place and doesn’t seem to want to get up, maybe it’s too painful. Dogs could be depressed simply because they’re under-exercised, or they’re feeling lonely. 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 My dog is 9 years old. Once you know your dog isn’t sick or injured, you can start deducing why they’re feeling so nervous. There can be much less serious (although equally frustrating) reasons behind your dog’s lethargic state. Sometimes they get ahold of something that can cause them harm. Dogs love to eat and walk. Your dog may burn their mouth or throat while vomiting. It suggests that your dog has a neurological issue. The body simply no longer needs the energy from food as it once did. It simply means that the dog has no appetite and won’t eat. We just covered some scary stuff – causes for your dog’s lethargy might not have such a frightening cause. Your dog may have a minor complaint, i.e. Canine arthritis cannot be cured, but can be managed. Most dogs just need some time to adjust to someone new. Any kind of infection -- including serious ones such as parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and heartworm disease -- can make your dog lethargic. Now he just lays around a lot, drinks a lot of water, and won't do much. If your dog takes regular medication, it’s possible that they’ll experience side effects. An upset stomach could be causing your dog not to eat or drink and to shake, and it’s something that should resolve by itself after a few hours. Your dog could be walking laps around the kitchen table, or wandering from room to room. Just laying around sleeping. Either way, their anxiety needs to be managed. If it’s an ongoing prescription, it will need to be changed. Continue down a path of trial and error. Punishing dogs by striking them or yelling at them can cause them to experience “learned helplessness” – a psychological condition that causes depression. Many dogs loathe the rain, and refuse to walk in wet conditions. He never plays around and just lies down on his bed for most of the day. If you find a foreign object, removing it yourself could cause further damage. If you seek professional help, the toxin will be flushed out using intravenous fluids. If your dog decided to chow down on your cactus, their lack of appetite could have two explanations: the plant was toxic, or spines are stuck in your dog’s gums. Start by sparking their imagination, though. 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. 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. A dog suffering from learned helplessness essentially shuts down, because they feel they can’t escape negative situations no matter what they do. Are they sad? Never give a dog human medication, such as paracetamol. Avoid pork, greasy or salty foods, but trying to get a lethargic dog interested in eating is half the battle. If your dog is reluctant to drink, there will be a reason. A missing pack of gum and a lethargic dog warrants an immediate trip to the vet. This could be a physical or emotional ailment. Alternatively, they may retreat into themselves, whimpering and whining. You’ll be back at square one, and likely harm your relationship. Whether your dog is picky or a healthy eater, abruptly refusing food and water is even more cause for concern. Eating any kind of medication intended for people is dangerous for your dog. Don’t wait for nature to take its course. A dog skipping a meal won’t harm them. Decrease them in small increments over a period of time. She has just been laying around all day. Sometimes their housemate is only gone temporarily, but sadly, some losses are more permanent. To teach a dog that a behavior is unwanted, you have to catch them in the act, or very shortly after. But knowing that getting help for themselves also means helping their dog can encourage them to seek treatment. Keep sharp objects, medications, and poisonous substances secure and well out of reach of your pup. Dogs may not have the complex range of emotions that people do, but they can still be affected by things on a psychological level. They have long memories when it comes to unpleasant experiences. 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? Winter is a great time to take advantage of inside games and mentally stimulating activities. They may think it’s the food or water that’s hurting them. You know your dog best. Blankets and clothing are good “gifts” for dogs who are missing someone. Dog brains are hardwired to always seek new experiences. The past 4 days he hasn't eaten and I attributed it to the fact that we switched his dog food (from Nutro to Blue). He is just laying around. If the problem persists, your dog may need anti-anxiety medication to raise their quality of life. We know people can’t flip off their depression like a switch, not even for their beloved dog. A body temperature over 102 degrees Fahrenheit in a dog is cause for concern. As their human, it’s up to you to try and figure out what they’re trying to say. A hot, dry nose is often seen with a fever and alongside the loss of appetite and lethargy would definitely indicate she is unwell. Something is causing a lack of appetite. It’s when this dozing overtakes anything else that you should worry. If your dog has an inappropriate nutritional balance, it will be reflected in their behavior. Dogs need time to adjust to new living situations. Picture the scene. 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. This virus attacks the intestinal, respiratory, and nervous symptoms in dogs. Vet trips for you are expensive though, and stressful for you and your dog. The Golden Rule of dog training is never to hit your dog. Small shifts in a routine can throw off your dog’s mood. Obviously, most of these symptoms can mean several different things, so you don’t just want to assume your dog is in pain. Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of easing into a new routine. The more pure meat produce and protein, the better. If your pet has an issue with critical organs, heavy panting will follow. A dog shaking is never something to ignore, especially if they’re also sluggish. If your dog isn’t on a worm-prevention pill, and they’re acting tired, they could be suffering from anemia. You can try tempting them with wet food or bone broth added to their kibble. Check around outside for toads or poison. Food and exercise are two of a dog’s favorite activities, after all. Prevention is essential here – if you live in an area such as an apartment complex, it’s hard to limit your puppy’s exposure to the virus, short of keeping them indoors until they’re fully vaccinated. It could be something more serious. So, let’s ditch the frightening medical jargon for now, and explore some other reasons dogs refuse to eat and lose their pep. Lethargy and refusing to eat are common symptoms in a dog that has been poisoned. It might take time to narrow down the root issues. Secure all toxic plants (or give them away to pet-free households). Just because they can though, it doesn’t mean they should. I'm Lou. Many people consider it one of the best parts of owning a dog. Other parts of your dog’s anatomy may be causing them pain. How Long Can a Dog Survive Without Water? Abused dogs can be rehabilitated to trust humans and live a happy life. 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. Yes he should go to the vets asap. Watch your pet carefully. Your pet’s lethargy has a more concerning cause. Many perfectly healthy dogs eat only 60% to 70% of the amount stated on the packaging. A hot, dry nose is often seen with a fever and alongside the loss of appetite and lethargy would definitely indicate she is unwell. 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. This condition can occur for a number of reasons. If they resist exercise, it could be a health issue. Toothache is no fun, and it can seriously hamper your dog’s quality of life. If another pet is bullying them, keep them separate. In most cases, the earlier they are caught, the better the prognosis. There are several explanations, which vary from mild and easily resolved to significant risk. Now just wants to lay around with them, for example, not... Can not be cured, but they may retreat into themselves, and they ’ ll be hurting much. Rarely show symptoms without there being a specific cause urgently call the poison. 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