Lethargic Dogs

Common Dog Diseases and Parasites

A good diet and plenty of exercise are important to a dog's health, but they can't make a dog totally immune to illness. Early detection is the key to helping your dog overcome any health problem. If your pet's stools become very loose, or you notice a marked decrease in your dog's appetite and/or that she is very lethargic, she may just have a short-term "bug." On the other hand, if any symptoms continue for more than a few days, you should have your veterinarian examine her for parasites and infections.

Diarrhea is a common symptom in dogs, especially puppies. It can be triggered by stress or a sudden change in food, but also by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Diarrhea causes dehydration, which can be deadly to dogs. It is extremely dangerous in puppies, because they dehydrate faster than mature dogs.

If your dog has diarrhea for more than a day, contact your veterinarian for further instructions. You will probably be asked to collect a sample and bring it in so they can examine it to determine the cause and proper treatment.

Coughing, sneezing, and discharge from your dog's nose and/or eyes often indicate a respiratory infection. A lethargic dog with no appetite is likely fighting an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). URI, caused by airborne viruses and bacteria, is highly contagious among dogs, but is not transmitted between dogs and humans. Early detection of URI is important; ignored dogs suffer from severe dehydration and risk developing pneumonia.

Bortadella, also called 'kennel cough" is another contagious respiratory disease commonly contracted in animal shelters, boarding kennels, or anywhere groups of dogs have close contact with one another. It is a short-term disease, and most dogs get over it with a few days of rest and tender loving care from you. It is possible to have your dog vaccinated against Bortadella – a good idea if you plan on boarding her or placing her in "doggie daycare."

Vaccinations are also available to protect your dog against more deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Most municipalities require that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies; some include distemper and parvovirus as well. Making these vaccinations mandatory protects the health of all dogs, and, in the case of rabies, human health as well. If your dog was vaccinated as a puppy, she's off to a good start. However, without yearly booster shots, your dog is at risk of great suffering from one of these diseases.

Dogs serve as hosts to a number of parasites. You will probably be asked to bring a fecal sample to your dog's yearly vet appointment, so that the staff can check for the presence of internal parasites. If you notice small, rice-like granules on your pet's bedding or around her anus, she is suffering from an infestation of worms and needs to be seen by your vet to get proper treatment. Other parasites take up residence on the outside of your dog's body. Mange and sarcoptic mites live on the hair follicles and skin of dogs, while ear mites live on the inside of the ear. These parasites are so small you might not see them, but they cause your dog extreme discomfort. Head shaking and pawing at ears are signs of ear mites. Frequent scratching and skin-biting can indicate either skin mites or a dog's worst enemy: fleas.

2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Would you like to learn more about caring for and training your adorable dog? Visit MyPetAnimals.com now!

lethargic dog with bloody saliva?
my dog is lethargic. will drink, will not eat. has blood in saliva. panting not the normal pant for her. newfounfland/lab mix. not spayed. has had one liiter. my emt girlfriend listend to lungs. they do not sound "wet". no injury seen in mouth or throat. no blood seen in stool. this just started today. thanks for any help. 7 years old

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Biospot/Frontline/Advantage = lethargic dog..HELP!!?
I just put Biospot on my dog and he is SO lethargic. It's freaking me out. Ever experience this with any top-spot flea stuff? Should I do anything???

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Extremely lethargic dog?
I don't know.... I've got an elderly pomeranian, about 14-15 years old, who is extremely lethargic today. No bloody stool or frequent urine attacks or vomiting, just lethargy for no apparent reason. He's not in pain, as far as I can tell. The only thing bothering me is that his stomach is swollen, but sort of bouncy (I guess it's gas). I'm afraid he might be dying or something, but it doesn't seem like a dog would just die. Could it be food-related? Yesterday and today he had ALPO Chophouse Ground Top Sirloin, but it's not in the lists... I really don't want him to die... He's not in any pain, and he's expelling some gas from both ends occasionally. It's just been today, too, before breakfast, so I don't think he's got torsion... Also, he's still eating and drinking. He's perfectly normal except for being so lethargic...

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