Is your dog lethargic? are you worrying about him? Lethargy is a common symptom in dogs, but how do you know when it’s something that requires an emergency vet visit?
In the following article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lethargy in dogs. You can use this information to figure out when it’s time to see a vet right away and when you might wait.
what is torpor?
Lethargy can sometimes be described as extreme tiredness, although it is not exactly the same thing. a lethargic dog is not interested in his normal daily life and is unable or unwilling to get out of bed very often. he/she may be weak and unable to move well, or may be stiff and in great pain when he/she moves.
A lethargic dog usually doesn’t show much interest in food, treats, or a favorite toy. he/she can see the movement of the family around him/her but will not participate. he/she may be alert or only partially alert, depending on the severity of the torpor.
what conditions have lethargy as a sign for dogs?
In short, nearly every ailment or condition in dogs can signal lethargy, which is why it’s crucial to pay attention to other signs your dog may be displaying at the same time. If your dog is lethargic with no other symptoms, for example, he may simply have gotten too tired from a long walk or playing at the dog park, or he may be too hot but not yet at the point of heat stroke. but if he has other symptoms, they can help you identify the cause of the lethargy.
common conditions
Some conditions that can have dog lethargy as a common symptom include:
- if your dog is injured in any way, such as a broken bone
- stung or bitten by a poisonous insect or snake
- if your dog is in pain
- suffer from arthritis
- cancer
- organ disease
- diabetes
- ingestion of toxic substances or other common poisons for dogs
- digestive system problems
- hypothyroidism
- internal parasites
- eye problems
- neurological disorders
- dehydration
These are just a few of the multitude of conditions that can cause lethargy to present as a symptom in dogs, and as you can see, the vast majority of problems can potentially lead to a lethargic dog that will require further care and attention. vet care. .
severe conditions
Unfortunately, a dog can also become lethargic when it is about to die. however, this type of lethargy is quite different and is usually a sign that a dog is not able to move even if he wants to. he/she may try to get up but cannot, or may show interest in his/her food but cannot reach his/her food bowl. If your dog is lethargic and also shows signs that he is having trouble breathing, this may mean that he is about to die.
When is lethargy in dogs a cause for concern?
Lethargy is a cause for concern when it is moderate to severe. For example, if your dog is so lethargic that nothing catches his attention, it is probably severe lethargy and will require an immediate emergency vet visit.
On the other hand, if your dog is quite lethargic but continues to pay attention or tries to get up if you offer him his favorite treat, it’s probably moderate lethargy. you may still need an emergency vet depending on your other signs, but you could wait for your regular vet. never hesitate to talk to a veterinarian or an emergency vet if you’re not sure what to do with your dog.
If your dog’s lethargy is mild, you probably don’t need to see a vet at all, and you certainly don’t need to see an emergency vet. Mild lethargy can occur in dogs that are overexerting themselves, especially in hot weather. they may be fast asleep for a long time and may not wake up, but when they wake up again, they usually feel fine and behave as they normally do. A mildly lethargic dog probably just needs to sleep to recover from whatever is causing the problem, but you can certainly contact your regular vet if you think it’s best to do so.
do not hesitate to seek veterinary care for your lethargic dog
As you can see, there are many things to consider if your dog is lethargic. sometimes this problem is not a sign of anything more sinister than a dog that has been overexercising on a hot day. however, at other times, it may be a symptom of a much more serious underlying problem that requires your attention as soon as possible.
If you think your dog is more lethargic than he should be due to his recent activity, you should take him to the vet for a complete checkup. And if he’s lethargic along with other signs, you may want to consider taking him to the emergency vet instead.
In veg, when you call any of our locations, you will always speak directly to an emergency vet who will be able to provide advice on what would be best to do for your pet. When it comes to your dog’s health, you’ll always want to err on the side of caution, especially if you suspect something might be wrong. If you think your pet is suffering from a more serious case of canine lethargy, call a veterinarian or emergency vet right away so your pet can get the care they need as soon as possible.
