What is Fatigue and Exercise?
Fatigue and exercise in pets can be caused by any number of things. It may start with you noticing your dog is not acting like himself, or that he seems more tired and less playful than usual. While you may think he needs a little extra sleep, it actually may be caused by an underlying medical condition. Signs can range from mild to severe, even so severe as death. The sooner you seek medical attention for your dog, the higher his chance of a full recovery.
Exercise and fatigue occurs commonly in pets for many different reasons. It can be due to an illness or due to his lifestyle. Either way, if your dog is not acting like himself and seems more tired than usual, take him to visit his veterinarian for evaluation.
Fatigue and Exercise Average Cost
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Symptoms of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
Signs typically occur after prolonged exercise. Signs may include:
- Panting
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Acid-base imbalances
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Fatigue
- Exhaustion
- Infection
- Gastroenteritis
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- Death
Types
Exercise fatigue is a vague term to cover a behavioral change in your dog to where he no longer plays as much as he used to or is less active than normal. Exercise intolerance and fatigue can affect young dogs differently than old dogs. Causes of the intolerance and fatigues may also vary in young and old.
Causes of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
If your dog is healthy with no underlying conditions, it may be that he has been worked too hard. Dogs that experience prolonged exercise and work can experience exercise intolerance and fatigue. If your dog becomes dehydrated, metabolic imbalances can occur and can lead to death of your dog.
Diagnosis of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
When you arrive at the veterinarian office, you will be asked many questions in order for the veterinarian to collect a thorough medical history. She will ask you what your dog has been doing the past few days, when the signs began, and how long they have been going on. She will also perform a physical exam in order to assess his symptoms and note any abnormalities of his vitals.
Blood work will likely be performed to give the veterinarian an idea of how the internal organs are functioning and to rule out other possible causes of his signs. A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with needed information for proper assessment of organ function and hydration.
Treatment of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
Depending what the diagnostics reveal as the cause will determine the course of treatment. If there is an actual medical condition underlying your dog’s fatigue, then it will be treated appropriately. However, if it was due simply to malnutrition, lack of water, and not enough rest, it may be entirely up to you to change his lifestyle.
Your veterinarian will also thoroughly go over the nutrition needs of your pet and how to keep him hydrated when exercising. She will likely come up with a plan on how to safely exercise him in the future so as to prevent this from occurring again.
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Recovery of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
At home, you will need to keep your companion “quiet” meaning you will need to keep him calm and enclosed in a small space, such as a crate, in order to keep him less active and easier to observe. You will need to periodically take his temperature to ensure he does not have a fever. You will also need to monitor him for progression of any current symptoms and development of any new signs.
Fatigue and Exercise Average Cost
From 286 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,000
Top
Fatigue and Exercise Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
Four Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tires Easily
Lately when I bring my Benjamin for walks or a run I notice he gets noticeably more tired faster and a lot of panting when we get home he drinks / eats ok his personality is the same always but he’s laying down panting exhausted after even short walks and I’m concerned. But he eats and drinks normally acts perfectly normal it’s just I notice he gets like exhausted really easy now. He’s only 4 , he had a moment 2 months ago where there was like reddish in his stool for a day but then it went away completely so I didn’t get alarmed too bad. Hasn’t come back he poops normal ever since...
July 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Benjamin may be overweight, or he may have a heart or lung condition. Since you are noticing a change in him, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can assess his body condition, listen to his heart and lungs, and let you know if there is a problem. If there is something wrong, they can help you treat him.
I hope that all goes well for him!
July 27, 2020
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German Shepherd Dog
Thor
6 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My husband said that our 6 month old German Shepherd puppy was acting strange earlier, stumbling around, and unable to walk right. So my husband picked him up and brought him inside and said he started acting normally again. Since then, he's been very lethargic and not his usual playful self. He did eat some peanut butter and some food. He's also been drinking water. He doesn't seem to be in any pain.
May 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure if Thor may have gotten into something toxic or may be having some other kind of problem. If he is continuing to act lethargic, it may be a good idea to have him seen by your veterinarian, as I cannot examine him or assess his neurologic status.
May 1, 2018
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Boxer
Donny
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Fatigue and weekness
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Fatigue and weakness is a common symptom for many different conditions including hormonal disease, poisoning, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer as well as other conditions. Given the vague nature of fatigue and weakness, it would be best to have your Veterinarian examine Donny to determine the underlying cause of the weakness. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Fatigue and Exercise Average Cost
From 286 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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