Lethargy in Dogs

Lethargy is a general weakness or tiredness in your dog that may occur.  It may be a short term problem, or can be one of the first signs of a serious condition such as hypoglycemia, cancer or diabetes. If your dog is laying around, does not want to play, and is generally unhappy for longer than 24 hours, you should call your veterinarian. Some of the reasons for lethargy in dogs includes:

• Depression
• Old age
• Medical conditions

You should also watch for loss of appetite, weight loss, increased body temperature, breathing difficulty, and digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible.

Lethargy can occur for many different reasons, some that are mild and do not need treatment and others that may be life-threatening. Some of these include:

Depression

Your dog may be depressed due to the loss of a playmate or family member. Some dogs can actually get clinical depression caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Although it is still unknown why this occurs in some dogs, veterinary professionals believe it may be hereditary as it is in humans.

Old Age

As a dog ages, their energy level drops and they may develop painful conditions like arthritis that makes them want to lay around. If  you see any of these signs, you should call your veterinarian.

Medical Conditions

There are many illnesses that can cause lethargy, but the most common ones are:

• Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells and iron in the blood
• Distemper is a serious virus that causes a high fever, respiratory distress, nasal discharge, anorexia, gastrointestinal distress, and neurological disorders (paralysis and seizures)
• Parvovirus is a serious and often fatal condition that causes extreme vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia
• Diabetes is a sugar regulating disease that causes increased urination, excessive thirst, sleepiness, and depression
• Hypothyroidism is caused by thyroid hormone deficiency
• Dehydration is a dangerous lack of water and electrolytes such as potassium, chloride, and sodium
• Heart disease such as cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and heartworms can all cause lethargy
• Liver disorders such as hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or liver disease cause lethargy as well as jaundice, appetite loss, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Kidney disease can make your dog lethargic and he may also be urinating more than usual and have fluid retention
• Nutritional deficiencies cause lethargy and may be caused by an underlying illness
• Respiratory distress from infection or any other cause will make your dog lethargic
• Cancer of any kind can affect your dog’s energy levels and cause many other various symptoms depending on where the cancer originates
• Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that creates lethargy and depression as well as swollen joints