Lethargy in dogs
There are only so many underlying conditions that trigger lethargy in dogs. The most evident signs of it are drowsiness, lack of activity, and a very slow response to any type of external stimuli. These are all indications that your dog is not feeling well.
Lethargy in itself is not a specific sign and it is associated with many underlying conditions. It has no significant impact on the dog, but having it can be a sign of a life-threatening illness. If your pet experiences lethargy for more than two days, you should not ignore it.
A healthy dog usually sleeps for an average of about 10 hours or so. It is not uncommon then to see your spend almost all day sleeping. However, you know your dog and can tell when something is not ok. He either no longer responds to your call or is not willing to engage in games he otherwise finds entertaining.
Do not confuse lethargy in dogs with relaxation or tiredness. A dog will usually respond to food or toys. Sometimes, dogs can feel tired because of excess exercise the night before or it is probably just the weather, like when you feel tired on a cloudy day.
Causes of lethargy in dogs
There are many health issues that can be causing lethargy in your dog. Some of them are:
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Diarrhea in dogs
- Respiratory issues
- Heart conditions
- Anemia
- Blood disorders
- Urinary tract infections
- Inflammation
- Physical trauma
- Snake bites
- Poor mental health
The signs of lethargy in dogs
The most common signs that you will indicate lethargy in dogs are:
- Sleeping for very long periods of time.
- A marked lack of activity.
- Delayed respond to external stimuli and anything going on outside.
- Lack of response when you call them.
- Your dog might appear confused.
- Shunning food in favor of sleeping.
How to treat it
The course of treatment will depend on the underlying condition that is causing the lethargy.
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