Is your dog lethargic? Lethargy is a condition that can be characterized by unusual fatigue or an overall reduction in motivation. A lethargic dog is either unable or unwilling to get up for almost anything, seemingly uninterested in its favorite routines, toys, or even food.
Why Is My Dog Lethargic?
The problem with looking up “why is my dog lethargic” is that lethargy can indicate such a wide variety of problems, it is impossible to determine what your dog is suffering from based on this one symptom alone. Things that can make your dog lethargic range from arthritis to neurological disease.
These are just Some of the things that can make your dog lethargic
Pain
Arthritis, trauma, or even muscle pain can make your dog seem lethargic.
Infection
Bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections can cause lethargy in dogs, like:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Kennel cough
- Leptospirosis
- Heartworms
- Discospondylitis
Medication
It is not uncommon for medications to cause lethargy in dogs. However, if you notice your dog lethargic after starting a new medicine or after using flea, tick, or heartworm prevention products, call your veterinarian immediately.
Toxicity
Poisonous toads, snake bites, or insect stings can leave your dog lethargic, but so can ingesting plants, chemicals, human medications, and foods that are toxic to dogs, such as ibuprofen or chocolate. If you think your dog has come into contact with anything toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.
Disease
A wide range of chronic conditions can render your dog lethargic, including:
- Heart, liver, kidney, or brain disease
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypothyroidism
5 Neurological Reasons Your Dog Is Lethargic
Dogs with neurological conditions affecting the brain may present as lethargic, or what we refer to as having dull mentation. A dog with dull mentation has a decreased level of alertness or consciousness, little to no interest in its environment, and slow responses to stimulation, if any.
Other symptoms of brain problems in dogs include:
- Changes in behavior
- Walking in circles
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Balance Problems
- Blindness
Brain Tumor
A tumor is an uncontrolled growth of cells within tissue, creating masses that destroy healthy tissue. A tumor in your dog’s brain can result in dull mentation.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when nerve cells and their pathways are deprived of oxygen because blood flow to part of the brain is obstructed or a blood vessel bursts. A stroke can leave your dog with dull mentation.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is brain swelling due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) building up inside the brain that often results in dull mentation. It can be acquired or congenital (present at birth), and certain breeds, like toy breeds, are predisposed.
Inflammatory Brain Disease
Brain inflammation is another potential reason your dog may have dull mentation. It can occur in the brain itself (encephalitis), in the membranes surrounding the brain (meningitis), or a combination of the two (meningoencephalitis).
Neurological conditions can also affect the spinal cord. Common signs of spinal cord problems in dogs include:
- Neck or back pain
- Limp tail
- Weak or wobbly gait
- Paw knuckling or dragging limbs
- Inability to walk in one more more limbs
- Paralysis
What is a spinal cord problem that can make your dog lethargic?
Discospondylitis
Discospondylitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral discs and neighboring vertebral endplates in the spine that can make dogs lethargic. Pain along the spinal column is the most common sign, with other symptoms including fever, lethargy, and neurological signs in more advanced cases. While discospondylitis can occur in any animal, it is generally a disease of dogs, and large, young, intact males are more likely to be affected.
What to Do if You Notice Your Dog Lethargic
Because lethargy can indicate anything from a chronic condition to a life-threatening problem, you should contact your vet if you notice your dog lethargic. However, lethargy is a possible symptom of almost every canine ailment, so it’s important to look out for any other signs your dog might show.
If your dog is NOT experiencing any other symptoms, it may be okay to wait a day or so, but if your dog’s energy doesn’t improve or the condition seems to worsen, contact your vet right away.
If your vet suspects a neurological reason, you will be referred to a veterinary neurologist for imaging. Since many neurological conditions can share similar symptoms, MRI is often the best way to achieve an accurate diagnosis, determine the severity of the condition, establish treatment options, and predict prognosis.
Southeast Veterinary Neurology Can Get to the Bottom of Why Your Dog is Lethargic
While prognosis depends on the underlying cause, the sooner your dog receives a diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances are of a recovery. Southeast Veterinary Neurology knows this. That’s why we are open for emergencies 365 days a year. With each location in Miami, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and Virginia Beach complete with a highly skilled neurology team and state-of-the-art MRI suite, we are equipped to figure out what is making your dog lethargic. Call any of our locations right now.
