My active dog is drowsy after a long hike. Is it pain or vet time?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lack of energy can be the sign of many things that go from just being tired to actually representing a problem like due to pain for example. If he is otherwise fine, I recommend you keep a close eye on him for now. If there is no improvement within the next 2-3 days, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

It sounds like Velvet went on a very long hike (good on you for doing it too!), and it could be that she is very tired from such a long hike. It is concerning that she is very lethargic and won't eat or drink. I would try to tempt her to eat by soaking her food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth, or by offering her small amounts of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. Should she refuse to eat this, then I would have her seen by a vet for a health check.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to pain or discomfort as he could have hurt himself. However, it could also be coincidental. If he is otherwise doing well without limping, I think it would be ok to monitor him for now. However, if he develops a limp or any other signs such as crying in pain, inappetence or continued lethargy, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can check him for any evidence of pain and treat him based on findings. Good luck and have a great day!

He could simply be tired, but if it goes on for more than 24 hours, I'd recommend a check up with his vet to make sure nothing is going on. He could have pulled a muscle or eaten something more than you realized during the visit. If he's not eating, extremely lethargic, or vomiting, I'd go to the vet ASAP.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When I get a case like this, I treat for pain. An arthritis flare up, sore back, or soft tissue injury can be very difficult to find on an exam but can cause exactly what you are describing. Talk to your vet about doing a week or two of pain medication to see if that helps- many times it will. Best wishes to you and Mylo!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Dexter evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Cornelius may be tired from the trip indeed. Other common causes of lethargy in a puppy include fever, ongoing infection, abdominal or musculo-skeletal pain and more. As long as Cornelius had something to eat and drink and is resting comfortably, you should monitor him at home. However, if he is still lethargic tomorrow morning, you should take him to your local vets for an appointment.