My dog is lethargic, drinking lots, and panting. When to see a vet?

I would recommend having your dog seen as soon as possible if her symptoms are not improving tomorrow, even if this means taking her in to another vet or an emergency vet. Diseases we worry about with these symptoms include Cushings Disease (where the adrenal glands produce too much steroids), diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease. Some of these conditions can worsen quickly and become life threatening so having her examined and having bloodwork and urinalysis done as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause is the safest way to proceed.

Panting heavily when it is not hot in the environment is usually a sign of pain or discomfort. If Mia has had a poor appetite for a few days, it is possible that she has a chronic condition such as liver or kidney disease that can be diagnosed on routine screening bloodwork. Unfortunately at age 12, especially for a large breed dog, serious/not curable conditions such as cancer (usually diagnosed on chest/abdominal X-rays) is a possibility as well. Less scary possible causes of the panting could be discomfort from pancreatitis which is often caused by table food and treated with fluid therapy +/- anti-nausea medication, or pain from arthritis which can be treated with pain meds pending screening bloodwork to rule out pre-existing liver/kidney issues. Especially since Mia seems uncomfortable, it would be best to bring her to your vet for an evaluation. Good luck!

Cushing’s syndrome (if that is indeed what she has), is rarely an emergency. Many dogs have had the disorder for months (or years) prior to diagnosis. However, diabetes can have very similar signs and that is more of a concern. If she has lost weight, or if she is not eating then I would recommend an emergency veterinarian to make sure she is not diabetic and starting to Decompensate. I also notice that she is not spayed. Pyometra is a uterine infection that usually starts with increased water intake, But they usually progress to not feeling well soon. Some of these dogs also have vaginal discharge and typically occurs 6 weeks or so after last heat cycle. If she is eating well and seem fine otherwise then waiting until Monday seems appropriate to me. If possible try to take a urine sample with you to your veterinarian appointment. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi there, I’m sorry Reynold isn’t feeling well. The symptoms you describe are pretty non- specific and can be attributed to many different problems. However, if he is acting uncomfortable, then I do think having him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible would be the safest situation. Based on their physical examination findings they may recommend an x-ray or possibly blood work to help define the diagnosis and treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.!! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Moka is having problems. Yes, any pet that has persistent signs especially vomiting and diarrhea should be evaluated immediately. Once dehydration and electrolyte imbalance develop, they will just continue to get weaker and weaker unless treated. Reasons for vomiting/diarrhea are many and range from intestinal problems or problems with other organs in the body causing the signs. Intestinal worms, dietary indiscretion (eating things she is not supposed to eat), dietary intolerance/sensitivity, a foreign body (especially in younger dogs), infection, inflammation, toxins, pancreatitis, kidney/liver problems, etc. Your vet can do a physical exam and some tests which could include a fecal exam, blood work, x-rays, ultrasound, etc. to try to determine what is causing the problem. Once a diagnosis is made they will advise a treatment plan to address the issue. Your vet can also address the itching of her muzzle and whining which may or may not be related. I hope this is just temporary and it resolves quickly for you and Moka.

If Lillie is in that much distress I would seek out another veterinarian that is available, or an emergency clinic in your area, especially if she is heavily panting, painful, or unable to keep anything down. Be sure to let the new vet know what tests have been done, medications tried (and that they aren't helping) and any other symptoms you are seeing/for how long.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry Layla is not herself! There are many possibilities for the symptoms you are describing: Not eating, panting, lethargic, restless. Some things that could be wrong: she could have a fever, she could be in pain (in her belly), she could be in heart failure, have pneumonia or other lung or heart issue, she could have eaten something that is now stuck in her intestines or stomach, lyme disease, she could be bleeding some where or she could have a metabolic problem like kidney failure, liver disease, etc. The possibilities are long and some are serious. The most serious symptom you are reporting is the trouble breathing, that alone is a reason to take her to your Vet today. I wish you the best of luck!