My dog is lethargic, hiding, and has fishy poop. What's wrong?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Cooper. I am sorry to hear about his problems. Has he had blood work to test his cobalamin and folate levels? These are vitamins used in digestion. He should also be tested for pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. These can be evaluated on the same blood panel. He should have fecal testing and deworming. If these options do provide a diagnosis, then I recommend an abdominal ultrasound. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Zekie evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

This could be anal gland issue. Charlie should be checked out by her veterinarian when they are open just to make sure it's not an anal gland infection. If her anal gland's are normal they will do a full exam most likely to rule out anything else that could be going on.

It sounds like Moose may have some gastro-intestinal upset. You didn't mention vomiting-- If there's been no vomiting then that is good. However, decreased appetite and the loose stools are concerning. When the colon (large intestine) is inflamed, sometimes they feel like they need to poop even though there isn't anything more coming out. As for what may be causing the GI upset, it could be gastroenteritis which is inflammation of the stomach and or intestines-- this could be from eating something out of the ordinary such as getting into the garbage or eating mulch, etc, or it may be secondary to anything from kidney disease to cancer. I don't see Moose's age listed; if he is older, the concern that there is a more serious underlying problem is higher. If he is a younger dog, gastroenteritis is more likely. Since he seems lethargic, I strongly recommend that you take him in to the vet at your first convenience. If the lethargy is getting worse, or if he starts vomiting or having blood in the stool or vomit, seek emergency care. If you are unable to take him to the vet, you can offer a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) for a couple of days and see if that helps. If it is not improving, please get him in for an exam. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If he just ate the fish, you should take him to your local vets and they will make him vomit. If he had the fish over 1-1.5hrs ago, making him vomit will not be beneficial. In that case, you need to monitor him at home for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stools, abdominal pain, twitching, being unsteady on legs. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to your local vets right away.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I suspect that this has nothing to do with the anal gland expression. 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 Sonu 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!

Severe diarrhea can cause weakness due to dehydration and loss of salts; it can also cause swelling around the back passage and straining (as could a partial obstruction) . At such a young age I recommend an urgent vet check, especially with the reduced energy levels