My dog is lethargic and won't eat after a long hike. Should I worry?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If lethargy is the only sign you are seeing at the moment, I would continue to monitor him for now as this could be just a transient thing due to discomfort from a long hike for example, among other possibilities. However, if this continues throughout the day or he develops any other signs such as inappetence, vomiting and/or diarrhea, have him evaluated then. Good luck!

I would be concerned that Bell hasn't returned to normal after 12-24 hours. While heat injury is possible usually dogs have issues sooner than now such as seizures, diarrhea, bruising and/or collapse. She could have a problem with her GI tract, something stuck in her esophagus or even a respiratory issues causing her changes. If she continues to cough, seems lethargic/lack of energy, or has any vomiting, diarrhea or continues to have a decreased appetite today she needs to be seen by a veterinarian. I would try calling your veterinarian today as they sometimes have an oncall service or an emergency veterinarian on call to answer questions as well.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Dogs can get tired to the point when all they want to do it sleeping. However, most of the time they get more energy after 2-3hrs of rest. Please, give Tadashi 3-4 hrs to rest and then try to feed him and offer him some water. He should be brighter and should have a drink and eat some food. If he remains lethargic, sleepy and off food, it could be a sign of muscular of joint pain from excessive exercising. In that case, you should get him checked by your local vets in the morning.

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.

Poor Lyl. There are so many things that can cause not eating and lethargy so it is hard to say for sure what is going on. I would make sure her gums are pink - if they are white, yellow or grayish blue then she is in critical condition and needs to go to the emergency clinic. Otherwise, you can try feeding her some plain boiled chicken (no bones) and white rice tonight and see if she will eat it. If not, then I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to determine if she is in pain anywhere or if something else is going on. They will be able to do bloodwork and even X-rays if needed. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better really soon!

I'm very sorry Sadie isn't feeling well! I can understand they you might be worried, but it is a good sign that she is eating every meal and drinking water. Lethargy is a very general sign of illness, and it can be caused by many different things such as systemic illness, infection, injury, or inflammation. I would monitor her for now, and if she is still lethargic in 24-48 hours, I would take her into the vet for a health check.

I'm very sorry that Summer is not acting herself. Unfortunately, her symptoms are very vague and don't point to any one illness or disease process. Pretty much anything can cause lethargy and not eating. I strongly recommend you have her examined by your vet to help figure out what is going on with her especially if it has been a few days already.