Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog is suddenly lethargic, won't eat, and cries when touched. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 13 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

Meg suddenly started acting lathargic, cries out when touched, wouldn't eat dinner and looks like she is moving in slow motion when we can get her to move. She wants to lay under her blanket and be left alone. Didn't even get excited when told "Lets go outside".

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 23rd, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The symptoms you describe are concerning for something serious causing her pain or discomfort from something. I advice that you have Meg evaluated by your veterinarian for a thorough examination and further diagnostics to be followed by therapy if indicated based on findings. At the very least, if she is confirmed to be in pain or discomfort, she could at least be started on pain control medications. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Hi. Sounds like Meg is sick and hurting. There are many possibilities from injury to illness. One thing with pets that are not spayed I worry about is an infection of the uterus. I would get her in tonight. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 27th, 2017
I'm sure you are very worried about Meg. It sounds like she needs continued care/ follow up with your veterinarian. Possibly even hospitalization wth IV fluids and IV antibiotics. Has she had a chest X-ray? Other causes of infection in an unspayed female could me a pyometra (uterine infection). Has blood work been run yet? If not that may be important to gain more insight. With your description I am very concerned. Please take her to an emergency clinic or you veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope she improves soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog suddenly whimpering, lethargic, and hiding in pain?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. With the symptoms that you are describing, I would strongly suggest having a veterinarian examine her. The symptoms you are describing can be caused by many things and would be best to have a veterinarian perform Diagnostics to rule out different causes. I would be concerned about a foreign body obstruction, systemic disease or infection, or trauma-related. The veterinarian can then make the most appropriate Diagnostic and treatment recommendations based on the physical examination. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog cries when touched and is lethargic. Is she in pain?

Usually these signs are related to sudden onset of pain, very commonly spinal or abdominal pain. Yes I agree with your plan I think if the signs do not resolve spontaneously, a check up would be needed to determine underlying source of pain and treat appropriately.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is lethargic, won't eat, hides, and has pain or nausea.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I am sorry to hear that Honey is not feeling well. It sounds as though Honey is quite nauseous with her licking her lips. There are many possible causes of what you are describing and because of that, I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would recommend starting with an examination and then having her blood tested to see if there are any concerning changes on her blood test. This may not be her time to go yet as she may have something treatable such as an infection. I hope this helps and that Honey gets better soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog suddenly lethargic and sleeping more than usual?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog lethargic and cries when picked up, but eating and walking fine?

This sounds like abdominal pain, or back pain. Since she’s not spayed you need to be concerned about a uterine infection which could cause lethargy and abdominal discomfort. If she has a bulging disk in her back that can cause pain also. I would take her temperature to check for a fever, and if she has a fever or these symptoms continue then please bring her in for an exam and treatment. They will feel to find where she’s painful and may do an X-ray or blood tests to diagnose the problem. She’s a very small dog so please don’t wait too long since she doesn’t have the body reserves of a bigger dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog won't eat, is tired, and seems feverish. What should I do?

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend that you take your dog to see a veterinarian. It sounds like he needs immediate care if he is not eating, he is lethargic and may have a fever. This sounds like a serious condition that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam and determine what additional testing may need to be done (xrays, bloodwork) to give you a better idea of what treatments are needed. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog is suddenly tired, in pain, and not eating. What's wrong?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Emmy. Poor girl. It does sound like she is in pain, and it's concerning that she's been behaving like this for two days. I would keep a close eye on her tonight, offer her some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice, and let her rest. If she is still acting this way in the morning, have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share