My dog is lethargic, not eating, and has pale poop. What can I do?

Poor Hank! Hank could be lethargic with soft stool for a variety of reasons, including parasites, viruses, etc. The changes you are observing in his eyes could be a result of dehydration. Hank should see his vet for an exam to make sure there isn't anything more serious occurring. Until you can take him to his vet, you can try offering a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice.

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!

Whitish stool is an indication of a digestion problem and would not generally be related to anxiety; the head bobbing may be related to fever or nausea also. I would be concerned about the lethargy and poor appetite - try offering her warm moist food and also some pedialyte to prevent dehydration. A recheck by your vet should be considered if not improving within 18-24hours

It always concerns me when young puppies get lethargic. Puppies are more susceptible to the effects of dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than adult dogs, so diarrhea is more serious for Wallace than it would be for an adult dog. If he's back to acting normally, eating, drinking, and doesn't have further diarrhea or vomiting, it's perfectly fine to continue monitoring him at home. However, if he remains lethargic, has more mucousy diarrhea, begins to vomit, or refuses to eat or drink normal amounts, then you should have him examined by his vet. Your vet will need to do a physical exam. Depending on their suspicions based on their exam findings, they may recommend some diagnostic testing or may opt to start him on some medications. Possible causes of this type of issue include stomach upset from a virus, intestinal parasites, among many other issues. If your vet finds that Wallace is dehydrated, they'll also be able to give him some fluids. I hope that he feels better soon!

By your description, it was likely mucus. This happens during times of GI stress or inflammation. Try withholding food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts. Begin with one tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount as long as your dog not vomiting. Feed until the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. See your veterinarian if symptoms persist, worsen or if your dog begins vomiting or has diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or abdominal pain.

Poor Luna! She could have an infection (parvo, etc) or a parasite. Since she has bloody stool and is lethargic, she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can test a stool sample to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat the problem. She might also need some fluids to prevent dehydration. Hope she gets better soon!

Based on your description of the black stool, lethargy, and decreased appetite, I am concerned that June may be very ill. The black stool could be blood in the stool, which could be caused by parasites, change in diet, toxin ingestion, infectious viral diseases, blockage in the intestines caused by ingestion of a foreign body, or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. Please make an appointment to have June seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as blood in the stool can lead to anemia, and can be very dangerous if left untreated. In the mean time, if she is not eating well, you can try boiling boneless skinless chicken in water, shredding the chicken, and feeding her small amounts of the resulting chicken broth and cooked chicken once it has cooled. I recommend taking in a fecal sample from June to your vet as well, as that may aid them in making a diagnosis. Good luck, and I hope she feels better soon!