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My golden retriever puppy is lethargic and not eating. Vet or wait?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 11 days old | 65 lbs

I have a 65lb, 22inch tall, 9 month old golden retriever. She is slightly lethargic, and has low appetite. She will drink water, but only if I cup it in my hand for her. This started about 18 hours ago. Eliminating normally, and will perform trained tasks when asked, otherwise just wants to cuddle and sleep. Resting HR is 112 bpm and breath 42/min. Gums/tongue normal pink. I don't have a thermometer for temp. Does this warrant an emergency trip to vet, or can we monitor until Monday morning?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2018

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Betty White is acting slightly lethargic and not eating/drinking as much as you think she should. Firstly, excellent job getting vitals on her! From the information you provided, and assuming she is an otherwise healthy puppy, I think it is OK to monitor her at home over the weekend and bring her to your veterinarian on Monday. Signs to watch for that would warrant a trip to the Emergency veterinarian would be repetitive vomiting or diarrhea, excessive lethargy (unwilling to rise or respond to you) or complete cessation of eating. You can offer her a bland diet such as boiled chicken or beef and rice (in a ratio of 2 parts rice to 1 part meat) in small meals over the next 24-48 hours to see if this helps her appetite. This may also help settle any gastrointestinal upset she may be having. Always make sure she has access to water as well. I hope this is helpful!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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