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My dog is lethargic, won't eat, and walks slowly. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Labrador | Male | neutered | 2 years and 8 months old

My dog has no energy does not want to eat & walks slow & funny what may be the cause?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on March 4th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Brak n Jan is not doing well at home. Any signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, and acting abnormal, especially in a younger dog, warrant a visit to the veterinarian. A 2 year old Lab should have lots of energy and a good appetite if they are healthy. It is possible that he is systemically sick, either with gastrointestinal disease, liver or kidney disease, or other metabolic issue causing him to feel unwell. He may also be painful somewhere, causing him to not want to eat and walk slowly. I recommend contacting your veterinarian to have him seen at the next available appointment. Your vet will likely recommend bloodwork to look for any evidence of infection or organ abnormalities that can be treated. Do NOT give any pain medications that are intended for humans to Brak n Jan, as these can be fatally toxic to dogs. I hope this is helpful!

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Hello,
I am so sorry Brak n Jan is not feeling well. Loss of energy and appetite in a young, healthy dog are concerning but not specific for one specific disease process. I would advise you to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. More than likely the veterinarian will recommend bloodwork, urinalysis and possibly x-rays or ultrasound.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on May 10th, 2017
Poor Chewie! It definitely sounds like something is wrong - he may be in pain for some reason, or not feeling well. Unfortunately, these symptoms are very vague and could be caused by almost any kind of illness or injury, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and do some testing.

Since it sounds like he's quite uncomfortable, I would really recommend taking him to the vet today for an exam - he/she can do blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Priyanka Thakkar, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2017
It sounds like Lexi is very sick. A lot of things can cause these signs such as infection, liver or kidney disease, pain, trauma, or even cancer.
This sounds like a medical emergency and I would recommend Lexi be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to find the cause and start treatments to help her feel better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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