Why is my dog lethargic, losing weight, has pale gums, and eats dirt?

If she has pale gums then she needs to be examined by a vet immediately to determine the cause and treat, especially if she also has abnormal breathing. Please call your vet or go to an emergency clinic. She could have an infection, parasite, clotting/bleeding problem, hemolytic anemia, mass, etc. and may need immediate treatment.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. This could absolutely be due to anemia given her pale mucous membranes. I recommend that you have Snow evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

With a Doberman, I would first want to rule-out heart disease. Dobermans are predisposed to having a heart condition that can cause heart failure, which would present like this. However, the fact that she is a cross makes hereditary heart disease less likely. There are many other conditions that can cause these exact same problems such as intracellular parasites/bacteria, intestinal parasites and blood clotting disorders leading to anemia. Either way, the fact that she is pale and lethargic warrants an urgent visit to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to help narrow-down the cause of this and advise the best treatment. In many cases, these signs can be completely reversible and she can have a good quality of life again. I hope that helps and Sassy gets better soon.

I'm so sorry to hear Samson is so sick! I'd recommend taking him to see a veterinarian right away so they can help you decide if he is suffering. All of the signs you've described make me concerned for blood loss, organ failure, or cancer so I think it's very important Samson see a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Oh dear! Pale or white gums can be associated with severe anemia, shock, or heart failure - this is a very concerning sign that warrants immediate veterinary attention. A warm dry nose is a pretty non-specific sign that doesn't really mean anything in particular, and a pale or thinning haircoat can be associated with any kind of long-term illness. It sounds like Bae may be seriously ill, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic tonight to be seen. If this isn't possible, then I would take him to your regular veterinarian first thing in the morning. Your veterinarian can do blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.

I am sorry Molly is not feeling well..If mollys mucous membranes (inside of there mouth) are pale I would be concerned she is anemic. It is possible Molly could have parasites. Tapeworms can cause weight loss,anemia,and an itchy rectum. Anemia happens to a patient when red blood cells are being destroyed ( parasite or immune mediated disease ), lost ( trauma, damaged spleen) or not being made (bone marrrow disease ). I would recommend taking Molly to a veterinarians to see if she is anemic and possibly the cause. A complete blood cell count will look at the concentration of her red blood cells and show if she is anemic. A fecal exam will test for parasites like tapeworms.

Hi. I am very sorry about Holly being so sick. I am very concerned about her pale gum color. She could have a true emergency going on right now - and she should be seen by a veterinarian right away. Pale gums are related to lack of perfusion or anemia (low red blood cell count). Any of the reasons that cause pale gums are a true emergency and she should be examined right away. Very best of luck to you and sweet Holly.