Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    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
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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

When should I take my lethargic, warm, and isolating dog to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 years and 2 months old | 87 lbs

My usually very happy go lucky 4 year old dog is acting very lethargic and isolating himself from us. He seems a little warm doesn't want to shake. At what point should we take him to our vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Elizabeth

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2020

It sounds like BeR is not feeling well. Just like people, there are many conditions that can make pets feel sick. This could range from bacterial over growth to intestinal blockage. Also like us, diseases are best addressed early and this may result in a better prognosis. You need to monitor your pup closely. If he is not eating or drinking well, if there is vomiting/diarrhea/coughing or signs of pain, I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian today. If the lethargy lasts for 24 hours, your pup also needs to be examined. The doctor will need to learn the underlying cause in order to give appropriate treatment. Bring in a stool sample in case the doctor needs to test it.

At home, your pup should rest today so no walks or playtime. Encourage eating and drinking. Fluid intake is very important when pets and people don't feel good. You may try offering a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice (this should all be plain). You can add extra water as well to increase the fluids. Hopefully this will pass quickly. I hope BeR starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2019

    You did absolutely the right thing by taking Cosmo into the ER vet. It's good that he's eating his breakfast, and has had no vomiting or diarrhea. I would expect he would be lethargic, as he sounded quite sick, and it will take a couple of days for him to return to normal. If he starts vomiting again, had diarrhea again, or loses his appetite, then I would take him back into a vet right away. I hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Bette Isacoff

    Dog Trainer

    Published on July 22nd, 2017

    Lethargy is a very general sign that something may be wrong, so it is difficult to say what it means. Many things could cause it, from a little stomach upset to something more serious. Watch Billy as he goes through his day. Is he eating and drinking as usual? Does hes show any interest in treats? Are his stools normal? Any additional behavior that is "off" for him, or prolonged lethargy, would indicate that he needs to be seen by the vet for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 21st, 2018

    Hello! I'm doing well today, and I'm sorry that you are so worried about Kamilo. Lethargy is a very common symptoms of many illnesses such as a systemic illness, infection, inflammation, kidney disease, liver disease, injury, or cancer. I'm not sure if he's eating or drinking, but if he is, I would keep an eye on him for now. Should he still be lethargic in another 24-48 hours, take him into the vet for a check up. If he develops other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stops eating or drinking, take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
What to do if my active dog is suddenly lethargic and won't eat?
Given the lack of clinical signs besides lethargy and inappetence, there is not much else to go on here. I would consider obtaining a rectal thermometer tomorow and checking for a fever (above 102.5), which might suggest the presence of an infection or inflammation. If you detect a fever, I would definitely suggest getting Rusty to the vet sometime soon. If there is no fever, but his condition does not get better by Monday he should be taken in for an examination regardless. You can certainly try and feed Rusty something that would normally be considering irresistible just to see if he will accept it, rather than just his normal dog food. Anyway, hope this helps and that Rusty is feeling better soon. It is entirely possible that he might just feeling a little under the weather or maybe could have eaten something he shouldn't have that upset his stomach. If this is the case, the symptoms should pass with short time.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog is lethargic, not eating, crying, hot, and seems to be in pain.
Bubbles needs to be examined by the veterinarian today. It sounds like she is feeling terrible. Just like people, there are many conditions that can make pets feel sick. This could range from bacterial over growth to intestinal blockage. Also like us, diseases are best addressed early and this may result in a better prognosis. The fact that she can't lay in one position likely indicates that she is in pain as well. I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian today. The doctor will need to learn the underlying cause in order to give appropriate treatment. Bring in a stool sample in case the doctor needs to test it. I hope Bubbles starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is lethargic. When should I take her to an emergency vet?
With vague symptoms such as generalized lethargy, there is no right or wrong answer to taking her now vs waiting until the morning to see if anything changes. If she is vomiting or has diarrhea then I would take her for sure. Since she is still eating and drinking, you can monitor her for further changes such as those before going in. IF she is not better after 24 hours then I would get her checked also. If you will feel better and sleep better by having her checked tonight, then that is the best option for you.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog is sluggish, not eating, and acting unlike himself. What to do?
If only Jackie could talk! Just like people, there are many conditions that can make pets feel sick. This could range from bacterial over growth to intestinal blockage. Also like us, diseases are best addressed early and this may result in a better prognosis. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian today if the behavior has lasted beyond 24 hours or if he is not eating or drinking. The doctor will need to learn the underlying cause in order to give appropriate treatment. Bring in a stool sample in case the doctor needs to test it. I hope Jackie starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog is lethargic, won't eat, and walks slowly. What's wrong?
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!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog has a fever, is lethargic, and weak. Should I see a vet?
Betty sounds very sick at the moment, and based on her symptoms, she should see a vet immediately. Without seeing her in person, I can't say what's causing her fever, lethargy, weakness, and lack of appetite, but she could have a systemic illness or infection causing it. She does need veterinary care now for it, so please bring her into a vet right away. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my dog lethargic, stiff, sore, and refusing to eat or drink?
This sounds very peculiar especially in such a young pup. I would be worried that he has a fever, and it would be important to check. If so, I would be suspicious of polyarthritis due to sepsis, lyme disease or other tick born diseases. Common conditions I see in young pups are pancreatitis, gastrointestinal parasites, and gastroenteritis. A good physical exam would be helpful. A painful abdomen, a positive fecal exam etc would help to narrow down what is going on.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog SuppliesDog Health & WellnessDog Medicine and PrescriptionsPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsElectrolytes for DogsDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Blood Pressure MedicationDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsAt-Home Dog VaccinesDog Pain Medicine & ReliefCold & Kennel Cough TreatmentsPrescription Dog AntibioticsDog Anxiety MedicationDog Seizure MedicationPet PharmacyPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationPrescription Dewormer for DogsDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone Care
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button