My dog is limping, sleeping more, and not eating. What's wrong?

Limping is a sign of pain, and some dogs will have a poor appetite with higher levels of pain. I would recommend that Jax be checked out by a vet to figure out why he is limping (possible bone fracture, muscle sprain, muscle spasm, etc.) so that he can be appropriately treated. Other causes of a poor appetite in a puppy include nausea from dietary intolerance or indiscretion, food allergy, intestinal parasites, GI blockage, gastroenteritis, bacterial or viral infection, among a few others. These can be discussed at the same appointment that is made to have the limp checked out.

I'm sorry to hear that Diamond isn't doing well. There are many potential reasons for lameness and lethargy. The first thing that comes to mind would be a tick-related illness such as Lyme disease. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause significant joint inflammation, fever and general malaise. I would ensure that Diamond has easy access to food and water and that you offer him some yummy options such as low-sodium chicken broth to drink and boiled chicken to eat. You can also try applying a cool compress to his swollen paw. If these ministrations are not successful and Diamond continues to be lethargic and inappetant, I would strongly recommend that you have him seen by a veterinarian. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are relatively easy to diagnose and are treatable. Other potential causes for his symptoms would be an injury, infection or cancer. Your veterinarian will be able to determine what is going on.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and vomiting can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Lameness can be due to discomfort possibly due to arthritis or something else. This may be related or perhaps may be unrelated and another issue. Lyme disease is a possibility though this is not very common. I recommend that you have Jakey 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 great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Poor Girl! Without seeing her, I cannot say whether or not it is serious, but I am definitely concerned. She could have gotten bit by something or broken a bone and be in a lot of pain, both of which could make her not want to eat. I would try to have her seen by your vet as soon as possible so they can determine what is wrong before she gets any worse. I worry if she got bit by something poisonous that it may be more difficult to treat later if she gets worse. Your vet will be able to do blood work and even x-rays if needed to help her feel better. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better really soon!

Hello. Limping & a lack of appetite may be a sign of some metabolic problem or an infectious disease. Tick fever is one thing that comes to mind that can cause lameness & illness at the same time. The weight loss is concerning because this indicates that this may be a chronic problem. Before things get any worse for your sweet girl, it would be best to have her evaluated by your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. The sooner you can find out what is causing her symptoms, the sooner you can get her back to feeling better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would definitely take him to see your vet. He may have a hidden injury, the shifting lameness could indicate a condition affecting his bones called panosteitis, which is seen in growing puppies, usually large breeds. Since he's feeling poorly overall, I think the sooner he sees the vet, the better. Your vet will do an exam, probably labwork and x-rays, and based on these results, will be better able to inform you about your dog's condition and how best to treat it.

If Paxton is not eating at all and is limping, this is a sign he is in pretty bad pain or badly injured. I would try to find a vet that can see him sooner, or get in to an emergency clinic (your wait may be several hours as he is not an immediate triage case). Until you can get him into a vet, keeping him on strict bed rest to avoid further irritation or injury of the leg, and offering some bland meals like boiled chicken and rice may help get him eating and reduce his pain, but it is best to get into a vet ASAP if he still refuses.