My Labrador is suddenly not eating and very lethargic. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs do not have to eat as often as we do, or even daily. If Lucille is still interested in food, drinking water, and not vomiting or diarrhea, I would continue to monitor her for another 24 hours. I would see a vet if the lethargy and decrease appetite continues. She could be coming down with something and may get worse, or getting over something and bounce back. Please do not give any over the counter medications unless directed by a vet because some medications are toxic to dogs. Good luck and kisses to Lucille!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry to hear Champ isn't felling well. I recommend taking him to a vet right away. It is very difficult to diagnose him over the internet. If he is weak, he may need IV fluids and medications to make him feel better. Once a vet performs an exam, they will be able to guide you to the next steps in diagnosing and treating his problems. At his age, I would be worried about things like intestinal parasites or infectious diseases, like parvovirus. Good luck and kisses to Champ!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. As long as Jacky is not sick and is otherwise normal, I would recommend switching to a different food altogether and consider canned food as well. If you still find he has a picky appetite, I would recommend adding chicken breast or broth to his current diet and see if this helps increase his appetite. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Rambo could have a number of problems that could cause lethargy - anemia, tick borne diseases or other infections could make him seem sleepier than usual. I would recommend having your vet examine him - they may recommend checking some blood work as well.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and decreased energy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Rocco 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!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on your description, it is difficult to say for sure what the cause is. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would start by having her blood tested and have abdominal x-rays taken as well. I hope this helps!