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My dog is panting, not eating, lethargic, and restless. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Female | spayed | 7 years and 2 months old | 115 lbs

My dog hasn't eaten in 24 hours. She has been panting and breathing heavily a lot this week even though it hasn't been hot. She is very lethargic and tired, yet restless. What could be wrong?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry Layla is not herself!

There are many possibilities for the symptoms you are describing: Not eating, panting, lethargic, restless.

Some things that could be wrong: she could have a fever, she could be in pain (in her belly), she could be in heart failure, have pneumonia or other lung or heart issue, she could have eaten something that is now stuck in her intestines or stomach, lyme disease, she could be bleeding some where or she could have a metabolic problem like kidney failure, liver disease, etc.

The possibilities are long and some are serious. The most serious symptom you are reporting is the trouble breathing, that alone is a reason to take her to your Vet today.

I wish you the best of luck!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on May 2nd, 2018
I am so sorry to hear that Layla isn’t feeling well. There are so many possibilities of what could be causing the vague symptoms you mention. Vomiting and pain do make me worried about an intestinal obstruction or pancreatitis. However, kidney infection, liver infection, and other possibilities exist as well. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by a veterinarian in the area as soon as possible. Abdominal x-rays as well
As blood work may be recommended to help determine the diagnosis and best treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope Layla improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 19th, 2018
Hello. Layla is pretty young for some of the endocrine problems seen in dogs that may fit your description, like diabetes & Cushing's Disease, but if you are truly concerned, then please see your veterinarian. Some routine bloodwork can easily & quickly rule out any number of serious conditions so that you can relax & enjoy your sweet baby. If this is just a case of a demanding & hungry little dog, then we can easily deal with that, but we do need to make sure everything else is in good order. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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