Why is my dog panting, withdrawn, not eating, and acting unlike himself?

He may be [too hot](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-signs-your-dog-is-overheating), especially if it is hot outside (or inside). If so, he should be treated immediately. Move him to a cooler area. Moisten his paws and ears with cool water. Check his[ gum color](https://www.petcoach.co/article/capillary-refill-time-crt-in-dogs-cats). It should be bubble gum pink and moist. If his gums are pale or blue, seek veterinary attention immediately as this may indicate bleeding or a lack of oxygen. If his gums are sticky or dry, seek veterinary attention. He may be dehydrated. [Pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-signs-your-pet-is-in-pain) could be the cause of the symptoms you have described. Check him over for any obvious wounds or injuries. If the symptoms continue or worsen, he should be physically examined by your [veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit/) or at the nearest veterinary ER.

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. A check up is needed if these vague signs last for more than 24hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Marley is pretty sick, and I'm worried about him as well. Not eating or drinking can be signs of a systemic illness that is causing him to feel ill. Examples are liver disease, kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. Walking hunched is an indication of back pain and/or abdominal pain. He may be panting despite the normal room temperature because of this pain or discomfort. For all of these reasons, I would recommend having Marley evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will likely recommend blood work, a urinalysis and abdominal x-rays to look for evidence of underlying disease that could make him unwilling to eat or drink. These tests may also give some insight into why he is walking hunched over and sensitive to you touching him. They will also allow your veterinarian to develop the most appropriate treatment plan to get him feeling better as quickly as possible. I hope this is helpful, and best of luck to you and Marley.

I am so sorry Austyn is feeling so badly tonight. The safest thing to do given the severity of his signs would be to bring him to an emergency vet for evaluation. Vomiting can be caused by many things (dietary indiscretion/eating something he shouldn’t for example) and often isn’t too serious. However, given that Austyn is pacing, short of breath, and uncomfortable I worry something more serious could be going on. For example a condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus can be seen especially in large breed dogs where their stomach bloats. Or dogs can aspirate a little on the vomit which can lead to respiratory problems. If he doesn’t settle down over next the 15 minutes, or if his belly is bloated and firm, or the vomiting continues it is important to bring him right away. If his belly is soft and he settles down and he is breathing normally and his gums are pink, you could watch him closely and bring him to his vet tomorrow for evaluation. I hope austyn starts feeling better very soon.

Hello, sorry to hear about Shep. The panting may be associated to discomfort from his GI tract or other abdominal organs such as his pancreas. Additionally, given his breed, Shep may also be having back pain and he is unwilling to eat because of pain. If this is associated with his GI tract, he would also potentially be having soft stools, vomiting or regurgitation, lethargy, and anorexia. If this is associated with his back, then he would most likely be reluctant to move, avoid stairs or going up/down from the bed, may be hear yelping/whining/crying when moving, or being carried, or may even be unwilling to turn his neck. However, certain signs with this may overlap occasionally as each dog may experience pain/discomfort differently. For this reason, it would be best o have Shep evaluated by his veterinarian today. He may need additional diagnostics such as bloodwork and x-rays to begin. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would recommend a visit to the vet. A week of inappetance, lethargy, and now panting is concerning for many different conditions, some fatal without treatment. Concerns would be a foreign object stuck in his gut, severe gastritis, heart disease, infection/sepsis, etc. Lethargy and inappetance (not eating) are vague clinical signs that can be associated with many disease conditions. Your vet will do an exam, and likely run some bloodwork, and might have to take some x-rays. Best of luck with Alfie, I hope he feels better soon!