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My dog is warm, sluggish, not eating. Is it sickness or heat stroke?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 9 years and 5 months old

My dog is very sluggish and very very warm. She's not eating or drinking much. Her nose is dry. I gave her a cool bath and a few syringes of water. What else can I do to cool her down or is she maybe sick? It's very hot here right now, no AC at the moment but she's laying in front of a fan. We are also in the middle of moving which seems to be concerning to her.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2017

If you have a thermometer you can take her temperature to check if she is overheated. You can lubricate the thermometer with vaseline/ky jelly/ or similar lubricant and insert about an inch into the rectum. If her temperature is over 102.5 then it is high. If she is acting lethargic and not eating or drinking well then these symptoms are concerning and should be investigated by a vet. There are many possibilities for these symptoms because they are so general. The vet may be able to narrow down causes with an exam, or they may need to do bloodwork on your dog for a better idea of the cause. If her temperature is high then she could have a fever or if it is very warm in your house could be suffering from heat stroke. You have done the right thing bathing her in cool water and providing a fan but she still needs to see a vet because there can be long term consequences such as severe GI irritation and infection if a dog has suffered heat stroke.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Use a rectal thermometer and sterile lube to take her temperature. If it is 103 F or above, take her to your veterinarian for an exam. You can moisten her paws and ear flaps with cool water. It is best to cool her down gradually if she is too hot. Offer small amounts of unflavored PediaLyte to replace electrolytes as long as she is not vomiting.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Poor Regina. She certainly could be hot from the conditions. You can put alcohol on her pads and dampen her fur and allow the far to run over her. Since she isn't eating and drinking then I would be concerned she could also be sick or TOO warm and needs medical attention. If she is really lethargic and not movhaving NG around like normal, then I would recommend to take her to your vet for an exam to ensure she doesn't need immediate attention like fluids to help cool her off. If you have a thermometer, you could take her temperature. If it is between 99.5-102.5 then this is normal. If it is higher than that, then I would recommend seeing a vet. If it is greater than 104 then this is an emergency and needs to be seen asap.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 5th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Mya. IF she seems lethargic along with not eating and drinking I would recommend bringing her in for an examination at her veterinarian's office. You can attempt to take her temperature if she feels warm to you by using a thermometer rectally. Lubricate the thermometer (any thermometer can be used, just be sure to designate it as a dog thermometer after use!) with vaseline or ky jelly or other lubricant and insert 1 to 2 inches into the rectum. Normal dog temperature is 100 to 102.5 degrees. If she has a temperature above 102.5 this is another reason to bring her in for an exam. Her symptoms unfortunately are not very specific for a certain disorder and your vet's examination may provide more clues, and your vet may reocmmend additional testing such as bloodwork or x-rays depending on her examination. You can continue to offer water via a syringe, or offer some chicken broth or soaked kibble or canned food if she has any interest until she is seen.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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