Why is my Chihuahua weak and lethargic but still has a good appetite?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. 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. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

There are a wide variety of possible causes for anorexia and lethargy in a young dog, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, bacterial or viral infection (especially parvo virus in improperly vaccinated dogs), intestinal blockage, colitis, among others. I would recommend trying to schedule an appointment at a vet in a different area, as this really shouldn't wait for another week.

I am sorry to hear about your chihuahua. Because of her age and her symptoms (lethargy and decreased appetite) I would definitely recommend an examination by a veterinarian. We can certainly see medical problems in older dogs that can cause these symptoms such as kidney disease, infections, liver disease, and more. An exam by your vet and some bloodwork may help to be sure there isn't a treatable medical issue. If there are no abnormalities found, then they may recommend some over the counter products that can help with anxiety such as Adaptil which is a pheremone product available as a plug-in or collar, Zylkene or Composure which are calming supplements, a thundershirt which is a compression vest that calms some dogs. And in some cases prescription strength medication may be necesssary from your veterinarian.

Poor guy. It sounds like he may be painful in his belly or even his joints. This is concerning when a pet is painful and also isn't eating. I would highly recommend that your friend take Peanut to the vet to get him examined. This needs to be looked at closer in order to determine what might be going on here, since so many problems can cause the symptoms he has. I do hope that your friends pet is able to get better soon! Best wishes and take care.

Unfortunately, lethargy and a decreased appetite both have multiple causes both major and minor. It could be anything such as infection, injury, a toxicity or any other number of conditions. Because she's been having these symptoms for several days, ideally, Zuki should be physically examined by your veterinarian. Given current events though, you may need to drive up to the clinic, drop her off then wait for your veterinarian to call you to discuss exam findings and treatment options.

Poor Tomy. Drinking a lot of water and a decrease in appetite suggests that he may have an infection. Because he is shaking his head I would have his ears checked first to see if he has an ear infection (otitis external). If he has a deep infection (otitis interns) in the ears, this can also throw off his balance, cause vomiting (motion sickness), and cause him to walk awkwardly. It is best it have him checked by your vet soon to be evaluated and examined thoroughly. Until you can get him in be seen, offer Tomy small portions of canned food to keep him nutritionally sound. Best of luck with Tomy and I hope his ears and current health status improve soon.

Poor Charlie! There are several things that can cause him to be lethargic and not eat like kidney or liver disease, an infection, a tumor/cancer, general GI upset, parasites, and much more. Since he has an extensive medical history and he isn't eating well and lethargic, I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at him asap. Your vet will be able to do a fecal, blood work and even x-rays if needed. They will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for him to help him feel better! I hope this helps!