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Why is my dog weak and slow? Could it be new food or a new pet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 15 lbs

My dog is acting weak and moving slow. The only thing I can think of is I changed his food and a new dog moved in

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Lil Bit is weak and lethargic, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine him and test his blood to see if there are any abnormalities that need treatment. There are many causes of what you are seeing and a simple blood test will help rule out many various causes. He may also be dehydrated so you can mix pedialyte with water in a 50:50 mixture and give him 1-2tbsp by mouth and see if this helps. However, it would be best to get him seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later in case there is something more serious going on. If he is one to eat objects that he shouldn't, he may have an intestinal obstruction causing these symptoms and abdominal x-rays would certainly be warranted to help rule this out. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction and I hope Lil Bit gets better soon! Please do not hesitate to contact be if you have any further questions or concerns. I am also available via text consultation if needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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