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My Great Dane puppy is lethargic and won't eat. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 14 days old | 60 lbs

Our Great Dane pup has been lethargic all day and not eating

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 7th, 2019

Hi there! Sorry to hear that Rosie is not feeling well. The clinical signs you describe are concerning when they occur in a puppy as they can be seen with serious gastrointestinal infections such as Parvovirus. Other possibilities include intestinal worms and dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. The sooner these conditions are treated the better the outcome tends to be. For this reason, I recommend that you have Rosie evaluated by your veterinarian to check for these possibilities and to start therapy based on findings. At the very least they can address dehydration if present and start her on anti-nausea medications. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for your girl!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Juliana, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 10th, 2017
Diarrhea with blood and a decreased interest in food can be caused by many, many things. Some of the more common causes can include irritation/inflammation of the stomach or intestines or pancreas from eating certain foods or treats that don't agree with her, intestinal parasites , or eating a toy or foreign material that is moving through her system. Since this has been going on several days she should be evaluated by her veterinarian so they can assess how comfortable her belly is, check her for dehydration, run lab tests on her if indicated , and prescribe medication for the diarrhea if needed. In the meantime you could offer her bland food such as boiled skinless chicken breasts and white rice.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 8th, 2018
They can commonly get bacterial and viral infections that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and a decreased appetite. Sometimes it can be from eating something they were not supposed to that is causing an upset stomach. You can try boiled chicken and rice and pedialyte or Gatorade to help rehydrate him or get him interested in eating. If he is dehydrated and has bloody diarrhea or continues to vomit then he may need blood work and IV fluids.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 27th, 2017
She may have bloat (stomach twisting) or even an underlying heart conditon is possible based on your description. I would highly recommmed taking Attie to your local ER vet right away for and examination. This sounds urgent and you want to get her seen right away. I hope everything turns out ok for your poor Attie. Best wishes at the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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