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Why is my puppy lethargic, grunting, dry nose, and not eating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 9 days old | 30 lbs

Good day. My Australian Cattle Dog Puppy is not very active today. She is making grunting sounds when laying down, has a bit of a dry nose and she does not really have a great appetite today. What could be causing this?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 16th, 2020

Unfortunately, those symptoms are all very vague. Pretty much any disease process or illness could cause them. I suggest you monitor her closely for the next 24 hours and if she is still not back to normal she should be examined by your vet right away.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 6th, 2017
These symptoms that you are describing are very concerning to me, and I would have Bowie seen by a vet immediately. He could be in pain or he could have eaten something toxic causing his symptoms. I recommended having him evaluated by a vet now to diagnose what is causing these symptoms so he can be treated. Take him into an ER vet clinic, or if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information for reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 26th, 2017
His symptoms seem very concerning and urgent. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Low blood glucose or liver problems in addition to possible intoxication are all possibilities. Please have him evaluated immediately as I worry this problem could be potentially fatal. Best of luck and I hope he improves quickly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 24th, 2020
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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