My 12-week puppy was very weak and lethargic. Why is he sad?

Poor Olsen! It could be that he is feeling unwell, and I would monitor him for now as lethargy is a very general sign of illness. Make sure he is still eating and drinking normally, and using the bathroom normally. If he continues to be lethargic today, and/or stops eating and drinking and using the bathroom normally, I would have him seen by a vet for a health check.

From the sign you are describing it is quite difficult to determine the underlying problem. General signs of lethargy could be commonly due to high temperature which may be related to an infection. In puppies gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections are by far the most common type of infections. If the signs do not resolve in the next 24hours or if Luna is showing any inappetence, more evident lethargy or any other signs (vomiting and diarrhoea for example) I would strongly advice a veterinary check up.

It always concerns me when young puppies get lethargic. Puppies are more susceptible to the effects of dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than adult dogs, so diarrhea is more serious for Wallace than it would be for an adult dog. If he's back to acting normally, eating, drinking, and doesn't have further diarrhea or vomiting, it's perfectly fine to continue monitoring him at home. However, if he remains lethargic, has more mucousy diarrhea, begins to vomit, or refuses to eat or drink normal amounts, then you should have him examined by his vet. Your vet will need to do a physical exam. Depending on their suspicions based on their exam findings, they may recommend some diagnostic testing or may opt to start him on some medications. Possible causes of this type of issue include stomach upset from a virus, intestinal parasites, among many other issues. If your vet finds that Wallace is dehydrated, they'll also be able to give him some fluids. I hope that he feels better soon!

It's possible that he is sore from his tussle with the other dogs. I recommend that you take him in to your veterinarian to be checked over. If he got bit anywhere, it may be forming an abscess, which could cause him to be lethargic. and feel sick. Or, he may just be generally sore if he got knocked around a bit. Either way, it would be best to have your vet do a thorough physical exam to be on the safe side. If your vet thinks he is painful, he can prescribe some pain medication. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, A check up is needed if signs last 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!

Severe diarrhea can cause weakness due to dehydration and loss of salts; it can also cause swelling around the back passage and straining (as could a partial obstruction) . At such a young age I recommend an urgent vet check, especially with the reduced energy levels

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.