Why is my 12-year-old Labrador heaving and lethargic all day?

I'm sorry Odie isn't doing well! He could be in pain, causing him to be very lethargic and not moving a lot. Pain would also cause him to pant and eat less. His pain could be caused by arthritis, which is common in senior dogs, or hip dysplasia. There could also be other medical illnesses causing his symptoms, such as heart disease or cancer. I would have him seen by a vet today for a physical exam, geriatric blood test, urinalysis, and possibly chest and hip x-rays. These tests will determine what is causing his symptoms so he can be treated as needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs do not have to eat as often as we do, or even daily. If Lucille is still interested in food, drinking water, and not vomiting or diarrhea, I would continue to monitor her for another 24 hours. I would see a vet if the lethargy and decrease appetite continues. She could be coming down with something and may get worse, or getting over something and bounce back. Please do not give any over the counter medications unless directed by a vet because some medications are toxic to dogs. Good luck and kisses to Lucille!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Booda, she sounds very sick. Since she is vomiting, acting lethargic, not eating and having neurological signs, I would have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Especially in an older Golden, cancer is a top differential for the cause of her clinical signs. Your veterinarian will want to do a complete physical exam, along with bloodwork and/or x-rays to look for evidence of disease. Because she is coughing, I'm afraid she may have cancer in her lungs, or less likely something like pneumonia. Unfortunately, you may have to consider thinking about her quality of life. Vomiting, coughing, not eating and being unresponsive to stimuli are not indicative of a good quality of life. I hope this is helpful, and I'm very sorry to hear about Booda.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Did your vet take belly X-rays? If he is vomiting and has lost over 20 pounds. he needs X-rays of his belly and blood work. He does have very bad hips but that shouldn’t cause vomiting and weight loss. You need to follow up with your vet today. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am suspicious that this could be something other than gastrointestinal issues from that. It is hard to know what exactly is going on however he is displaying some signs of potentially being sick such as labored breathing, lethargy and vomiting. I highly recommend that you have Harley evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to perform a physical examination and start there depending on what they think could be wrong. For example, if his lung sounds appear abnormal, they may proceed with chest X-rays. They can then treat accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Brak n Jan is not doing well at home. Any signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, and acting abnormal, especially in a younger dog, warrant a visit to the veterinarian. A 2 year old Lab should have lots of energy and a good appetite if they are healthy. It is possible that he is systemically sick, either with gastrointestinal disease, liver or kidney disease, or other metabolic issue causing him to feel unwell. He may also be painful somewhere, causing him to not want to eat and walk slowly. I recommend contacting your veterinarian to have him seen at the next available appointment. Your vet will likely recommend bloodwork to look for any evidence of infection or organ abnormalities that can be treated. Do NOT give any pain medications that are intended for humans to Brak n Jan, as these can be fatally toxic to dogs. I hope this is helpful!

Rambo could have a number of problems that could cause lethargy - anemia, tick borne diseases or other infections could make him seem sleepier than usual. I would recommend having your vet examine him - they may recommend checking some blood work as well.