Why is my senior Yorkie with health issues lethargic and not eating?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Any persistent signs like this in a geriatric dog need to be investigated thoroughly. Many many causes are possible including kidney, liver, heart, other internal organ disease, periodontal disease, infection, inflammation, diabetes, low thyroid hormone, prostate problems (since not neutered), problems if one testicle or both testicles have not descended from the abdomen (cryptorchidism), cancer, etc. Your vet can discuss diagnostic tests to figure out what is going on and some treatment in the mean time to sustain him until a diagnosis is made. Possible tests include fecal/blood/urine tests, x-rays or ultrasounds. Early treatment could be fluids, electrolytes, drugs to enhance appetite, force feeding, drugs for nausea, pain, etc. Good luck with Harry. I hope this is something simple and he feels better soon.

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal or urinary tract diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy and hyperthermia for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic. A check up is needed if lethargy lasts for more than 24hours. 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.

Poor Lyl. There are so many things that can cause not eating and lethargy so it is hard to say for sure what is going on. I would make sure her gums are pink - if they are white, yellow or grayish blue then she is in critical condition and needs to go to the emergency clinic. Otherwise, you can try feeding her some plain boiled chicken (no bones) and white rice tonight and see if she will eat it. If not, then I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to determine if she is in pain anywhere or if something else is going on. They will be able to do bloodwork and even X-rays if needed. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better really soon!

Poor Charlie sounds like he is ill! Anorexia is a very general sign of illness and it can be caused by dental problems, systemic illness, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, infection, inflammation, injury, or even cancer. When a dog feels poorly, there are often behavioral changes and that may be why he doesn't care when you lift him. I would have him seen by a vet as soon as possible. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms so he can be treated. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Charlie! Causes of vomiting are: intestinal parasites, viral infections (like parvo), foreign body ingestion (something is stuck and requires surgery to remove), pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, ingested something that is upsetting her stomach, food allergies or intolerance. If Charlie is vomiting while being fasted he should be seen today on Emergency. You can with hold water for 4-6 hours and food until monday am. Offer water after 4-6 hours as ice chips and as small amounts. If there is no further vomiting by the morning then offer a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day. Feed as small frequent meals. If Charlie continues to vomit while fasted, after water or food is reintroduced or will not eat he needs to see a Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Charlie a speedy recovery!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Leo. Unfortunately his anorexia and lethargy are very general signs of illness, and could be caused by things such a systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. The constipation could be due to dehydration, a foreign body, not enough fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, enlarged prostate gland, a mass in the GI tract, or blocked or abscessed anal sacs. The trembling could be due to pain or fever. Given he has a number of symptoms that all together could be caused by something serious, I think it's best you take him into a vet asap to get checked out. I hope this helps!

It sounds that she needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet should be able to offer you an appointment as it does sound like an emergency. If you don't have any luck with your day practice you can always contact an emergency service that is local to you (after 6-7pm during the week) and they will see Kayla. It is hard to say what is going on with your dog without seeing her as the symptoms are not specific for one particular condition. Weakness and lethargy could be a sign of pain, fever, nausea, anaemia, kidney problems and many more.