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What to do if my unspayed dog is lethargic, won't eat, and in pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 6.5 lbs

Hi, my dog is acting lethargic and will only walk a few steps. She won’t jump off the couch or jump on my bed- which she always does. She won’t even play fetch and that is her favorite thing. She is only eating when I hand feed her and only drinking a little water. Also, sometimes when I touch her side she squeals- not often but every now and again. All of these things have only just started today. I’m worried and can’t take her to the vet until later tomorrow- any advice/help would be great.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2017

I'm sorry Scruffy isn't doing well! I see that she isn't spayed, which makes me concerned that her symptoms could be caused by a pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. It would make her lethargic, not want to move much, reduce her appetite, and will be painful. It could also be that she injured herself causing these symptoms. Because I can't see her in person and rule out a pyometra, my recommendation would be to monitor her very closely. If you see any discharge coming from her vaginal area, her belly becomes larger, she starts vomiting, and/or won't move at all, these can be signs of a pyometra and she absolutely cannot wait until tomorrow to see a vet. In that case, rush her into an ER vet; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet will be found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I would hold off on food after midnight tonight and do not give her any breakfast in the morning in case the vet wants to take x-rays and needs to sedate her. She can have water, however. Rest her as much as possible. Get her into a vet as soon as possible if the symptoms you describe continue in the morning. If she does have a pyometra, spaying her is part of the recommended treatment. Good luck, I hope this helps!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 21st, 2019

    Coco sounds very sick, and she needs to see a vet immediately. I see she isn't spayed, and she could have a condition called a pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. It could also be she is systemically ill or has an injury. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 6th, 2018

    Hi. It sounds like Chloe is pretty uncomfortable. Panting alot is sometimes a sign of pain. If her velly is swollen, her abdomen may be painful. With her being unspayed, i worry about an infection in her uterus, called pyometra. This turns in to a serious condition where they become very ill and have to be spayed asap on emergency. Signs include swollen belly, pain, panting, vomiting, vaginal discharge, increased drinking, and much more. Of course, this may not be the issue, but if it is, it is an emergency. I recommend getting her seen tonight and an exam, xrays, and labwork will help rule this in or out. In the meantime, they can also provide pain medication.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2016

    Poor Cassie! I see that she is not spayed. In unsprayed dogs, these symptoms can indicate a pyometra, which is a life threatening infection of the uterus. This does require immediate medical attention and is an emergency, so I would take her into an ER vet right away. If she does have a pyometra, the recommended treatment is to spay her and give her antibiotics. Please take her into a vet now.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Bette Isacoff

    Dog Trainer

    Published on November 20th, 2016

    I would worry about cardiac or lung problems with her heavy panting and other atypical behaviors. She needs a thorough exam with lab work and probably other diagnostics as soon as possible. If it were my dog, I would take her to an emergency vet clinic tonight.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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