- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Ever experience days where you feel extremely tired? Maybe getting out of bed seems more difficult than usual or socializing takes too much effort? This lack of energy and sleepiness is known as lethargy, and dogs can experience it, too.
A lethargic dog may be quiet, sluggish, less animated, or more tired than usual, according to Dr. Cecilia Silva, an ER veterinarian at Capital Veterinary Specialists Jax and Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists Miami.
Energy levels can vary between dogs, but it’s typically not normal for dogs to act lethargic, Dr. Silva says. Lethargy at a younger age and certain accompanying symptoms can also pose a cause for concern.
Read on to discover more about the causes of lethargy in dogs and important signs to pay attention to.
When to Contact Your Vet
Dr. Silva says it’s a good idea to check in with a vet if your dog is lethargic and has any of these additional symptoms:
It’s not always easy to tell whether lethargy is a true emergency, says Dr. Melanie Bowden, a veterinarian and medical director at the Veterinary Emergency Group in Redmond, WA.
Some serious symptoms to take note of include:
- Pale gums: If your dog’s gums are pale pink or white instead of bubblegum pink, contact your vet. This paleness can happen with anemia or poor blood pressure, Dr. Bowden says.
- Weakness or difficulty standing: If your dog has trouble moving or standing up, let your vet know.
- Increased respiratory rate: “A normal pet should take 30 breaths per minute,” Dr. Bowden says.
- Lack of reaction to their name or favorite toy: Pets that don’t respond to stimuli, like favorite toys or the sound of your voice, are often experiencing an emergency.
If your lethargic dog shows any of these signs, you’ll want to contact your vet right away.
Lethargy in puppies
During a dog’s puppyhood, they’ll be very tired and need lots of sleep and tiredness after regular playtime and other excitement. So how can you tell if your puppy is lethargic or just worn out from all the fun?
“A sick puppy may sleep excessively, show little interest in play, or avoid activities they usually enjoy,” Dr. Bowden says.
Other signs of lethargy in a puppy include:
- Eating or drinking significantly less or refusing food and water
- Appearing very weak or unresponsive
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Coughing and/or difficulty breathing
Always take lethargy in puppies seriously, Dr. Bowden emphasizes, especially if it lasts for more than a few hours. If you have any concerns, let your vet know. They can offer more guidance on the best next steps.
Causes of Lethargy
The symptoms accompanying a dog’s tiredness can often help your vet figure out what’s going on. Here, Dr. Silva and Dr. Bowden share possible causes of some common lethargy scenarios.
| Scenario | Potential causes |
| Lethargy with normal appetite | Mild disease or infection, side effects from medication, environmental changes, aging |
| Lethargy with no appetite | Pain, stomach upset or obstruction, liver or kidney disease |
| Lethargy and body weakness | Heart disease, thyroid, kidney, or other metabolic disease, neurological disorder, cancer, nutritional deficiencies |
| Lethargy and drooling | Nausea with stomach or intestinal pain or discomfort, pancreatitis, poisoning, kidney or liver disease, cancer |
| Lethargy post-surgery or vaccination | Normal 24 hour side effect of drugs, pain medications, or vaccinations |
| Ongoing lethargy (more than a day) | Underlying or ongoing condition, including any of the above. |
It’s a good idea to keep track of all your dog’s symptoms—and how long they’ve lasted. Contact your vet if symptoms haven’t resolved after a day or you also notice:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Facial swelling
- Hives
This information can help your vet make a faster diagnosis and recommend the most helpful treatment.
Treatments for Tiredness in Dogs
Lethargy is a symptom, not a condition, and treatment depends on the underlying cause, Dr. Bowman says.
Once your vet has diagnosed the issue, they may recommend one or more approaches to help your dog return to their usual self.
Medical tests and treatment
X-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, and fecal or urine tests can all help your vet learn more about what’s going on.
Treatment can range from symptomatic supportive care with medications to hospitalization or surgery, depending on the cause of the lethargy and how severe it is, Dr. Bowman says.
Home remedies
Several at-home approaches can help a lethargic dog feel better:
- Hydration: Make sure your dog gets enough water to drink.
- Rest: A good snooze and a quieter schedule for a few days could help your dog begin to bounce back.
- A bland diet: Plain foods like boiled chicken, boiled potatoes, rice, and pumpkin may help treat lethargy that happens with stomach or intestinal discomfort, Dr. Silva says.
Just keep in mind that it’s important to take your dog to the vet if they still seem lethargic after you try these home remedies, or if you notice other symptoms in addition to lethargy, Dr. Silva says.
Exercise
While it might seem somewhat counterintuitive, a bit of exercise could actually help ease your dog’s tiredness.
Mild exercise may be a good remedy for lethargy if your pet doesn’t have other signs of illness and seems excited to get some activity, Dr. Silva says.
However, in some cases exercise may not help. If your dog doesn’t improve, gets worse, or begins to have any other symptoms, you’ll want to avoid exercise and follow-up with your vet, she says.
When Is Lethargy Normal?
You don’t always need to worry about lethargy.
“It’s normal for a dog to be occasionally lethargic,” Dr. Bowman says. “Dogs, like humans, can have off days where they feel less energetic or more inclined to rest.”
However, distinguishing between normal tiredness and a potential health issue is essential. That’s what makes it so important to consider the context and frequency of your dog’s tiredness.
For instance, dogs are often naturally more tired:
- After a long walk
- If they’ve reached their senior years
- If they’re feeling stressed or anxious
- During hot and humid weather
If your dog develops sudden, severe, or persistent lethargy, you’ll want to schedule a visit with your vet as soon as possible to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Dr. Bowman recommends reaching out to a veterinary professional if:
- Lethargy lasts for more than 24-48 hours
- Your dog refuses food, water, or play
- They have symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, coughing, or difficulty breathing
- They seem weak, disoriented, or in pain
By paying attention to your dog’s behavior, activity levels, and needs, you can quickly help identify any potential concerns. This simple step can help ensure your dog’s long-term well-being and happiness!
