When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Attention for Your Lethargic Dog

Noticing your dog isn’t their usual lively self can be worrying. Lethargy in particular can be a sign that something isn’t right. In today’s blog, we’ll offer advice on when it might be necessary to seek emergency veterinary care if your dog is showing signs of lethargy. At Pets Furst Urgent Care in Langhorne, PA, we’re here to support you and your pet through any situation, be it for routine or urgent care. If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s health, please reach out to us at (215) 755-1000.

Understanding Dog Lethargy

Dog lethargy involves more than just a day when your dog seems a bit off or tired. It’s a noticeable decrease in their usual activity levels, where they show an uncharacteristic lack of interest in playing, exercising, or engaging in activities they normally enjoy. This condition can be an indicator of various health issues, some of which may need urgent care. Recognizing the difference between normal tiredness and lethargy is key. While the former can happen after a particularly active day, lethargy is consistent and doesn’t improve with rest.

Signs of Lethargy in Dogs

When your dog is lethargic, they might show several concerning signs, including:

• Decreased Activity: Your dog may seem less interested in going for walks, playing with their toys, or engaging in activities they usually enjoy.
• Excessive Sleeping: While dogs sleep a lot, an abrupt increase in sleep duration, or a dog that’s hard to wake up, can be a sign of lethargy.
• Lack of Interest in Food or Water: A sudden disinterest in eating or drinking can indicate not just lethargy but a potentially serious health problem.
• Unusual Behavior: If your dog is normally excited to greet you but now appears indifferent or refuses to get up, this behavior change is worth noting.

Possible Causes of Lethargy

Here are some potential reasons your dog might be showing signs of lethargy:

• Infection: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to lethargy, alongside other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Chronic Disease: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid problems can cause a dog to become lethargic.
• Medication: Certain medications can have side effects that include lethargy.
• Injury or Pain: Dogs with injuries or those experiencing pain may appear lethargic, especially if movement exacerbates their discomfort.
• Emotional Stress: Dogs can experience emotional stress due to changes in their environment or routine, leading to lethargic behavior.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: An improper diet lacking essential nutrients can result in a dog showing signs of lethargy.

When Should You Get Help?

It’s sometimes hard to decide when to call the vet. Here are some situations where you should get in touch with us right away:

• If lethargy is accompanied by more serious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or signs of pain.
• Your dog is uninterested in food or water for more than a day.
• You notice any changes in their behavior that concern you.

Our Commitment to Your Pet

At Pets Furst Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing exceptional care for your dog and cat during urgent care situations, emergencies, and for essential wellness services. We understand how worrying it can be when your dog isn’t themselves, and our team is here to support you with diagnostics, vaccinations, microchipping, and more, seven days a week.

Our team can’t wait to meet you and your pet! For more information, please call us at (215) 755-1000.