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My dog is suddenly lethargic, breathing shallow, and not eating. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 years and 9 months old | 30 lbs

Our 6 year old, usually energetic dog woke up this morning and while she usually hurries downstairs and eats breakfast quickly, she slowly went downstairs, didn't eat all of her food, then came in and laid down. Her breathing is rather shallow. She's not gasping for air, but just seems to be taking short breaths and you can see her stomach and chest going up and down as she breathes. Seems a little lethargic and tired. She seemed out of it first thing this morning but a little more aware now

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2017

Oh no, poor Macy! Lethargy is a very general sign of illness in dogs, and it could be caused by a systemic illness, respiratory disease, infection, inflammation, or injury. I would monitor her for now, and if she continues to be lethargic, or appears to have trouble breathing, then I would have her seen by a vet immediately.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 21st, 2016

    Poor Maddie! She sounds very ill from your description, and I would take her into a vet now. There could be a couple of things wrong with her. Not eating with shallow breathing and lethargy could be caused by heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, or other organ disease. Being sore when walking can be caused by arthritis, or hip or joint problems. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests, and a urinalysis to diagnose what is causing her symptoms, and can prescribe her treatments for it. Please take her into a vet now.

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