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
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 7th, 2018
Poor Lillie! It sounds like something is very wrong. Unfortunately, these are very vague symptoms that could be caused by almost any kind of serious illness, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine her and run some tests. Some common possibilities would include congestive heart failure, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, or some type of cancer. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian today, if possible, as this sounds like a serious and possibly life-threatening problem that needs immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 21st, 2017
I would recommend a vet visit for Maddie. She may have a foreign body lodged in her mouth or there are several disease processes that make it painful for dogs to open their mouth. Because she sounds pretty uncomfortable from your description I would consider getting her evaluated today. Good luck and hope she's better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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