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Why does my puppy suddenly collapse when playing with other dogs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 4 months and 28 days old | 14 lbs

My dog was running around with my other dog playing and suddenly fell to the ground and didn't get up until I went over there and picked her up, right afterwards. It happened after like 5 mins into playing. This happened twice two separate occasions. She was fine afterwards and never lost consciousness. Is this normal? Could it just be she's exhausted? Or is it something more serious, like acute collapse. She's never had health issues and is only 5 months old. Thanks.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 27th, 2017

Cardiovascular or respiratory issue may provoke acute collapse during intense exercise or the signs you are describing may be completely normal. The only way to differentiate between a pathologic and normal condition would be to have Ellie checked up at your local veterinarian. A physical examination may reveal subtle signs compatible with cardiac or cardiovascular disease. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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