What causes a senior Yorkie to be off food, sad, and lethargic?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 13 years and 9 months old | 11 lbs
I have. 14 year old Yorkshire terrier who recently has gone off his food, looks very sad and is acting lethargic. He is still drinking and the vet said his body temperature and hydration status is fine, but he is not himself what else could this be
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 6th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Any persistent signs like this in a geriatric dog need to be investigated thoroughly. Many many causes are possible including kidney, liver, heart, other internal organ disease, periodontal disease, infection, inflammation, diabetes, low thyroid hormone, prostate problems (since not neutered), problems if one testicle or both testicles have not descended from the abdomen (cryptorchidism), cancer, etc. Your vet can discuss diagnostic tests to figure out what is going on and some treatment in the mean time to sustain him until a diagnosis is made. Possible tests include fecal/blood/urine tests, x-rays or ultrasounds. Early treatment could be fluids, electrolytes, drugs to enhance appetite, force feeding, drugs for nausea, pain, etc. Good luck with Harry. I hope this is something simple and he feels better soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 20th, 2017
I am sorry to hear that Dazzle isn't feeling well. There are a few possibilities for diarrhea with weakness, intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, bacterial or viral infection, stress colitis, autoimmune disease, systemic disease (liver, kidney, pancreas, diabetes), pain, among others. Pain and weakness in the hind can be caused by disc issues in the back. If she refuses food or water, she may also be experiencing nausea. Continue to offer her fluids (water or pedialyte) and some bland food (boiled chicken breast, cooked white rice, cooked egg). If she doesn't start to perk up in a few hours, I would recommend that she be evaluated by an emergency veterinarian. After a thorough physical exam, the vet may recommend bloodwork, x-rays, or abdominal ultrasound to try to get to the root of her illness.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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