My dog is suddenly lethargic and won't eat or play. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 10 months old | 8 lbs
Toby is 5 yrs old. All day he has been very lethargic. He hasn't eaten or drank anything for 12 hrs. He won't jump or play. He does respond and turn when you call him after about 2 or 3 times.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 29th, 2017
Toby is experiencing very general symptoms of disease, these symptoms could fit almost any internal condition, maybe he is suffering from nausea due to a gastrointestinal disease and maybe he is in pain, from the symptoms described it's very hard to know. i would recommend taking him to the vet as soon as possible in order to get him checked, if he doesn't show any other obvious symptoms during the examination, a blood test and possibly an ultrasound will be needed in order to try and find out what is wrong with Toby.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 23rd, 2017
It certainly sounds as though Toby is quite sick. One of the more common causes of acute vomiting, inappetence and lethargy in puppies is a foreign body that is causing an intestinal obstruction/blockage. Other possible causes of Toby's signs include a gastrointestinal virus (including parvovirus if he is not vaccinated) and parasites. Toby needs to be examined by his vet today and assessed for dehydration. Small, young puppies are particularly susceptible to dehydration and the onset of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your vet will be able to perform a parvovirus test (if indicated) and abdominal x-rays to try to rule out a foreign body obstruction because this would require emergency surgery.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 20th, 2016
You can search online for the nearest veterinary ER and take Toby there if you are concerned about an acute toxicity, injury or illness. If no clinic is available, keep Toby as comfortable as you can. Do not offer any food if he is vomiting and do not give any medications. Have home seen by your veterinarian first thing in the morning. Without knowing what is wrong, it is difficult to determine care. The emergency clinic would be the safest option in this case.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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