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Senior dog lethargic, not eating, hiding, and coughing. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 16 years and 2 months old | 10 lbs

My 16 yr old dashound/Yorkie mix is very lethargic. Not wanting to eat, drink or go outside. This started yesterday. She has recently developed a cough, started a few weeks ago, but her behavior was normal. She is hiding under the bed and wants left alone. Is this the end? I know she is old and it’s gonna happen soon.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 5th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I am sorry to hear that Ivy is doing poorly. I am concerned with her health based on your description. She could have some serious systemic disease (kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, etc.), heart disease, serious infection, etc. I would strongly recommend having her seen by a veterinarian and have her blood tested to help better determine what the problem could be. I am sorry you are going through this and I sure hope Ivy gets better soon. She may need to be hospitalized depending on what the problem is. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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