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My high-energy dog is suddenly tired and not playing. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 8 months and 14 days old | 30 lbs

We have a 9month old portuguese water dog / wheaten terrier mix. She's been very high energy, playful, etc. since we got her at 2M old. But over the past week, her energy has been noticably lower; she sleeps all the time, doesn't play like she did, and generally seems uninterested in things. She eats every meal, though, and is drinking water. Should we be worried?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 15th, 2016

I'm very sorry Sadie isn't feeling well! I can understand they you might be worried, but it is a good sign that she is eating every meal and drinking water. Lethargy is a very general sign of illness, and it can be caused by many different things such as systemic illness, infection, injury, or inflammation. I would monitor her for now, and if she is still lethargic in 24-48 hours, I would take her into the vet for a health check.

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