Why is my unspayed female dog licking, not eating, and lethargic?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed
My 12 year old German shepherd is constantly licking vaginal area, she has been doing for a few days now and is not eating any of her food. She is drinking but has lost a lot of weight suddenly can you help? She also seems very lerthagic she used to love going for her evening walks but has lost all interest
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 20th, 2017
Sorry that Maxie is having this problem. She really should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. She could have an urinary tract infection or a uterine infection, especially since she isn't spayed. Your vet can run lab-work and take an x-ray, if needed, to help diagnose and then decide the best way to treat. Please call your vet and have her seen.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Oh dear! From what you describe, the first thing I would want to check for would be a serious uterine infection called a pyometra - this is unfortunately quite common in older, unspayed female dogs and causes vaginal discharge, increased drinking and urination, lethargy, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting or other symptoms. If she does have a pyometra, this is a life-threatening problem that will require emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus before it ruptures - she really needs to see an emergency vet immediately. Other possible causes of the symptoms you describe would be a severe bladder or kidney infection, diabetes, or a systemic illness such as liver or kidney failure. All of these problems are quite serious, so she needs to see the vet as soon as possible to determine what's going on and get her started on appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 6th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!. So sorry to hear about Boo Boo. Unspayed female dogs can suffer from a uterine infection called pyometra. It normally occurs 30-60 days after a heat cycle. Signs include lethargy, pain in the belly, increased thirst, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, decreased or no appetite. If this is the case you need to have her evaluated immediately. These infections can become a serious problem very quickly. Your vet can assess her and then advise some blood work and imaging studies to diagnose such as x-rays or ultrasound. The treatment for this is to spay her (ovariohysterectomy) and remove her infected reproductive tract. These dogs may or may not have a thick, pus like discharge from their vulva. Again it could be something else like an infection somewhere else, inflammation, internal organ disease but with the history and known status of the dog, I would assume pyometra until proven otherwise. Please get her evaluated right away
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 8th, 2018
I suggest you watch her water intake as well. If she appears ill and drinks more water than usual, then you should take her to a veterinarian for an exam as she may be suffering from an infection, especially a uterine infection. You can also inspect her vulva. If you see milky or pussy discharge then she definitely has to see a veterinarian right away. Unfortunately the signs you describe are too general to be able to pinpoint a problem without a hands-on exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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