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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

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    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.

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