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Why is my puppy suddenly tired, not eating, and pooping plastic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Female | 7 months and 12 days old | 22 lbs

Hello! My dog is 6 month old. She usually is very active (it's a blue heeler), specially when my husband and I arrive from work. But today she is feeling very tired and sleepy. She doesn't have energy to eat or drink water, but I know she is hungry because she eats when I give to her in the mounth. I also took her to a walk, but she was very slow and wanted to go back. Very different from the other days. Her paws looks normal. There is a big amount of plastic in her poop almost always.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2018

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence and other signs last for more than 24hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Something like parvovirus has to at least be considered in such a young dog. I recommend that you have Lua evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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