Dog lethargic and cries when picked up, but eating and walking fine?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 6 months old | 9 lbs
My dog is lethargic and cries sometimes when she is picked up. She seems to be in some sort of pain and not in full energy. She is eating and drinking normal. Her urine and stool is normal. When she walks she doesn't seem to be in any pain and she isn't walking differently.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 10th, 2018
This sounds like abdominal pain, or back pain. Since she’s not spayed you need to be concerned about a uterine infection which could cause lethargy and abdominal discomfort. If she has a bulging disk in her back that can cause pain also. I would take her temperature to check for a fever, and if she has a fever or these symptoms continue then please bring her in for an exam and treatment. They will feel to find where she’s painful and may do an X-ray or blood tests to diagnose the problem. She’s a very small dog so please don’t wait too long since she doesn’t have the body reserves of a bigger dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 19th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Luna! See is so cute! I agree that she is likely in pain. It could be belly back or back pain. When a dogs back hurts they tend to guard their back by tensing their belly muscles. If it is belly pain, then it could be from a viral infection, pancreatitis, gas or ileus, foreign body ingestion (ate something that is stuck), inflammatory bowel disease, food allergy or intolerance. I would try to feed her a bland diet for a couple of days. Boil some chicken or hamburger meat and mic it will rice. You can even add some meat flavored baby foods on top. If she still refuses to eat I highly recommend a Vet exam. All of the possibly causes are treated differently. I hope this helps and I wish Luna a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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