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My dog is lethargic with a dry nose. When should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 4 months old | 10 lbs

my ESA is lethargic. dry warm nose. I am below poverty level please help.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 26th, 2019

Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Winston. The good news is that a dry, warm nose isn't considered a sign of illness. This is because a dog's nose can go from wet and cold to warm and dry just by laying in the sun or next to the heat source. The lethargy is a little more concerning. It's a very general sign of illness, and can be caused by systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. If Winston is eating and drinking, and his only symptom is lethargy, you can watch him for now. Keep him warm and comfortable. Should this lethargy continue over the next 48 hours, or he develops other signs such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, nasal discharge, or anorexia, he will have to see a vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 6th, 2020

    The lethargy is a concern, but not the dry nose. A dog's nose can go from wet to dry just by laying in the sun or next to a heat source. It's not necessarily a sign of illness. Lethargy can be caused by systemic illness, infection, or injury. Given that this has been going on for a week, I would have her seen by a vet now. The vet can diagnose what is causing her lethargy and can treat her. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 6th, 2019

    The dry nose isn't a sign of illness. A dog's nose can go from wet to dry just by laying in the sun or near a heat source. Now the sleeping more than usual is concerning, and I would keep an eye on them for now. If they are still like this on Monday, have them seen by a vet.

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