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Why is my dog suddenly lethargic, not eating, or drinking water?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog from one day to the next stopped eating drinking and stopped moving around. What could be the cause of that

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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

Veterinarian

Published on November 14th, 2019

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. 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 lasts 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 2nd, 2018

    Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Oreo is not his usual self. Cute photo! There are a lot of medical causes for the symptoms Oreo is having- decreased appetite, thirst, and perhaps lethargy or less active than normal. Dental infections, oral disease, certain infections, endocrine diseases, kidney or other organ dysfunction could all be potentials. It is hard to say specifically without examining Oreo first and running some diagnostics. Your vet may wish to run blood work, urine testing, and/or x-rays to help determine the cause. Best wishes to you and Oreo!

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