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My dog almost choked. Why is he so sleepy and wobbly after ER?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 55 lbs

Scooby almost choked to death. His colla got caught on the fence but we caught him in time and took him to the ER. Vet said his vitals were fine and lungs sounds good. Sent him home with pain meds. My question is if it’s normal that he wants to sleep and seems out of it. Is this because of the stress? Or because of losing oxygen? When he walks it’s not in a straight line. He wobbles and just doesn’t seem himself.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 3rd, 2020

That must have been so scary for you! Good on you for getting Scooby into a vet immediately. Yes, is it normal for him to want to sleep. The pain medications, depending on which one he was given, can cause lethargy as a side effect. It will also have been very stressful for him, and that would cause him to be lethargic as well. I'm glad he's ok! I hope this helps.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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