28 Jan Lethargy in dogs; A simple but very dangerous sign! (Part 2)

In the first part, we explained lethargy in dogs. Lethargy can be the cause of many different diseases that, if ignored, can cause irreparable problems for him. Lethargy means excessive sleep, lack of interest in exercise and daily walks, or slowing down the dog’s movements. We have already said that proper sleep for dogs depends on various factors that can vary between 12 and 14 hours. We have also mentioned the cause of lethargy in dogs and various diseases that can cause this problem in them. In this section, we will explain how to diagnose lethargy and explain the most important common causes of lethargy in dogs.

Recognizing the symptoms of lethargy in dogs

It’s usually very easy to recognize if a dog is sluggish or lethargic. Excessive sleep, lack of energy, excitement and enthusiasm for things that were previously very interesting to the dog, and late reaction to various things are all clear signs of dogs’ lethargy.

Diagnosing exercise intolerance can be a bit more difficult, especially if you don’t regularly walk or play with your dog. In mild cases, you may notice that the dog walks or plays less than before. Cough, panting or difficulty breathing after physical activity can also be signs of intolerance to exercise. In very severe cases, your dog may experience symptoms such as dizziness and confusion, bathing in forbidden places (even though the animal knows where to do it), fever, tremors, and even fainting or anesthesia.

Common causes of lethargy

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the causes of dog lethargy.

Stress

Stressors such as moving to a new home, bringing in a new pet, the death of an animal that your dog is friends with, or even changing your working hours can affect the pet’s sleep and cause him to become lethargic. Watch your dog’s water and food, and call your veterinarian if you notice any loss of appetite or urine. Because these things can be a sign of problems such as depression.

The pain

Lethargy or lack of interest in activity and exercise is usually the first sign that a dog is in pain. In younger dogs, the rupture of the knee ligaments causes the dog to limp and not even want to stand on his feet. Older dogs may also develop arthritis or osteoarthritis of the joints. If you think your dog has such problems, you should see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The painkillers we take are toxic to dogs and can cause severe gastrointestinal, blood and liver problems, and even death.

Hypothyroidism

Middle-aged or older dogs that sleep a lot and gain weight may have hypothyroidism. Decreased thyroid hormones can cause lethargy and weight gain and shed in dogs. Fortunately, this problem is easy to treat and you only need to give him one medicine every day.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most important causes of lethargy and intolerance to exercise among dogs. Overweight dogs are more prone to problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Diabetes

Dogs, like humans, can develop diabetes due to a lack of insulin, which prevents the body from burning blood sugar. The first signs of diabetes are excessive thirst and increased urination, and if the animal is not treated, it will develop lethargy later.

Heart problems

Many heart abnormalities can be the cause of a dog’s lethargy. For example, heart valve dysfunction causes the body to not get enough oxygen. Other symptoms of heart problems include loss of appetite, panting, cough and fainting.

Dog depression

Dogs can suffer from mental health problems such as depression. This problem is usually caused by major changes in life, such as the loss of an owner or a loved one, having a baby, having another animal move in, or moving into a new home. Lack of entertainment, boredom and skin problems can cause depression in dogs if left untreated and taken too long. Symptoms of dog depression also include a lack of interest in play, less contact with other dogs, loss of appetite, chewing or licking of paws. Fortunately, most of the time playing with a dog and paying attention to and loving him will help relieve his depression in a week or two.