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What to do if your dog is lethargic and lacks energy
A dog's lethargy and lack of energy may be caused by various reasons such as not adapting to the surrounding environment, improper diet, catching a cold, parasite infection, canine distemper, and canine parvovirus. If the cause is not adapting to the environment and having an improper diet, general treatment can alleviate the damage to the body. There is no need to be overly worried. If the lethargy and lack of energy are abnormal and accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, decreased appetite, itchy skin, etc., it is recommended that the owner take the dog to a regular veterinary hospital for treatment.
- Inability to adapt to the surrounding environment
If the dog is newly adopted and has not adapted to its surroundings, it may be unfamiliar with its environment, resulting in lethargy and lack of energy. It is recommended for the owner to help the dog become familiar with its surroundings. Once it adapts, its energy level will return to normal.
- Improper diet
If a dog is fed too much food, it can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, affecting normal digestion and excretion, resulting in lethargy and loss of appetite. It is necessary to adjust the diet, eat small meals frequently, and avoid overfeeding.
- Getting cold and catching a cold
If the weather is cold and the dog is not well-protected, exposure to cold winds can cause感冒, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, shortness of breath, and lethargy. It is necessary to follow the doctor's advice and take pet-specific broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Parasite infection
This is usually caused by internal and external parasite infections, resulting in symptoms such as itchy skin, decreased appetite, and general weakness. Parasites can enter the brain through blood or spinal fluid, causing brain tissue damage and lethargy. Treatment requires following the doctor's advice to take internal deworming medication or use external deworming products.
- Canine distemper
Caused by a viral infection, it is a highly contagious disease that spreads through direct contact. Symptoms include diarrhea, high fever, red skin, and lethargy. Treatment requires taking antiviral medication under a doctor's guidance.
- Canine parvovirus
This is caused by an internal infection with canine parvovirus, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and bloody diarrhea. If the dog does not eat for a long time, it may cause general weakness and abnormal behavior. Treatment requires following the doctor's advice for intravenous antiviral therapy.
During treatment, it is necessary to take the dog to the hospital for regular check-ups to monitor the progress of the disease and adjust the medication dosage according to the specific situation.