Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

My dog not eating and no energy

I have a male golden retriever, he is 11 years old and I'm extremely worried.
My dog hasn't been eating properly for the past few weeks, he refuses to eat his  normal food so we've been cooking him rice/eggs/meat/liver etc. Then after a while he doesn't eat himself unless we feed him by hands..and now he doesn't eat at all.  Though he does eat some type of snacks. Now, he doesn't seem to have the energy to get up. He would try to get up but his legs seems to be weak or something. I tried helping him up and everything but I don't know what is wrong. Just now, he got up to drink some water but I noticed that he was sort of limping. I'm really worried and I don't know what to do. Please help me figure out what could be the problem and why is he sick. Is he depressed? Bored of food? Thank you so much for your time.
212 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hello Holmesss,
You have posted your question on the very bottom of a very old thread. It could have been missed. It may have been better to start a whole new question here, so it would get more attention....but never mind that now.

Your Beagle pup sounds happy enough when outside....but doesn't want to play when she is inside? Right? She also appears quite healthy and is eating and drinking normally?

I can't tell what is going on. It may be that she doesn't like being inside....
Beagles are quite high-energy dogs. They are outdoor dogs at heart, and hunting dogs -working dogs. They do need the outdoors, even if they come home at the end of the day.

But what it's about is you have noticed changes in her recently. Changes can mean there is something going on with her general health.
So I can't tell you what that is.

You need to take her to the vet for an examination and a blood test/urine test -just to make sure that she doesn't have any hidden health problems.
Hopefully she will be fine, and back to her normal self very soon.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
9 month old beagle all of a sudden not active why
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
she eats and drinks plenty water      I notice this  happen over last few weeks  she takes her walks andplay with friend outside, but notice while in house she doesn't want to play fetch with tys like before
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Todd.

What are the symptoms, exactly, and when did they start?

Tony
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
She eats and drinks plenty water,     I noticed this happen over last few weeks,     she takes her walks,  and will play with her friend outside,   but notice while in house she doesn't want to find her toys when I throw them like before
Avatar universal
I have a 6year old Labrador cross breed. He's not eating since one week. At first he had pains in legs, he didn't even wanted to get up and walk. But now he's able to walk a small distance. And drinking water, but then he vomits it immediately.
We don't know what to do. Plz help. Thanks.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi. You really do need a vet to diagnose what's happening and to take very important tests for creatinine, BUN and phosphorus - as these will help determine if this is kidney failure. Tony
Avatar universal
My 8 year old has gone off his food and is not wanting to move this is not like him at all he always wants to play
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Get him to a vet Emmashaun and make sure they check his bloods for creatinine, BUN and phosphorus.
1916673 tn?1420233270
That's great news that your Russell is "on the mend". Pancreatitis can be caused due to a primary illness, but in terrier breeds it is often idiopathic. This means there is always a likelihood that it will re-occur, even though this bout of pancreatitis may resolve itself (the pancreas may just need a rest to do this, which is what the diet change should achieve). The best thing therefore is to consider the diet change to low-fat a long-term objective.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have a Jack Russell who is suffering from pancreatitis. My vet has put her on Pancrex which she has sprinkled on her food. she only weighs 6.3 kilos and her dose is 2 level teaspoon of pancrex over 200grams of food split over 5  meals. she has to be fed on Gastro intestinal low fat food and is keeping much better at the moment . She dosen't vomit as much or moan in her sleep with pain. She is not cured but she does keep up when we go for short walks, she even wants to play with her toys for short spells now. it has taken 6 months to get to this stage but I feel I have my pet back if only in part.

Beryl.        
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. These symptoms need a vet to examine and diagnose. The problem could be many things including urinary tract infections, cancer, kidney failure and kidney/bladder stones. Don't leave this - otherwise things could become far worse very quickly. Call your vet now.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My 8 yr old yorki stopped eating 2 days ago. She drinks a lot of water and is very weak. Walks around wobbly and squats alot as if to pee but only drops come out I'm very worried someone  plz help thank you worried mom
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. Clearly there IS something wrong, but your vet has failed to diagnose it. Try another alternative vet. In the meantime, fluids are essential, even more than food. Is he drinking okay? Try a cold broth of chicken, boiled potato and vegetables, liquidised, add a little natural honey to the mixture and see if he'll lap it up.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i have a poodle almost two years old ,just a few days ago he was alive,little thing,running around yesterday i took him to the vet but nothing was wrong,they took blood and gave him a antibiotic injection,he hasnt been eating since 2 days ago,gave him steamed chicken and rice,still dont eat just laying there.is there anything i can do,any advice would be appreciated
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
my aunts dog is sick and won't eat drink walk and has a dry nose my cousin taking him to the vet right away
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. Have you had the vet undertake a physical examination and blood panel test of Titus? Labs commonly suffer from various joint related issues when they reach this kind of age (which can be treated effectively), so it's worth checking things out. It could also be several other health potential problems, but many are treatable with the right medication (diabetes and epilepsy, for example).

Don't give up. Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can. Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have a yellow lab he just turned 9  (Titus) and I walk however his back legs have given out on him many times, just Yesterday we made it down the stairs he was so disoriented as we walked and he fell and did not move as did I so afraid with him,after about 10min he made himself get up,he went pee go poo go and walked back , my friend carried him up,Titus walked a little today,He was breathing so hard, And Shaking so much, I can see the fright in his eyes,as we both know is coming next,we are scared, I will be right by his side through this, Titus has all of my strength, LOVE, as I remind him of the wonderful 9 were blessed with.I am playing relaxing Water Music,burning candles,Sage Peace and Good Love, Amen    
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. I agree, there is something happening to your best friend. I would strongly advise going to the vet and having bloods taken for a panel test. This could be several things, but if it has been persistent over several days or weeks, it is likely to be something more serious.

Questions: Have you noticed any bad odour coming from his mouth? Is he drinking more water than usual?

Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have a 5-6 year old yorkie who is staying in bed all the time. He won't eat or drink unless you give it to him by hand. He also hasn't been exercising now that its winter and hasn't been doing his business. My family thinks he needs attention but something more is wrong. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know...
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi again James. Yes, we all go through the guilt-trip, second-guessing everything we did and trying to analyse the what-ifs ... but what you did was help her out of her suffering. Full stop. And you went the extra mile to achieve it out of love, kindness and compassion.

I'm pleased you have a supportive family around you - many are not so fortunate under similar circumstances. I lost my best friend 3 years ago, which was the first time I came here to MedHelp ... and I've been here ever since. It's my way of repaying her (she was called BB) for the years of devotion she gave me. A kind of legacy, I guess.

This forum is a great place to be when you are feeling down, guilty or isolated after losing a pet. There are so many wonderful people here. And all understand the angst involved.

I hope as each day passes, things get a little easier.

Tony
Helpful - 0
11468310 tn?1418496734
Thanks a lot guys, I really do hope my tip about The Humane Society is able to help someone in the future.  That gives a little bit of peace of mind for me.  One thing that has entered my head, which I'm sure is common, is the fact that I didn't stay with her until her last breath...

I have a history of over-thinking everything, so that is to be expected.  I just had to remind myself that she was in such a deep haze, that I'm sure her reaction to the hairclipper or needle poke was probably not enough for her to even lift her head.  I know those little things can eat you up, so I just had to vent that.  

The holidays are definitely harsh, I'm grateful to have a strong supporting family and that I found this place when I needed it most.
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
Boy, that was hard for me, too!! What a valuable message this is, though......Thank you for doing everything you could for your Missy.....

I've always been offended at the price for euthanasia......There needs to be changes on this one medical procedure....

I'm touched by the support you received at The Humane Society.....Kudo's to them......

I'm so sorry for your loss....Thank you for taking such great care of your girl! I for one, appreciate it immensely....Blessings to you & your mom......Karla
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hello James. That's a hard story to read - and I share in your tears - but I am also pleased that you have given such useful information about The Humane Society, which others in a similar situation could find truly invaluable. So, despite your loss and undoubted sadness, I would just like to say a huge thank you for taking the time to write it.

Missy is never gone from your life. She has a warm and safe place in your heart - and the memories of her enjoying life will live as long as you. You both shared the experiences of life, love and companionship. I can tell from what you have written that you loved/love Missy so much - and if she could say it, she would say a huge thank you for giving her such a wonderful life.

This is a special time of the year when many of us expect to be sharing happy days with our best friends, which makes the loss of a special companion right now that much harder. You are in my thoughts.

Take good care of yourself.

Tony
Helpful - 0
11468310 tn?1418496734
I just want to say thanks to everyone for sharing their stories in this thread and a special thanks to Tony for giving his time and advice.  It really helps with someone like me, who has never dealt with a loss of a pet until today.  I sat here and read through all the similar accounts during my dog's last night, this gave me peace of mind and confirmed my fears of what was happening to my loyal JR/Scottish Terrier companion of almost 16 years, Missy.

This past year she went from having lowered appetite, to lethargic behavior, and this past week, having problems vomiting.  The last 2 days she went into a constant state of nausea and restlessness.  Her eating and drinking had stopped and only had a few sips of water and homemade turkey soup broth.

What sort of made my situation more difficult than it should've been is that I am living in deep poverty and only had a few hundred dollars between me and my mother, whom I live with.  When she could no longer sit up on her own, we got her to an emergency vet and he told us we had to pay around $1k to test and do IV's.  She had a high-grade fever at the time, so all I could do is take her back home and attempt to break it and see if she improved over the night.  We ended up finding a free clinic coupon for a vet inside Petsmart this morning.  They were willing to split the blood work cost if we wanted to test her, but I knew that would be fruitless at this point.

The rough part there is that was not when we said goodbye to our dog, the clinic wanted $177 just to euthanize.  We had no choice but to carry her limp body back out and drive home.  From there, I went searching for a place that could help us put her to rest.  We found the Humane Society, which will not turn anyone away, if you cannot afford the $70 for their service.  I expected a very cold and shabby clinic that processed requests, honestly, but was pleasantly surprised at the empathy and care they provided, from receptionist to the nurse who led us to the dimly-lit and peaceful room.  

I couldn't go through with staying until the last second, but I did say my goodbyes, tears were shed, and I left her with a "Night-night, Missy." as I looked in eyes and exited with a feeling of emptiness.  I take comfort in the fact she went without feeling unbearable pain and that she lived a really long and mostly healthy life.  What ***** is that we have another 12 year old JR that I'm also very close with (I'm a bit of a recluse and I have undoubted spent 90% of my life next to them), it's probably going to be harder when I notice these same symptoms, but at least we'll have even more time to prepare.

Thanks for reading my story.  --James
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. Could be just an upset stomach, so don't worry about it today. If he/she refuses food tomorrow, then try a little cooked chicken and boiled white rice ... if he/she is still refusing all food after the second day, see a vet. Make sure he/she has access to plenty of fresh water, because dehydration is much more of a problem.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My 5.5 yr old lab started not eating this morning, still nothing this eve?
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. Yes, you are right, she definitely needs to see a vet - and urgently. It could be an infection of the digestive tract, but the black stools indicate blood, so this needs investigating. Sometimes blood is released from ulcers in the stomach or along the bowel, but obviously it can also be something more sinister.

The fact she has not eaten properly for so long is also of concern. The gel like substance is probably mucous or/and bile, which is released due to infection (could be parasitic in nature).

Your husband is wrong on this occasion. Your dog needs the vet.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community

Top Dogs Answerers
675347 tn?1365460645
United Kingdom
974371 tn?1424653129
Central Valley, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.