What causes a dog to be lethargic and drool?

When a dog is lethargic and drooling, it can be concerning for any pet parent. Lethargy, or a lack of energy, and drooling can be caused by a range of underlying issues. If a pet parent notices that their beloved pup is exhibiting any combination of these signs, it’s important to take their dog to the vet as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll discuss potential causes of lethargy and drooling, as well as ways to support your pup if they’re exhibiting these behaviors. With the help of your veterinarian and proper nutrition and care, you can help your pup feel back to their bouncy and energetic self.

Other Causes of Weakness and Lethargy in Dogs

Any of the subsequent can make dogs feel weak and lethargic:

Tumors/cancer

Pain

Trauma

Chronic or acute diarrhea

Snake bite

Hypothyroidism and other hormone problems

Anemia

Poisoning (for example from eating foods that are toxic to dogs, like garlic, leeks, or onions)

Anal gland problems

Always call your veterinarian if you notice signs of weakness or lethargy in your dog because there are numerous causes of these conditions.

Dog Weakness and Lethargy: Common Causes and Treatments

The following are a few of the more typical causes of sluggishness or weakness in dogs:

Infection. Any kind of infection — including serious ones such as parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and heartworm disease — can make your dog lethargic.

Parvovirus is spread through feces. Symptoms of parvo can include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Treatment includes aggressive supportive care with fluids, anti-nausea medications, and antibiotics.

Distemper can cause symptoms such as fever, lethargy, discharge from the eyes and nose, and coughing. It may cause neurological problems. The signs of distemper are broad and vary from dog to dog. Treatment may include antibiotics, fluids, and anticonvulsants.

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease. Its most distinctive symptom is a dry, honking cough. Dogs with kennel cough can be lethargic and feverish. Treatments may include cough suppressants, antibiotics, and bronchodilators.

Heartworm disease is caused by heartworms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms of heartworm infection can include lethargy, depression, fever, and weakness. Prevention with oral or injectable medicines is the best option. Treatment for existing disease requires a series of injections and medications and months of strict cage rest.

Metabolic and Organic Disease. A wide range of chronic conditions can leave dogs weak or lethargic. That includes heart problems, liver problems, diabetes, and hypoglycemia.

Heart disease. Lethargy and reduced tolerance for exercise are the early signs of congestive heart failure in dogs. As the condition worsens, other symptoms develop, including loss of appetite, coughing, and rapid breathing. Treatment depends on how far along the condition is. It may include heart medication, diuretics, and diet changes.

Liver disease. Signs of liver disease in dogs include lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellow tint to gums or whites of eyes), depression, and abdominal bloating. Treatment of liver disease is critical and may include medication, diet changes, or surgery.

Diabetes mellitus. Signs your dog may have diabetes include lethargy, excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, and changes in appetite. Treating diabetes requires insulin injections, along with diet adjustments.

Hypoglycemia. This is low blood sugar, which is the opposite of diabetes. It can make your dog weak and lead to seizures. Treatment will depend on whats causing the hypoglycemia. Short-term therapy may include giving corn syrup orally or intravenous glucose.

Medications. A wide variety of dog medications can cause your pet to become lethargic or frail. Call your veterinarian right away if you feel weak after beginning a new medication or using a new flea or heartworm treatment.

Many human medications, such as ibuprofen, are toxic to pets. They can lead to weakness, lethargy, even death. So always keep human drugs out of reach of your pet. If you drop a pill, pick it up immediately — before your dog does. Also, be sure any drugs you discard in the trash cant be reached by your pooch.

Call your veterinarian right away or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your dog has consumed human medication or anything else that could be toxic.

Normal reasons

Some dogs, such as Boxers and Bulldogs, have short muzzles and may naturally drool or dribble. When they shake their heads, the saliva that has accumulated in their cheeks is released. For the same reason, these breeds are also susceptible to dribbling after drinking water.

Others will also dribble in response to certain triggers. Consequently, the body will occasionally produce saliva as they become excited, such as when they anticipate their meal. Drooling more can be a subtle sign that a dog is feeling uneasy if they are nervous or anxious, as some dogs will do in response to stress.

FAQ

Why would a dog suddenly start drooling excessively?

A broken tooth or tumors in the throat, esophagus, or mouth could be the issue. Drooling can also be brought on by gum irritation, tartar buildup, and oral infections. In addition, a foreign body can lead to slobbering.

When should I worry about my dog drooling?

Drooling can be a sign that your dog needs a checkup or even veterinary care if it starts or intensifies above normal. Vets will sometimes call drooling “hypersalivation” or “ptyalism”.

Do dogs drool when they have an upset stomach?

The dog drools when he feels sick because his salivary glands go into overdrive. Due to the anatomy of some dogs’ mouths, which allows saliva to dribble out, normal saliva production in those dogs appears to be excessive.