Dog Is Limp

Your dog is listless and tired and you are worried about it? Here you will find information on possible causes.

The Dog Is Limp: What Is Normal?

Dogs have different temperaments by nature. Many small dog breeds are very active, and very large and heavy dogs are more economical with their energy reserves. There are of course many exceptions to this rule.

Long walks, extended play with other dogs, or even great emotional exertion or stress can leave a dog tired and sleepy. This is not a problem if the dog is full of energy and completely the same again after a long break.

The Dog Is Limp: This Should Draw Your Attention

As the owner, you know what temperament your dog will display when it is healthy. If he shows completely different behavior for more than a short period of time, you should see if something is wrong.

Your dog is constantly tired, but you actually know him as a bundle of energy? The dog is listless and sleeps a lot, although no direct cause can be identified? Walks and games are getting shorter and shorter? Then a serious illness could be behind it and it is worth going to the vet. Also, keep an eye on your dog for other signs of illness.

The Dog Is Limp: Possible Causes

• Hypothyroidism: This is an underactive thyroid gland. It often develops over years and its symptoms are quite non-specific: Since the thyroid gland regulates many metabolic processes, weight gain and skin changes occur, for example. The dog is sluggish and listless and appears distracted and unfocused (e.g. during dog training). In addition, a cold intolerance often occurs, i.e. the dog freezes faster. Since this disease often occurs in older dogs, it should be clarified regularly during preventive medical check-ups as they get older. Warning: far too many dogs are treated with thyroid hormones that have low T4 but no thyroid problems! Read more about hypothyroidism in dogs here.
• Heart Disease: Various heart diseases are known to affect dogs, both congenital and acquired over the course of life. In the advanced stage, all have the symptom of loss of condition, reluctance to exercise, and weakness in common. This is because the heart can no longer adequately fulfill its task of keeping the blood moving and supplying the organs with fresh oxygen and nutrients. The result: the dog is very listless. Depending on the type of heart disease, there are also other symptoms, e.g. coughing. For more information on heart disease in dogs, visit Cardiology.
• Anemia: A lack of red blood cells also causes fatigue. Anemia (anemia) can rarely be caused by feeding (insufficient iron intake), but it can also be caused by tumors, bleeding, or infections. It is particularly insidious if the problems only occur intermittently, e.g. in the case of a spleen tumor. On the other hand, major bleeding after an accident or bite has a much greater impact and is, therefore, less likely to be overlooked.
• Fever: Any infectious disease accompanied by a high fever will leave the dog listless and tired. Also known as ‘sickness behavior’, this behavior is a trick by the immune system to get the animal to rest. This leaves the body with enough energy to fight the disease.
• Pain: If the dog sleeps a lot and doesn’t like to move, it could also be due to pain. These can develop gradually, e.g. in the case of arthrosis, and further, restrict the animal’s mobility.
• Age: It is not pathological that dogs become calmer with age. Previous wild games will become unacceptable over time or will be canceled after a shorter amount of time. The walk is shortened and the dog needs longer rest periods afterward. However, a regular check-up at the vet is worthwhile: In this way, the actual lethargy as a sign of old age can be differentiated from serious illnesses and pain.
• Overweight and lack of training: If a dog is used to not being challenged and may also be overweight, it will also present itself as listless and sluggish. Adjusted feeding, possibly also a reduced diet, and regular – even more intensive – exercise will help. Before intensive training, e.g. on the bike or in the dog park is planned, a check-up at the vet is essential! He can give you valuable tips and also check whether the dog’s cardiovascular system can withstand a corresponding load. Physiotherapy helps!

This list does not claim to be complete, other diseases can also make the dog floppy.

The Dog Is Limp: Treatment

If the dog is very listless, the veterinarian will search for the cause in a thorough examination and treat it if possible. In addition to the direct physical examination, further examinations such as blood counts, ultrasound, or X-rays may also be necessary.

The therapy then takes place according to the disease: Hypothyroidism is compensated for by the administration of thyroid hormones. These must be administered for life since the disease is not actually curable. Especially in the early days, the hormone levels in the blood must be checked very regularly to ensure that the dog is “adjusted” correctly. Later this interval becomes larger. Hopefully, the sluggishness and other symptoms will gradually disappear.

The field of heart diseases is extensive and therefore the treatment is very different. Ultrasound is absolutely necessary, often X-rays and ECG in addition. There are now many treatment methods for dogs that are known from human medicine. However, especially in the case of chronic diseases, early detection improves the success of treatment and prolongs the life of the dog. So if you have the feeling that your dog isn’t really “up to speed” – it’s better to have it checked out. regular blood pressure measurement gives early indications.

Pain is treated according to its cause. Especially in the case of chronic pain (e.g. arthrosis), it can be a long process until you have found a level at which the animal can live well. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and regular controlled training in the form of physiotherapy are often used.

Optimal feeding and sufficient exercise that he enjoys are healthy for every dog ​​and prevent sluggishness and tiredness. They should be adapted to the needs of each animal. Signs of aging and “civilization diseases” (such as obesity) can also be minimized because the dog remains mobile and fit.

The Dog Is Limp: Conclusion

Does your dog almost always sleep, is it constantly tired and listless? Consult your veterinarian to get to the bottom of the cause. In this way, you avoid pain and suffering in your animal and prevent possible serious consequences of the disease.