Why Is My Dog Slow All of a Sudden?

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Possible Causes

Lethargy in dogs can be down to old age or being a bit worn out after a big walk, but it’s a good idea to remain vigilant and look at other potential causes.

Not only can this help you figure out if something is seriously wrong with your dog in the immediate, but it can also help you keep an eye out for any issues in the future.

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Old Age

Dogs are considered seniors when they’re around 7 years of age, but this might be earlier for large breeds. It’s normal for dogs to slow down as they age, but if this is accompanied with other symptoms, then it’s best to see a vet to be on the safe side.

In addition to being less energetic, elderly dogs often gain weight more easily and have duller senses. They’re also prone to developing conditions like arthritis, diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, cancer, kidney issues, and hearing/vision loss.

That’s why it’s important you put in extra steps to support your senior dog. Good nutrition, proper exercise, and natural supplements to boost your dog’s overall health can all help keep your dog in tip-top shape. As always, speak to your vet before you give your dog any supplements or make changes to their diet.

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Injury

If your dog has an injury such as damaged ligaments or hip/elbow dysplasia, then they might move more slowly than usual. As dogs can’t explain to us when they’re in pain, it can be difficult to know if your dog has hurt themselves.

That’s why it’s important you check for subtle signs that might indicate something is wrong. Dogs experiencing pain can be more vocal than usual, as well as groom excessively, pant, tremble, go off their food, and have a rigid or stiff posture.

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Infection

An infection like kennel cough or parvovirus can make your dog become lethargic or tired. Both viruses are highly contagious and spread quickly between dogs not vaccinated against them.

One of the most common symptoms of kennel cough is a strong cough that resembles a goose honking. Your dog might also have sneezing, a runny nose, and a low fever.

Signs of canine parvovirus include loss of appetite, vomiting, foul-smelling diarrhoea (usually tinged with blood), fever, and collapse. In severe cases, it can even cause sudden death.

Kennel cough and parvovirus can be prevented by vaccinations. Parvovirus is particularly deadly to puppies, which is why you must get them vaccinated. Your dog will need a booster vaccine for both infections around every year to ensure they stay protected.

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Parasites

Parasites like fleas or ticks can be very dangerous to your dog if not properly taken care of. Severe infestations can result in anaemia, which causes the loss of red blood cells.

If your dog has anaemia, they will usually have low energy levels, poor appetite, and be reluctant to exercise. However, some dogs with anaemia might have no symptoms at all.

Minor cases can be treated relatively easy, but more severe cases can be life-threatening. It’s vital you take your dog to see a vet if you suspect anaemia to ensure they have a quick recovery.

You can prevent both of these parasites by using flea and worming treatments. Adult dogs usually need fleaing every 4 to 6 weeks and worming every 3 months.

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Arthritis

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Organ Disease

Lethargy or slowing down can be a symptom of kidney, heart, or liver disease. Although it’s not uncommon for older dogs to sleep more than their younger counterparts, sleeping excessively might be due to the disease’s toll on your dog’s body.

Dogs with heart failure often stop being as active as usual due to the weakening of their heart muscle. They can also display symptoms like lethargy, elevated breathing, coughing, and poor mobility.

In dogs with kidney failure, toxins begin to build up and cause side-effects such as excessive urination and thirst, poor appetite, depression, and sluggishness. Dogs with liver disease exhibit similar symptoms, as well as weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

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Metabolic Disease

Alongside organ disease, senior dogs are also susceptible to conditions of the metabolic system like diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, Addison’s disease, and hypoglycaemia. All of these can cause symptoms such as lethargy, depression, and decreased energy levels.

A lot of dogs don’t show signs of these diseases until they are at an advanced stage, which is why you should go to the regular checkups at the vet to ensure they are caught early.

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Kidney Cancer

 Kidney tumours can either start inside the kidney itself or spread from another part of your dog’s body. Signs of kidney cancer include lethargy, increased thirst, bloody urine, depression, and vomiting.

If your dog has any of these symptoms, take to see a vet as soon as possible. Although listlessness or slow movements aren’t always a cause of concern, kidney failure can be fatal. Early detection of kidney cancer is key for the best chance of recovery.

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Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

Canine cognitive dysfunction or dementia is essentially the canine version of Alzheimer’s disease. Older dogs often get a “senior moment” every now and again, but make sure you don’t mistake dementia for part of the normal ageing process.

D.I.S.H.A. is a helpful acronym you can use to help you recognise the warning signs of canine cognitive dysfunction. D.I.S.H.A. stands for Disorientation, Interaction changes, Sleep-wake cycle changes, House soiling, and Activity level changes.

While some geriatric dogs might have a couple of these issues, it’s concerning if they have more than one or two. In these cases, dementia might be the cause.

PetMD reports that 50% of dogs over the age of 11 years old have “clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome”. By the age of 15, 68% of dogs have at least one sign of dementia.