Your playful pet’s stopped puttering around your pad. She climbs into your lap instead of jumping, and her endurance just isn’t what it used to be. Your dogs’s weakness could signal an underlying problem.
Causes
Your dog may rightfully need some rest after a long afternoon of chasing Frisbees. If your dog is a weekend athlete or a little on the plump side, she may not be used to rigorous exercise, and sore muscles may slow her down.
But serious conditions also can cause weakness in dogs, including joint problems (such as arthritis and hip dysplasia), muscle disorders, neurological disorders, heart or respiratory disease, fever, low blood sugar levels, abnormal electrolyte levels, kidney or liver disease, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, anemia, and cancer.
What you can do at home
If your pet chased too many sticks or balls, she may need a couple of days to recuperate. Never give your dog an over-the-counter pain reliever without a recommendation from your veterinarian.
If you don’t mind playing your dog’s personal masseuse, you can gently rub sore muscles or apply a warm water bottle or heating pad on the lowest setting to the affected area. Provide solid footing around your home for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia, and avoid such slippery surfaces as icy sidewalks and hardwood floors. You can give your pet’s tired bones a rest with bedding that provides adequate warmth and padding.
Paunchy pets will feel more energetic after they shed those extra pounds. Your veterinarian can recommend a gradual weight loss program, which may include a diet change and moderate exercise.
When to call the veterinarian
Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog’s weakness is sudden or persistent, or if you notice such symptoms as incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or breathing difficulty.
What your veterinarian will do
The doctor will ask about your dog’s behavior and symptoms and when you first noticed the problem. After a careful examination, he or she may recommend blood and urine tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound. Hundreds of conditions can cause weakness, so be patient. Once the doctor identifies and treats the underlying condition, your dog should regain her normal spunk.
