The American Beagler Forum

For the past week or so my 4 year old female has been acting sluggish and has not had a very good appetite. Any ideas on what I can do to try to bring her around.

Need more information- what do you mean by sluggish, what's she eating, is she coming into season etc. Carolyn

She normally acts pretty lively ( excited to see people- tail wagging ). She is walking around with her head held down like she is not feeling good. I feed her and the other dogs Purina high pro.

Is there anything you can think of that you have done differently or that she may have come into contact with?
How are her stools? Drinking ok? Need any more info that you can provide.

Her stools look the same as always ( firm stools ) She doesn't seem to be drinking as much as she usually does. She just wants to lay in the dog house alot. I haven't changed anything that I have been doing. All of the other dogs are doing fine.

Has she had a recent vaccination? Is she on heartworm prevention religiously (never miss a dose)?
Check the color of her gums (pink, pale, greyish).
How is her urination (pale or dark yellow/brownish)?
Any vomiting or wretching?


First of all, don't let her get dehydrated. If she is not drinking sufficent amounts of water, she will quickly dehydrate. You should offer pedialyte (plain unflavored) with a oral syringe if you suspect insuffiecent intake.

There are several things this could be and I am by no means an expert, but these signs seem suspecious to me and would be concerned.
Immune Mediated Hemoletic Anemia is a serious, life threatening condition that affects the red blood cell production. It tends to affect female dogs 3-8 years old more often.
Then there is heartworm, with the first signs being lethargy and lack of appetite.

I would recommend that she see a vet.
Do a google search using the words dog, lethargy, inappetence.. and any other symptoms you notice. Use this information when you take her in to make sure you ask the vet all the questions. When you do the research BEFORE going to the vet, you are more likely to get the proper tests and such, instead of inconclusive opinions and generalized treatments.
Insist on blood work, etc.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I am taking her into the vet the first thing Monday morning. Thanks for the help

I see you live in Ohio. I read about hypothermia earlier on the board. Is the dog cold? does she have sufficient shelter? Just a thought. Is she limping, favouring any part? can she lift her head? does she yelp when you pick her up? Some other things to look at. carolyn

Kennels are good and dry and the houses have a lot of dry straw in them. I had her out in the yard today and she is acting a lot better than what she was. I will be keeping a close eye on her tomorrow.

Checked her out today and she seems to be doing fine. She is back to her old self again running around the yard with the other dogs. Sure had me worried. Thanks for all the replies

That sure is great! I am glad to hear it!