Not eating right away, a little lethargic

[Helen Werner]

Hi everyone!

I'm fairly new here. We just got our wonderful Goldendoodle, Rufus, as a rescue in March. For the past couple of days, maybe up to a week, he hasn't been eating right away. We'll put down his food and he shows no interest. (he's eating Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul) Up until now he gobbled it down. We have to convince him to eat, but once he starts he eats it all and hasn't been getting sick or anything. We're also a little concerned because he's seemed lethargic in the mornings. He doesn't seem to want to go outside in the morning, which is really unusual for him. At night, though, he's bouncing around and playing like usual. I'm wondering if this is cause for concern. We found two ticks on him about a week or two ago. I would assume that if it were more serious he wouldn't be so happy and normal the rest of the day, but I'm not sure. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Helen

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

IMO, any time you see a change in behavior OR appetite that lasts more than a day or two, there's a reason for concern, especially in an adult dog, and when you see both lack of appetite and lethargy at the same time, even more so. Dogs are very good at hiding it when they aren't feeling well.

There are some very serious tick-borne illnesses. I'm not sure what the incubation period is.   

I would call my vet and describe what's going on, including the ticks. They may want to examine him or do bloodwork. Or they may tell you to just watch for certain things. I think it's worth a call.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Get him him checked for Lymes disease. It can be slow coming on and those are the first signs. Once it gets to the muscle involvement stage it is very serious. It may be nothing, but on the otherhand, why take a chance it might be Lymes?

There are lots of writeups on the net about this like www.petmd.com/dogs/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_lyme_disease

[Helen Werner]

Are they able to treat Lymes disease?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Absolutely - It is treated with anti-biotics.

 

Hope Rufus feels better soon.

[Christine & Camus]

I agree with everyone, call the vet.  One other thing to consider is the weather.  The heat and humidity could play a role in his behavior.