The fact that your dog is showing noticeable differences is definitely a cause for concern. In evolutionary terms, a dog that shows signs of illness or weakness will automatically preyed upon by predators, meaning that dogs have adapted to hide any signs of sickness or disadvantage.
Having said that, your dog's out of the ordinary behavior could just be down to something like the weather. If it's significantly warmer than usual, the heat may be tiring your dog out, so make sure that you have plenty of water and food available for your dog.
However, if this does not apply to your dog, then changes in behavior such as the ones you have described may be a sign of something more serious. Parasites such as hook worms, tapeworms, whipworms or heartworms living on or inside your pet can cause behavior changes and often cause apathy in dogs, which sounds like the symptoms you are describing. Treatments for parasites are available from your vet and should be administered as quickly as possible.
Another disease which causes symptoms such as the ones you have described is the Canine Parvovirus. This is most common in puppies under six months, and many dogs are vaccinated against the Canine Parvovirus, but any dog is at risk from contracting this disease. In severe cases, this disease can be fatal after only 72 hours of contraction, so if your dog demonstrates other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and fever, see your vet as soon as possible.
The symptoms you have described also correlate with Canine Heart Disease. Although it is unusual for dogs to suffer from heart attacks in the way that humans do, they can experience heart murmurs or arrhythmia caused by diseased arteries and veins close to the heart. This is usually treated by a change in diet and exercise routine, but you should see your vet if you notice any other symptoms, such as coughing, abdominal swelling or fainting.
Chances are that your dog is just tired, hot or dehydrated. However, if these symptoms persist for more than two days, you should see your vet.
Having said that, your dog's out of the ordinary behavior could just be down to something like the weather. If it's significantly warmer than usual, the heat may be tiring your dog out, so make sure that you have plenty of water and food available for your dog.
However, if this does not apply to your dog, then changes in behavior such as the ones you have described may be a sign of something more serious. Parasites such as hook worms, tapeworms, whipworms or heartworms living on or inside your pet can cause behavior changes and often cause apathy in dogs, which sounds like the symptoms you are describing. Treatments for parasites are available from your vet and should be administered as quickly as possible.
Another disease which causes symptoms such as the ones you have described is the Canine Parvovirus. This is most common in puppies under six months, and many dogs are vaccinated against the Canine Parvovirus, but any dog is at risk from contracting this disease. In severe cases, this disease can be fatal after only 72 hours of contraction, so if your dog demonstrates other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and fever, see your vet as soon as possible.
The symptoms you have described also correlate with Canine Heart Disease. Although it is unusual for dogs to suffer from heart attacks in the way that humans do, they can experience heart murmurs or arrhythmia caused by diseased arteries and veins close to the heart. This is usually treated by a change in diet and exercise routine, but you should see your vet if you notice any other symptoms, such as coughing, abdominal swelling or fainting.
Chances are that your dog is just tired, hot or dehydrated. However, if these symptoms persist for more than two days, you should see your vet.
