Lethargy / sleeping more in dogs: what to do

The most common digestive problem, usually from diet indiscretion (scavenging, sudden food changes) or mild infection.

A mosquito-borne parasite; adult worms live in the heart and lungs — late-stage treatment carries risk.

Kennel cough or aspiration can progress to lung infection; puppies and seniors are most at risk.

A post-heat emergency of unspayed females: the uterus fills with pus and toxins. The open form shows vulvar discharge; the closed form hides it and delays diagnosis. Spay surgery is the only cure.

Progressive brain aging in senior dogs: night wandering, flipped sleep cycles, blank responses to familiar cues and house-soiling. Irreversible, but medication, environment management and MCT-rich diets significantly slow it.

A highly contagious viral disease attacking unvaccinated puppies, with high mortality — earlier treatment means better outcomes.

Swallowed toys, socks or bones block the intestine; persistent vomiting is the earliest sign.

A severe viral disease of unvaccinated dogs, with neurological signs in late stages.

Often triggered by a fatty feast (table scraps, fatty meat); Schnauzers and similar breeds are higher risk.

Common in middle-aged, overweight dogs — the classic triad: increased drinking, urination and appetite with weight loss.

A slowed metabolism in middle-aged dogs: weight gain, symmetrical hair loss, dander, low energy.

Dogs can only cool by panting — hot, humid or enclosed conditions (cars!) can kill within minutes.

A balance-system (inner ear / brainstem) problem: sudden head tilt, flicking eyes and stumbling. Idiopathic geriatric vestibular syndrome is the most common form and mostly resolves in days to weeks — but ear infection, toxins and brain disease must be ruled out first.

Chocolate, xylitol, rodenticide, antifreeze and more can be fatal; onset speed varies by toxin.