Listlessness in pets, or lethargy, occurs in both dogs and cats when they lack of energy or they are unwilling to exert effort. Lethargy or listlessness in dogs is a common symptom of a vast array of illnesses. Cats are known for sleeping all day long and spend around 15 to 16 hours per day snoozing. However, when your pet seems more lethargic than normal, it could be an indication that your cat or dog has some sort of illness and should visit a veterinarian for further diagnosis.
How to Recognize
Listlessness means your pet is not as active as usual and has a lack of energy. Symptoms of listlessness can include difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea or vomiting blood, difficulty or inability to urinate, abdominal swelling, convulsions, uncontrolled bleeding or a thick mucus drainage from the rectum (symptomatic of a bowel obstruction). Fever and dehydration should be taken seriously as well, as they may indicate an infection.
Causes of Listlessness
Several diseases can be the cause of listlessness. Other causes include trauma, parasites, a tumor, a reaction to a medication, toxicity, depression, and pregnancy. Endocrine, metabolic, and hereditary disorders may be the cause of listlessness.
Treatment for Listlessness
Treatment varies greatly depending on the underlying condition.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.