Golden Doodle Health

Question
Hello. My 6-7 year old Golden Doodle has recently stopped wanting to go on
walks and isn't eating as much as he used to. He also has started sleeping a
lot more than usual. It seems like walking has become hard for him and the
amount of sleeping he is doing is making me wonder if he has some kind of
neurological problems or if this is just arthritis and he is just sleeping more
because that is the only thing that is comfortable for him. Let me know what
you think please. He's going to the vet to be checked out but I just wanted a
preliminary idea.

Answer
Sincere apologies for the delayed response.

There are many possibilities for causing lethargy in dogs and arthritis can occur naturally with age.  One condition which can cause both in combination is Lyme's Disease.  Depending on the area that you live in this may or may not be common.

I would suggest a visit to your veterinarian.  They would be able to do radiographs to assess for arthritis, test for Lyme Disease, do a full examination and blood work.  This panel of information will allow them to help narrow the cause of the lethargy and walking trouble.

If you have any questions based on findings please let me know and again apologies for the delay.