Great Dane Puppy

Question
QUESTION: Hey. Thanks for taking the time to read my question. My 6 month old male great dane may be sick. Starting this morning, he has been very lethargic. Usually he wants a walk and treat, but he is just uninterested. He doesnt want to do anything. I took him out front and didnt even need a leash because he was so lazy. He has also been drooling all day. He didnt get into anything he shouldnt. He is drinking and eating fine. I felt his stomach, he didnt seem to mind. Do you know what is wrong with my puppy? THank you.

ANSWER: Hi Courney,

It definitely sounds as though your puppy isn't feeling well.

Lethargy and drooling can be signs of poisoning in dogs. They can also be symptoms of other conditions such as gastric dilatation (also known as bloat) nausea, a tooth or gum problem, or an intestinal obstruction.

I would check his teeth and gums for discoloration as well as anything stuck between the teeth. Broken or fractured teeth should also be checked. Sometimes a fracture can happen below the gum line so you may not see it. The gums should bulge around each tooth a bit , if they are smooth or inflamed then it may be a gum problem.

If nothing seems wrong in your dog's mouth, do not put off contacting your veterinarian. If this is bloat (a condition common to large breeds, such as the Great Dane breed) it's very painful and in 40% of all cases it is fatal. Even if this isn't a case of bloat, something is causing your dog pain, and guesswork isn't the answer. Only your vet can give you answers, and the treatment your puppy needs.

Best of luck,

Patti


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you. I checked his gums and he doesn't have bloat beavered we heard those signs are more serious. we did feed him his hearworm prevention just 2 days ago. wondering if that has any side effects? thanks you. and he didn't eat anything bad. thank you again

Answer

Hi Courney,

Not seeing anything in your puppy's mouth doesn't mean there isn't a problem below the gum line that you can't see. Unless you monitor your puppy 24 hours a day, you really have no idea what he may have eaten. Puppies sometimes eat things that aren't even edible.

You didn't say which heartworm preventative you used (they all don't contain the same medication) but the side effects wouldn't take two days to show up. They would be more immediate, and be along the lines of vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, weakness and even seizures.

If your puppy is still acting lethargic and drooling, you can bet there's a medical problem, as dogs don't lie. Please do not delay in having your puppy examined by a veterinarian.

Best of luck,

Patti