sick toy poodle

Question
My daughter is pet-sitting her friend's toy poodle (2 yrs old) for two weeks.
This is day seven. Everything has been great so far - very energetic, sweet
personality, and very loved in our home. However, this evening he seemed a
little lethargic. I noticed that his nose is warm and dry, which I know means
he doesn't feel well. Is there anything I can do for him? At what point do I
need to take him to the vet?

Answer
Hi Leslie,

The "warm nose myth" has many pet owners feeling that their pet has a fever (or otherwise sick) if the nose is warm and dry. A dog's nose may be very wet and cool one moment then be warmer and not-so-moist the next. All in the course of a day, and all perfectly normal.

Taking a dog's temperature is an accurate way to see if the dog is sick or not. A dog's normal temperature should be between 100 and 102.5 degrees. You can read how to take a dog's temperature here:
http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-4.htm

Just being a little less active than usual isn't a reason to rush off to the vet. If the dog stops eating or drinking, or starts to either vomit or have diarrhea along with the acting lethargic for twenty-four hours or more,  then there is more cause for concern.

I'd say at this point there's nothing more to do than adopt a "wait and see" attitude", to see what, if anything develops.

Best of luck,
Patti