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Question
My dog is 4 and is usually really hyper and energetic. But the past day or two she just lies down and won't move. When I take her to use the bathroom she just sits there on the porch and won't go out with my other dog. She's not responding to me when i call her(like she's not even moving a bit)and I really don't know what to do.
Your dog is either sick or she has injured herself. Dog's don't go from 60 to zero in one day unless they are really under the weather for some reason.
She needs to see the vet. She might have diarrhea also or be vomiting outside or somewhere she is hiding it. She could have eaten something making her very sick, or she could have a virus or have a bacterial infection.
She might have hurt her back or one of her legs or hips. Thus her reluctance to go outside and to go potty. Lower back injuries are common with small to medium dogs. They sprain them often by jumping up and down off of the couch. Dogs also pull their knees by running wrong or by jumping off of something.
Some dogs will rupture or tear a ligament in the knee. While limping is the usual symptom, some dogs just get very depressed and won't move.
In any case, she needs a trip to the vets to see what is going on with her.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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