Dog Lethargy in Dubai: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry

What to do if your dog is lethargic

Check your dog as soon as you have concerns:

• Look for new lumps, cuts, or changes in how they are walking
• Check their gums: lift their lip gently and look for pink colour (white or yellow gums mean your dog needs to see a vet immediately)
• Check whether their drinking habits have changed: are they drinking more?
• Have you noticed any weight loss, even small amounts?
• Has your dog had any vomiting, loose stools or changes in appetite?
• Check their paws for burns from hot pavements

Take action:

• Contact a vet straight away
• Don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own
• Dubai’s heat means dehydration develops very quickly, so time matters

Most common causes of lethargy in dogs

Heat-related problems:

• Heat exhaustion from Dubai’s 40°C+ temperatures
• Dehydration from not drinking enough water
• Stress from moving between air-conditioned indoors and scorching temperatures outdoors

Infections and illnesses:

• Kennel cough: spreads quickly in dog daycares
• Pyometra: a serious infection in female dogs that aren’t spayed
• New bugs and viruses from Dubai’s international community

Pain and injuries:

• Arthritis: humidity makes joint pain worse
• Burnt paw pads from hot pavements and sand
• General aches and pains from age or unaccustomed exercise

Stomach problems:

• Pancreatitis from eating rich, spicy foods
• Upset stomach from getting into things they shouldn’t
• Food poisoning: food spoilage happens quickly as harmful bacteria thrive in heat

Serious conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Thyroid issues

When you should be worried about lethargy in dogs

Get to a vet immediately if your dog has been:

• Drinking a lot more water than normal
• Vomiting non-stop
• Losing weight
• Lethargic, with white or yellow gums

Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai has excellent 24-hour veterinary facilities, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re concerned about your dog’s condition.

Tips on how to prevent lethargy in dogs

Keep up with preventive healthcare basics:

• Annual vaccinations: particularly important with Dubai’s international community
• Regular flea, tick and worm prevention: a year-round problem
• Spay female dogs to prevent serious infections, such as pyometra

Dubai-specific prevention:

• Walk during cool hours only: early morning or late evening
• Check pavement temperature with your hand before walks
• Always carry water for your dog when out and about
• Keep your dog in air conditioning during the hottest times of the day

Food and safety:

• Feed your dog high-quality dog food, not table scraps
• Keep human food and medications away from curious dogs
• Keep your dog to a healthy weight and body condition: it’s all too easy to gain weight when staying indoors much of the day
• Consider joint supplements for older dogs

How to know if your dog is unusually lethargic

Signs your dog might be lethargic:

• Not wanting to go for walks, even in cool weather
• Moving much slower than usual
• Hiding in quiet, cool spots
• Showing no interest in favourite toys or activities
• Sleeping much more than normal
• Not responding when you call their name
• Won’t greet you at the door like usual

Remember: It’s normal for dogs to be less active during Dubai’s hot afternoons, but they should perk up when it’s cooler.

How to treat a lethargic dog at home

Important: Always speak to a vet first if your dog is showing signs of lethargy, especially if it’s been over 24 hours.

What you can do while waiting:

• Encourage them to drink fresh, cool water
• Offer ice cubes as treats
• Keep them in air-conditioned areas
• Let them rest in quiet, comfortable spots
• Try warming their food slightly to make it smell better
• Offer smaller, lighter meals

Keep watching out for:

• Any changes in how much they’re eating or drinking
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• The signs getting worse instead of better

When to stop home treatment:

• If your dog doesn’t improve in 24 hours
• If they get worse at any point
• If anything is worrying you

How vets may treat lethargy in dogs

What your vet will do:

• Take your dog’s temperature
• Feel their tummy for evidence of fluid, pain or changes in shape
• Check their lymph nodes
• Listen to their heart and lungs
• Ask about recent travel, diet changes, or medications

Tests your vet may advise:

• Blood tests to check general health and organ function
• Urine tests
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds
• Sometimes, CT or MRI scans are needed for complex cases

Treatments might include:

• Hospital admission for monitoring
• Fluids given directly into your dog’s veins: often important in Dubai’s heat
• Antibiotics for infections
• Pain relief medication
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Stomach-protecting medicines
• Surgery if needed

Are some dogs more at risk of lethargy than others?

Higher risk dogs in Dubai:

• New arrivals to the UAE: as yet unaccustomed to extreme heat
• Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs struggle with breathing and heat regulation
• Dogs with thick coats
• Older dogs: with fewer reserves and often other illnesses
• Unvaccinated dogs
• Dogs who have not received flea/tick/worm preventives

Breed-specific risks:

• Heart problems: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers
• Heat sensitivity: Any flat-faced breed, thick-coated breeds
• Joint problems: Large breeds, older dogs

Lifestyle risks:

• Dogs that don’t get regular exercise
• Overweight dogs
• Dogs with access to rich human food
• Dogs that frequently travel internationally

Worried your dog seems unusually tired and out of sorts? Book a checkup or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced veterinary team can identify the cause of lethargy, from heat stress and dehydration to underlying health conditions, and provide the right treatment. Whether it’s a routine check or urgent care, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted clinic in Dubai for expert, compassionate support to keep your dog active and healthy.