I have an 11 week old Chocolate Lab that I brought home 2 weeks ago. She's had her first 2 sets of shots and started heartworm meds in November. Up until 2 days ago, she was rambunctious, playing and chewing on everything. Just in the past 2 days, she has slowed down dramatically. She still eats... slowly, but doesn't seem to chew her food swallowing it whole, she still drinks water, and has regular bowel movements. However, she is not interested in playing and chewing anymore. She sort of plays and then just stops and lays down. I'm worried. What could be causing this?:confused:

Bailey's Mom

If she was showing any digestive upset, as well as the low energy, I would panic and send you to the vet NOW, it could be parvo. For the typical Lab, the slow eating is a serious symptom. Anybody can urge an immediate vet visit for every sick dog, whether the symptoms in the post indicate it or not. I try not to do that. Your case is not a clear one. Perhaps try to contact your vet. If you haven't been given an emergency number, the regular number may forward to one. The vet can ask for more details, perhaps things you didn't think to notice. If you have a rectal thermometer, you might take her temperature.

Bailey progresively began to get more lethargic and stopped drinking. I noticed that she was a little frothy at the mouth and her eyes were runny too. I thought maybe since she had stopped chewing that maybe she had something lodged in her gums causing pain. She fought us trying to look in her mouth which was never a problem to do until now. She usually opened her mouth for us with no problem. I didn't want to wait until tomorrow for the vet in case she had Parvo so we took her to the Emergency Vet. They tested for Parvo and the result was negative... whew! She did have a fever and her nose was runny. The vet diagnosed her with a possible upper respiratory infection and sent us home with antibiotics and prescription canned food. They also put fluids under her skin as a precaution if she would refuse to drink. She slept the remainder of the day and when she woke up, she devoured the canned food, ate some of her dry food, and with some encouragement, drank water again... thank goodness! She's still very tired and sleeping a lot, but her appetite is back. Thanks for your posting. I haven't had a puppy since I was a child so I'm basically new to this. Thanks for your concern. :)

I am very happy to hear she is doing better. With her getting worse, I am sure you feel good about getting her to the vet and the medicine she needed.

Now she is improving, read through the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post251802 It has plenty of help for a new puppy owner. Post back anytime with more questions.