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Why is my French Bulldog lethargic and acting weird, but eating?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Female | spayed | 2 years and 1 month old | 20 lbs

My dog is shivering when I came home from work. She has stopped shivering for the most part but is still very calm and lethargic. She is a French bulldog and is slightly pinning back her ears. She ate food fine but is acting weird.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 15, 2017

Hi there! The clinical signs you describe are fairly non-specific and do not necessarily point out any specific condition. Having said that, you know Gigi more than anybody else so I trust you when you say that she is acting weird. Usually, when a dog does not feel well the first thing you will notice is decreased appetite. Given that her appetite is still good, she may be fine overall. It is unclear as to what is exactly is going on. Since she is otherwise doing fine, I would let this declare itself and not get too concerned just yet. If she continues to act like this for the next 24-48 hours, have her examined by your veterinarian to ensure that there is nothing else obvious on examination such as pain of some sort which can certainly explain the signs you described. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be just fine!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Poor Gigi. This could be due to pain or anxiety. If there are any anxious events like a storm going on then this could be it. I have also seen this with pain especially neck and back pain. I would try to make her rest and not allow her to jump or run around. If she isn't improving by in the morning or if she gets worse at any time I would see your vet for an exam. Your vet will be able to localize possible pain and start her on pain meds if needed. I hope this helps!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Trembling can be a sign of pain/discomfort or anxiety. Based on the behavior you are describing, the trembling and lethargy together, I would be worried that Gigi is painful somewhere. She may have injured herself while you were away or she could have an inflammed disc in her neck or back that is causing the pain.

If Gigi is not acting like herself by tomorrow I would recommend having her examined by your vet.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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