It can be incredibly frustrating to watch your dog, who was once so full of energy and life, become inactive and uninterested in playing. It is a common behavior that pet owners notice their dogs exhibiting at one point or another, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
The truth is there are numerous factors that could contribute to this behavior change, so it is important to investigate what might be causing your pup’s current state of mind.
The first thing you should consider is if anything has changed in your pup’s environment recently.
- Has he been given new food?
- Have you moved into a new house?
- Is his routine different from before?
Any kind of disruption in his daily schedule may lead him to feel overwhelmed and thus become inactive as an adaptation tactic. If this is the case then simply bringing back stability will often help improve your dog’s activity level quickly.
Is It Normal for Dogs To Not Be Active?
Dogs are known for being energetic and active animals. It is natural to expect them to be lively and playful, which can often lead us to worry when they do not appear so.
While it is perfectly normal for a dog’s activity level to vary, there are some signs that indicate that something might be wrong.
First of all, it is important to establish what your dog’s typical behavior looks like when healthy. When you have an understanding of their baseline energy levels, any significant changes become easier to spot.
You should also consider the age of your pet. Puppies may naturally tire more quickly than adult dogs due to their smaller size and still-developing bodies.
If you notice that your pup has suddenly stopped showing interest in activities they used to enjoy or simply seems lethargic overall then you should take them to see a vet right away in order to rule out any potential medical issues before ruling out behavioral ones such as depression or anxiety.
Is My dog Sick or Just Tired?
Dogs do not have the ability to verbally express their feelings as humans do. It is important to pay attention to your pup and watch for any signs of illness – from changes in behavior to physical symptoms – that could indicate a health issue.
The first thing you should look for is any changes in behavior, such as lethargy or loss of appetite. If you notice either of these things it could mean something is wrong with your pup and they need medical help right away.
Additionally, if your dog has stopped playing or interacting with people/other animals they may be ill. Other common symptoms include panting more than usual, coughing, sneezing, vomiting/diarrhea, and disorientation/confusion.
Remedy for an Inactive Dog
Exercising your dog is important for their physical and mental health, as it gives them an outlet to expend energy, stimulates their mind and can help prevent behavioral issues. For those of us with an inactive pup who may be lacking the motivation to do much more than nap during the day, here are some ideas that could get you both up and moving:
- take a walk around the block
- play fetch
- If possible take Fido along with you when running errands so they can tag along instead of staying at home alone
- create an obstacle course
- regular visits to Doggy Day Care
Remember, if you are looking for dog housing supplies to keep your dog active and comfortable, talk to us at Slaneyside. We are Ireland’s number 1 pet housing supplier.