Why Is My Dog So Calm (All Of A Sudden)? 11 Weird Reasons

You notice your furry friend acting differently.

They’re not being their usual energetic self.

All of a sudden, they’re acting so calm.

And the change in behavior is making you worried.

Good thing you found this article.

Continue reading to discover:

11 weird reasons your dog is suddenly calm.
Whether it’s normal for them to be quiet or not.
What you can do when they’re calm all of a sudden.
When to know if calmness is a sign of health conditions.
And a lot more…

Why is my dog so calm?

Your dog is calm all of a sudden because of sickness, pain, or depression. It may also be due to boredom, hot weather, or poisoning. Other reasons include a change in diet or a side effect of treatment. Age, exhaustion, and being in heat can also make them calm.

11 reasons why your dog is so calm (all of a sudden)

#1: Your dog is sick

Your pooch who is usually running around is suddenly lying down.

Out of nowhere, they’re acting so calm and lazy-like.

And it makes you wonder why they’re acting this way.

One reason is that they might be feeling sick.

Just imagine feeling unwell…

We also tend to feel sluggish and would prefer sleeping in.

This is how dogs feel too. The only difference is that they can’t heal themselves.

And they can’t exactly tell you when they’re not feeling well.

It’s up to us as responsible paw parents to distinguish any signs of sickness.

And we should also be able to pick up any change in behavior.

According to AKC, here are signs to look out for:

Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Stiffness.
Lethargy.
Coughing.
Wheezing.
Pale gums.
Loss of appetite.
Trouble breathing.
Runny eyes or nose.
Changes in drinking habits.
Sudden weight loss or gain.
Increased or decreased urination.

Knowing when our fur babies are feeling ill can help in making sure they get immediate care.

#2: Your dog is in pain

Did you know that dogs are good at hiding pain? This is a trait they inherited from their canine ancestors.

In the wild, being vulnerable is a sign of weakness.

So they hide their pain to protect themselves from being attacked by predators.

Nowadays, domestic dogs will still have this instinct.

This is why they would appear calm even if they’re feeling any discomfort.

But of course, we don’t want our beloved pups to suffer in silence.

So it would be helpful if we’re able to recognize the signs.

PetMD mentions the following:

Physical symptoms	Behavioral changes	Mobility issues
Panting	Aggression	Limping
Trembling	Restlessness	Refusal to walk
Arched back	Excessive licking	Slow movement
Whimpering or whining	Reluctant to be touched	Inability to get up

It also helps to find out the cause of their pain. And these are:

Injury.
Sprain.
Surgeries.
Dental disease.
Back problems.
Stomach problems.
Ear or skin infections.
Urinary tract infection.

Once you notice any signs, bring your pooch to the vet. They will be able to give the best advice on how to ease their pain.

And remember not to panic, reassure your furry friend that all is well.

Reading tip: Why does my dog smell like ammonia?

#3: Your dog is depressed

Your Dog Is So Calm When He Is Depressed

Dogs don’t have complex emotions like humans. But they can certainly feel depressed.

And when they do, they will appear withdrawn. They wouldn’t have any energy to stay active.

Any sudden change in behavior could be an indication that there’s something wrong with your pup.

For example, being quieter than normal is a sign of depression.

Other symptoms also include:

Hiding.
Howling.
Whining.
Lack of appetite.
Excessive licking.
Changes in appetite.
Uninterested to play.

Dogs may feel sad due to different reasons. Most of the time, it can be due to changes.

The common causes of canine depression are:

Grief.
Fear.
Trauma.
Physical illness.
Social isolation.
Environmental changes.

Interesting fact: A study found that dogs can feel grief after a companion pet in their home dies. It was also reported that they show signs of depression.

“How can I help my depressed dog?”

The first thing you should do is consult your vet.

If it’s not caused by any chronic pain, it may be time to do some adjustments in your home.

You can start by encouraging them to exercise. Make it fun by playing games such as fetch or tug of war.

You can also distract them by teaching them new tricks.

Letting them socialize with other dogs could also help get their funk back.

#4: Your dog is bored

Another reason your canine companion is calm could be due to boredom.

When we think of bored dogs, we often assume that they’ll be hyper because of all their pent-up energy.

But there are some who would sleep more than usual.

Doggy boredom is usually caused by a lack of stimulation. They could also feel bored when they’re left alone.

One study found that dogs who are confined suffer from chronic boredom.

Helping your pooch channel their energy into healthier outlets can help combat boredom.

This can be done by:

Signing up for a dog sport.
Offering them interactive puzzles.
Building a specific dig spot for them.
Scheduling regular doggy play dates.
Providing them with chew toys or treats.
Incorporating training into their daily activities.

#5: It’s due to the hot weather

The hot weather can cause a dog to become lazy. You may also notice them slowing down.

Dog breeds who don’t do well in warm temperatures are usually like this.

Those with flat faces like Pugs are more prone to heatstroke. This is because they can’t pant as effectively as others.

Other breeds that are sensitive to hot climates are:

Boxer.
Bulldog.
St. Bernard.
Chow-chow.
Pomeranian.
Boston Terrier.
Siberian Husky.

It’s important to take care of your pooch during warm temperatures. This is to prevent the risk of heatstroke.

ASPCA recommends doing the following:

Protecting their paws from hot surfaces.
Providing them with plenty of fresh, clean water.
Making sure their space is cool and well ventilated.
Limiting their exercise when the sun’s heat is too intense.

Warning: Never leave your dog unattended inside a parked car as this leads to heatstroke.

It also helps to be aware of the symptoms and these are:

Drooling.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Lethargy.
Seizures.
Restlessness.
Red or pale gums.
Increased heart rate.

#6: Your dog is in heat

Some dogs may appear calm and become less energetic when they go into heat.

When your female pooch seems unusually tired, this could mean it’s the start of their heat cycle.

But this will pass once the cycle ends which usually lasts between 3 to 4 weeks.

Each female dog has different flows. But it will be heavier during the beginning.

To avoid the mess, you can let them wear a disposable diaper. Or try purchasing the washable ones.

And make sure to keep them comfortable by providing a safe area to rest.

When going outdoors, accompany them and keep an eye out on any dog they interact with.

The common symptoms of a dog in heat are:

Swollen vulva.
Bloody discharge.
Tucking of the tail.
Frequently urinates.
Seeking out male dogs.
Changes in personality.

Watch the video below to learn more about their heat cycle:

You might also be interested in: 10 home remedies for dogs in heat

#7: It’s due to a change in their diet

When you change your pup’s diet, there could also be sudden behavioral changes.

They may feel fatigued after eating. If this happens, they might be reacting poorly to the new diet.

AKC says that when a dog’s food is suddenly changed, it can cause an upset stomach.

Which may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and inactivity.

It’s recommended to moderately change their diet instead of doing it abruptly.

You can do this by slowly mixing their current meals with the new diet.

This will give their bodies time to adjust. And you would also have time to monitor their response to the food.

But take note that before making changes, ensure that you consult a vet first for advice.

Another reason is that your pooch might be having an allergic reaction to a certain food.

According to research, the table below shows common food allergens:

Food	Allergic reaction
Beef	34%
Dairy	17%
Chicken	15%
Wheat	13%
Soy	6%

The most noticeable sign that your pup is having an allergic reaction is itching.

And it will also include the following:

Hair loss.
Sneezing.
Hot spots.
Skin rashes.
Ear infections.
Eye discharge.

#8: Your dog is aging

Another reason your pooch is calm could be because they’re getting older.

As they age, their joints may start to ache. Which makes them want to move less.

You’ll notice that your once active pooch will suddenly become calmer.

But it’s still necessary for them to have their regular exercise.

If you allow them to move less, the more likely they’ll develop health issues.

Some paw parents may think that slowing down is normal for senior dogs.

But that’s not always the case. For some, it may be an indication of illness.

This is why we should always have our beloved pups regularly checked by a vet.

Senior dos would also need special care and attention.

Here are tips to make aging more comfortable for them:

Maintaining their dental health.
Spending more time with them.
Sticking to a well-balanced diet.
Adding more grooming sessions.
Allowing them to play stimulating activities.
Keeping an eye out for signs of discomfort.

#9: Your dog is just tired

If your furry friend has recently been active with exercise and activities.

And you notice them suddenly having no energy, then they may just be tired.

They might be tired due to a hike you went to. Or it may be after a long day of playing with other dogs.

But did you know that it’s not good to over-exercise your pups?

The intensity of activities should depend on their breed, age, and health condition.

For example, a more energetic dog like Siberian Huskies would need more exercise.

PetMD mentions that the signs your pooch is getting too much exercise are:

Joint injury.
Sore muscles.
Heat sickness.
Damaged paws.
Behavioral changes.

It’s also not recommended to force your pooch into doing strenuous activities.

This includes not letting them run alongside you while biking. And avoid taking them on very long walks.

When walking with your pooch, always watch out for signs of fatigue.

Allow them to rest when you notice them panting, slowing down, or lagging behind.

And make sure that you bring an extra bottle of water for them.

#10: Your dog consumed something poisonous

Dogs are such curious creatures. They’ll put whatever they find interesting into their mouths.

Unfortunately, this could lead to them consuming things that are toxic to them.

According to ASPCA, plants are one of the common reasons dogs get poisoned.

Some of these plants include:

Ivy.
Tulips.
Azaleas.
Milkweed.
Aloe Vera.
Sago Palm.

Other things that could also be harmful to them are toxic food, chemicals, and spoiled food.

Depending on what poisoned them, some symptoms may show immediately. But some may take a day or more.

The table below shows the signs of the most common poisons in dogs:

Product	Common signs
Onions	Drooling, nausea, pale gums
Chocolate	Tremors, agitation, heart issues
Rat poison	Excessive bleeding, bruising
Toxic plants	Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures
Human drugs	Sickness, diarrhea, kidney failure
Grapes and raisins	Vomiting, kidney failure, lethargy

Warning: Once you notice your pooch is poisoned, take immediate action!

Here’s what you should do:

Make sure they’re breathing and alert.
Take note of the item or food that poisoned them.
Don’t make them vomit. This could put them in danger.
Call your vet immediately to know what to do.
If they need medical help, bring them to the nearest hospital.

#11: It’s due to a side effect on medication

Your pup could also be calm if they have been undergoing medical treatment.

But the thing is, they could be acting calm due to lethargy.

So if you notice any behavioral changes, always let your vet know.

This is to make sure that they’re not reacting poorly to their medications.

Common signs of medication reaction are:

Hives.
Swelling.
Hair loss.
Seizures.
Redness.
Collapse.
Excessive drooling.
Skin or ear infections.

Medication can be confusing especially if your pooch is taking more than one.

That’s why it’s better to familiarize yourself with the drugs they’ve been prescribed.

This will also make you more prepared with the side effects. And always follow the label directions carefully.

Note: Never give your dog any medication without consulting your vet first.

Why Is My Dog So Calm (All Of A Sudden)? 11 Weird Reasons

Why is my dog so calm?