It’s a fine day. It feels great to have a walk with your puppy.
They love the outdoors, especially if the skies are blue.
You approach them to take them for a walk.
But they won’t budge. Your pup seems to enjoy lying around.
A bit unusual from their energetic self.
You ask yourself:
“How can this be?” “Why is my dog suddenly so lazy?”
“Should I worry?”
Continue reading to find out:
- What can you do about it.
- 7 reasons why your puppy is so lazy.
- 3 tips on what to do with a lazy puppy.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is my puppy so lazy?
Your puppy is lazy because they’re bored or not feeling well. Lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet are also major factors. The weather can also be a reason why they’re lazy. At times, it’s genetics. Your puppy is born that way.
7 alarming reasons why your puppy is so lazy (today)
#1: Boredom
Puppies get bored, especially if they barely have activities.
If your pup has been left alone for some time, it may make them lazy.
Do you feel lazy after a few days of not doing anything?
Your lovely pet feels the same way.
If these last for days, your pup may not have the interest anymore to do other things.
Do you attempt to play with them, but they’re still too lazy?
If an activity is too easy or too difficult, it can also cause boredom.
Creativity does not flow if there isn’t enough mental or physical stimulation.
Research states that aside from laziness, poor sleep and behavior changes can result from boredom.
Read also: 9 reasons why dogs scratch the couch
#2: Not feeling well
Are you energetic when you are sick? Not at all, right?
When we feel ill, we won’t have the urge to go jogging or hiking.
We all get lazy when we’re sick. Your pup may not be feeling well if they get less energetic.
Observe if your puppy has other signs that may hint if they’re ill.
Aside from appearing lazy and weak, they may also whimper or cry.
You can also spot a sick puppy if they do not have an appetite.
Is your puppy lazy even during mealtime? They may have an illness.
If you notice these telltale signs, it’s best to bring your pup to the vet.
You might also want to check out: 13 Effective Tips To Get A Sick Dog To Drink Water (Fast)
#3: Depression
Depression, whether in puppies or humans, starts with a trigger.
But how do you identify if it’s just another lazy day or if your pup has depression?
If the lazy day turns into days or weeks, do something about it.
Recall if there have been changes in your lives for the past few days?
It can be a minor or a major change.
There can be a lot of reasons why your pup is depressed.
The most commonly reported reasons are the following:
- Stress.
- Injury or pain.
- New environment.
- Children back to school.
- Loss of a family member.
- Not enough play and exercise.
- Adults spend more working hours.
Some dogs can also suffer from severe depression, especially if they come from neglected homes.
An adopted pup from the shelter may exhibit different behavior due to challenging experiences.
It may cause worry for you as the owner, but you can help your pup get through it.
Most dogs recover from depression if given enough time and attention.
#4: Lacks exercise
Do you feel stumped after days of just watching TV?
There are days for Netflix and chill, but maybe it’s time to get up from that couch.
Your puppy feels the same way if they do not get enough exercise.
A puppy that exercises daily is healthy and happy.
Exercise can either be walking or playing.
As a dog owner, it should be a part of your schedule.
Puppies need short walks daily. Healthy play like fetch and chasing bubbles are great options too.
If you exercise together, it improves bonding.
So hooman, get off that couch and start walking your pup.
Exercise is a mood booster for both of you.
#5: Unhealthy food
Do you feel the difference when you eat a bag of chips versus a bowl of salad?
Eating a bag of chips and a bottle of soda may feel like a treat.
But do you notice how you feel afterward? You feel lazy.
The same is true for your pup. Eating unhealthy food or not getting the proper nutrients makes them lazy or weak.
Dogs, especially puppies, need to get the proper nutrition to grow happy and healthy.
Feeding your dog the same bag of chips that you are eating isn’t a good idea.
Take note if it’s not good for you, you can bet that it’s not good for your dog as well.
#6: Weather
A sunny day makes you want to take a trip to the beach.
A snowy day keeps you under the covers.
Your puppy feels the same way. The weather can affect their mood and energy.
It may be too hot outside, so they just want to stay at home.
It’s quite a challenge for your puppy to stay cool under the heat of the sun.
On the other hand, cold weather may dampen their spirits.
Dogs with double coats usually like the cold weather.
But if your pup has a short coat, they want to stay warm on cold days.
#7: Genetics
Some dogs are lazier than others. Why? It’s in the blood.
Some breeds have high amounts of energy.
Other breeds prefer to lie on the couch.
Expect your puppy to love play and exercise if they’re hunting or sports dogs.
Breeds such as poodles, retrievers, huskies, and terriers, among others, enjoy an active lifestyle.
If you have a Pug, Bulldog, Chow Chow, or a Basset Hound, do not be alarmed if they want to stay at home all day.
Research about the breed of your dog to get to know them better.
Genetics plays a significant role in your puppy’s behavior.
Is it normal for puppies to have lazy days?
It’s normal for puppies to have lazy days.
Puppies are generally energetic, but a lazy day isn’t alarming.
Your pup needs to have around 12 hours of sleep a day.
You cannot consider a lazy day as usual if it happens frequently.
If your dog is usually energetic and is suddenly lazy, it’s time to observe for other signs.
Bring your dog to the vet if laziness is accompanied by other signs such as:
- Crying.
- Whining.
- Poor appetite.
- Behavior changes.
What do you do with a lazy puppy? 3 tips
#1: Healthy diet
Food is a big mood booster. A human or an animal that isn’t getting proper nutrition will feel weak and lazy.
Your pooch needs you to make sure that they’re getting the right food for growing up.
At four weeks, your pup should start eating solid food aside from milk.
Most puppies are weaned from milk by six weeks.
If your pooch is below 8 weeks, add a bit of water to the dog food.
Now that your puppy is growing, it’s time to give him the right food that he needs.
Read the label of the commercial dog food that you are buying.
Cheap dog food can have sugars or extenders that are unhealthy for a growing dog.
What exactly do you need to check in a dog food label?
First is real food ingredients. If you cannot read or identify the ingredients, that dog food isn’t a good choice.
Look at the label if the ingredients have specific meat such as beef, chicken, or lamb.
Next is the required protein and fat levels. It should depend on your dog’s weight and age.
Make sure to check the best before date. If the dog food is old, it has lost a lot of its nutritional value.
The dog food must meet the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Are there other ways to ensure that your dog gets a healthy diet?
Yes, of course. Can you cook?
A lot of dog owners have gone the home-cooked meal route.
If you have the time, it’s also a fantastic way to make sure your puppy gets all the nutrients.
A puppy’s diet should help him grow strong and healthy. A home-cooked meal packed with the proper nutrients is a must for your pooch.
What should be in your puppy’s home-cooked meal? Take a look at this list:
- Fats: fish oil, coconut oil
- Carbohydrates: rice, potatoes
- Protein: chicken, beef, fish, lamb
- Vitamins and minerals supplements
- Vegetables: broccoli, carrots spinach
Suppose you need help in creating recipes. You can check sites that promote a healthy diet in pets.
How about a mealtime schedule for your pooch?
It’s best to feed a pup three times a day. Breakfast can be at 7 am, and lunch is at noon.
Dinner is best served before five so they still have time to digest the food and have a bathroom break.
#2: Daily exercise
We all know the wonders of what exercise can do. Puppies benefit a lot from the activity.
Study says that obesity is an ongoing problem with a lot of pets. It can make them lazy and unhealthy.
The amount of exercise your pup needs depends on your pup’s age, weight, and breed.
Some dog breeds can be more energetic than others such as Poodle, Beagle, Dalmatian, and Golden Retriever… They need a more active lifestyle compared to other pups.
Your vet can give specific advice about your dog.
As a start, try a general schedule tip in your puppy’s exercise routine.
Calculate their exercise time with this formula:
1 month = 5 minutes X 2 times daily
Let’s say your puppy is four months old.
4 months x 5 minutes = 20 minutes
Your puppy’s exercise schedule should be 20 minutes, two times a day.
It can be a reason for them to be lazy if they have too many activities for the day.
How can I make sure that my puppy won’t be too exhausted?
Now, let’s talk about some tips so your puppy won’t be exhausted from too much exercise.
If you are walking your pooch, remember these safety tips:
- Prepare a rest area.
- Take a lot of breaks.
- Start with short walks.
- Give water after the walk.
- Aim to extend your walks daily.
- Make sure your pup is vaccinated.
Playing games is a fun way to exercise your pup. You can do it even when you are indoors.
Enjoy these simple games with your lovely pet such as fetch.
Ask your puppy to pick up a slipper or a toy. Reward them when they follow.
Try tug-of-war. Grab a toy and let your pup bite the other end. Let them win. Praise and reward them for winning.
Create an obstacle course at home using small furniture. Encourage your puppy with treats to run through the DIY course.
Have you heard of a Kong dog toy?
Kong toys are great for playtime and training time for your dog. Watch this video if you want to know more.
#3: Visit the vet
If your pup gets daily exercise and good nutrition but is still lazy, it’s high time to visit the vet.
Especially if it comes with other signs such as:
- Crying.
- Whining.
- Loss of appetite.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- Personality change.
Let me share a story about a puppy named Jake.
Jake was an active dog who loves walks and hikes.
Jake’s dog parent got busy and forgot to take him for a walk for a couple of days.
The puppy got lazy and just slept most of the day.
The dog parent thought this was just normal behavior, the hooman just let them be.
A few days passed, Jake didn’t eat much.
The energetic pup whined and seemed weak.
Finally, the fur parent decided to bring Jake to the vet.
It turned out, Jake was ill and needed medication.
It was not just one of those lazy days.
It was already a condition that needed treatment.
At times, it’s easy to ignore our pet’s behavior and think of it as usual.
Being observant really helps. Give enough time to check on your pet.