Have you noticed your dog not moving much lately? Do you just have a lazy dog breed on your hands, or has your normally active furry friend suddenly become a lethargic dog? Lethargy in dogs can be a sign of serious illness, so learn more about the potential causes and how to treat it. While you’re here, discover activity tracking for dogs and how it can help to keep your dog healthy and safe.
Table of contents
- Lazy dogs
- Why is my dog so lazy?
- 15 lazy dog breeds
- Lethargy in dogs
- What is lethargy in dogs?
- When to see a vet
- Causes of lethargy in dogs
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Kennel cough
- Heartworms
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Disease
- Medications
- Poisoning
- Hypothyroidism
- Other causes of lethargy in dogs
- How to treat lethargy in dogs
- Getting active again with Tractive GPS
Lazy dogs
Sometimes, when a dog is not moving a lot, it might just mean that you have a lazy dog. They may just need your help to get more active. Lazinessness in dogs does not necessarily mean that your dog has a health issue, although it certainly can. Pay attention to if your dog is just being lazy or if they show any other worrying signs of illness or distress.
Why is my dog so lazy?
If you are wondering why your dog is so lazy, there are a few possible answers. While young puppies are often full of energy, many dogs tend to slow down once they reach adulthood. Dogs of both sexes also tend to become less active after being neutered, but not always. Some dog breeds are just naturally more sedentary than others. However, if your dog becomes lazy all of a sudden, this could be a sign of sickness or injury, so see your vet if that’s the case.
15 lazy dog breeds
These low-energy dog breeds need less activity than others – it’s just their nature. You might consider them to be lazy dog breeds – or perfect apartment companions!
- Basset Hound
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- French Bulldog
- Great Dane
- Havanese
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Saint Bernard
- Shih Tzu
- Spinone Italiano
- Tibetan Mastiff
Lethargy in dogs
Sometimes, laziness in dogs may not be a normal characteristic of their age or breed and could actually be lethargy – a sign that your dog is not feeling so well. Let’s take a look at what lethargy in dogs looks like and what it may mean about your dog’s health and wellbeing.
What is lethargy in dogs?
Lethargy is the condition or quality of lacking energy; sluggishness, sleepiness, unresponsiveness or decreased interest in activity. If your dog no longer enjoys playing their favorite game of fetch or going to the dog park, or simply stops moving very much, they may be feeling lethargic.
