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Why Is My Puppy Lazy and Sleeps All Day (What to Do)?

Laziness is a normal behavior for puppies at times. However, it could also be a sign that your puppy is depressed, sick, inactive, has intestinal parasites, and so many other reasons.

Thankfully, it’s easy to discover the specific reason behind this behavior and work to fix it if you know all the signs.

8 Causes for Your Puppy’s Laziness

There are a few possible reasons why your puppy might be lazy, including the following:

  1. He’s Still Growing and Needs Lots of Sleep
Puppy Sleeping with teddy bear

Puppies may appear to be lazy creatures, but there's actually a very good reason for their seeming lethargy. 

Puppies are still growing, and in order to support that growth, they need lots of sleep. In fact, puppies can spend up to 18 hours a day asleep!

This is actually considered normal behavior for a puppy, so there's nothing to worry about if your little pup spends most of his time napping. 

However, it's important to ensure that puppies have plenty of opportunities to play and exercise.

Why?

This healthy life structure will help them develop into healthy, strong, and happy adult dogs. 

So, next time you see your puppy dozing off, remember that he's just doing what nature intended. Take a deep breath, cause your little pup is just being his healthy self.

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  1. He’s Not Getting Enough Exercise 

Puppies are often lazy because they're not getting enough exercise. 

They require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and fit, but many owners don't realize how much exercise their pups actually need.

As a result, puppies often become overweight and inactive. But, it's never too late to start getting your little pup active again. 

A few simple changes can significantly affect your little fido's energy levels and overall health.

Take your puppy for walks or runs more often, play fetch, and ensure he has plenty of space to run around and explore. 

With a little bit of effort, you can help your little pup stay healthy and active for years to come.

  1. He’s Bored or Understimulated
Bored Dog Lying on the Floor

You might think that your little pup is acting like a sloth, but in reality, he may just be bored or understimulated.

The little pups need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

If they don't get enough exercise, they can become restless and destructive. Boredom can also lead to problems such as chewing and barking.

Puppies need a variety of toys and activities to keep them occupied, and their parents should shower them with love and attention.

  1. He’s Sick or in Pain

Puppies may be sleepy because they're sick or in pain, feeling fatigued from rapid growth, or simply adjusting to a new environment.

Observing puppies closely is crucial to determine whether their laziness is due to a health issue or if they're just taking a much-needed rest.

Suppose your little pup is lethargic and seems unable to muster the energy to play or eat. In that case, it's best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia can make your little pup lazy and sluggish.

Puppies who are healthy and enjoying life will have periods of laziness, but they'll also be eager to explore their surroundings and interact with people and other animals.

Knowing when puppies are just being puppies and when they need medical attention is an essential trait to have as a responsible pet owner.

Helpful Dog Health Resource:

Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 14 yrs+ without pain and suffering.

  1. He’s Actually Depressed

Depression is sometimes mistaken for laziness, especially in puppies.

Yes, your little pup can get depressed just like people, and for many of the same reasons.

He may be lonely, bored, or anxious. Depression can also be caused by hormone changes or an underlying medical condition.

Puppies who are lazy and don't want to play may show signs of depression, so it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes.

If your puppy is diagnosed with depression, there are many treatment options available that can help him feel better.

  1. He’s Lazy Because of the Weather
 Dog on the field in the sun

Puppies are often lazy during the summer because of the weather.

The hot temperatures can make them lethargic, so they may not want to play as much as they usually would.

However, there are still plenty of ways to keep your pup active during the summer months.

Take him for walks in the morning or evening when it's cooler outside, and make sure he drinks plenty of water so that he doesn’t get dehydrated.

Puppies can also enjoy swimming and playing in sprinklers to help stay cool. 

  1. He Has Intestinal Parasites

Little pups might act a bit sluggish because they have intestinal parasites, which can sap their energy levels.

Your little pup can pick up these parasites from his mother's milk or from contact with contaminated soil or water.

The most common type of intestinal parasite in puppies is the roundworm, which can live in the puppy's intestines and grow up to eight inches long.

Roundworms can make your precious pup lose his appetite, experience diarrhea, and even vomit.

If your puppy has been infected for a long time, he may even lose weight. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for puppies with intestinal parasites.

If you think your beloved puppy may have parasites, talk to your veterinarian. With prompt treatment, your puppy will return to his playful self in no time.

  1. He Belongs to a Lazy Dog Breed

Did you know that some dogs have laziness embedded in their DNA?

Perhaps your little pub’s laziness has nothing to do with him feeling sick or being young. It’s just part of his nature!

Here is a list of dogs who are naturally lazy:

However, whether your dog is sluggish in nature or not, he still needs to exercise regularly to live a long, healthy life.