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We love our dogs when they are joyful, energetic, and full of life. However, dogs aren’t always in a perpetually cheerful mood. Sometimes, a dog might start acting tired, lethargic, or simply less playful than they usually are. Their behavioral change could be a sign that something is wrong in their daily routine.
Being sluggish could be a symptom of heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, Lyme disease, or even depression. A dog that refuses to leave its bed could also simply be in pain. If you are worried about your dog’s sudden lack of energy, your veterinarian should be able to figure out if something is wrong. You may discover nothing is wrong and your furry friend is just feeling lazy.
Ensuring that your dog eats nutritious food and gets enough exercise should be enough to energize them again. In addition, below are several tips on how to make a dog more energetic, so you and your canine friend can keep making the most of your time together.
1. Keep a consistent feeding routine
If your dog lacks energy, it could be due to some changes in its feeding routine. If you have started feeding your dog less often or at different times each day, this could affect their blood sugar and serotonin levels.
It’s best to keep a consistent feeding routine and, of course, to provide your dog with quality dog food that is appropriate for their age. As the Miami Vets state, “Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs, and they should have more energy if they eat food formulated for them.“
2. Consider feeding them raw dog food
Many commercial dog food brands don’t exactly contain all the nutrients and vitamins a dog needs to be full of energy. Maybe your dog could benefit from eating unprocessed, raw dog food.
Raw dog food is rich in protein, and it can make dogs healthier, with a shinier and fuller coat. It’s also possible to give raw meat to your dog, and even bones, as long as they are not cooked. Cooked bones can easily break and become a dangerous choking hazard for your dog.
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Ask a Vet Live Now3. Make sure they always have fresh water to drink
Old dogs are more at risk of dehydration than young dogs, and not drinking enough water could be why they have less energy than usual. No matter how old or how young your dog is, they should always have access to fresh water in a clean bowl.
If you are not always home to keep your dog’s water bowl full, you should consider investing in a pet fountain. Many pets tend to prefer running water to stagnant water.
4. Consider putting your dog on a diet
Maybe the reason why your dog is getting lethargic is that they are carrying too much weight. If your dog has been gaining a lot of weight, you should consider putting them on a diet. Doing this will help them lose some weight and gain back their energy. If you need some advice on putting your dog on a diet while still fulfilling their daily nutritional needs, you should speak with your veterinarian.
5. Make sure your dog gets enough daily exercise
What goes well with a diet? Exercise, of course. Even if your dog is not overweight and in need of a diet, they should still get some exercise every single day. Whether it’s going on a long walk, playing fetch, going for a swim, or running in a park, moving and having fun should make your canine friend more energetic. Senior dogs need daily exercise too, but it’s normal for them to not run and jump around as much as they did when they were puppies.
6. Take them to a local dog park
It’s important for owners to play with their dogs. From time to time, you should also allow them to play with other dogs. Going to a local dog park is a good way to get your dog to be more energetic. They will make friends, and they will play together and have fun.
This will be good for their energy levels, but it will also help them socialize more. Plus, regularly going to a dog park might allow you to meet new people and have fun as well.
7. Give them dog supplements
Just like humans, dogs sometimes need to take supplements and vitamins. These can help them have more energy, a better immune system, and a healthier body.
Dog supplements can be really beneficial to senior dogs or dogs who suffer from chronic health issues. However, before you give supplements to your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian to figure out which ones would be the best choice.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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