4 Ways To Tell if Your Dog Is Lazy or Losing Mobility

A shaggy rich brown dog lying on a blue-gray leather couch, looking at the camera with its paw over the edge.

Remember those days when your dog couldn’t wait to get out the door for their morning walk? Now, they seem content to snooze all day. Is this behavior just a phase, or could something more be going on? This blog post will explore four ways to determine if your dog is simply feeling lazy or experiencing a decline in mobility.

Identifying Behavioral Clues

Changes in your dog’s behavior can be subtle but significant. Pay close attention to how they interact with you and their environment. If they enjoy sleeping the day away but are able to get up out of bed without any difficulty, you likely just have a lazy dog. However, if your dog lays in bed all day and seems to have a hard time getting up, they could be experiencing mobility issues.

Additionally, observe changes in sleep habits. Dogs that appear to oversleep, beyond their usual patterns, could be signaling an underlying health issue rather than laziness.

Ways to Spot Mobility Issues

Sudden Changes in Movement

A dog with mobility issues may look stiff as they walk around. Uneven weight distribution or refusal to jump onto furniture could also be markers of discomfort.

Less Involvement in Activities

A dog’s reluctance to engage in walks or favorite activities isn’t always a sign of disinterest. Older dogs or those experiencing occasional stiffness might simply need a few moments to get moving. However, you should investigate further if this behavior persists. Underlying discomfort or health issues could be preventing them from enjoying their usual activities.

Signs Of Pain During Contact

Physical signs such as whining, growling when touched, or restlessness after handling can hint at soreness. Take into consideration the dog’s breed and age as well. Some common dog breeds that are susceptible to mobility issues include German Shepherds and Dachshunds.

Noticeable Physical Symptoms

Limping, stiffness in movement, or swollen joints, when not directly related to a known injury, should be considered a significant concern. These symptoms could indicate underlying mobility issues. Additionally, pay close attention to your dog’s behavior during colder weather, as cold temperatures can exacerbate mobility problems.

Respecting Dogs with Mobility Challenges

If you suspect your dog is struggling with pain or mobility, interact with them respectfully. For instance, if you have children, you may need to read up on some safety tips for having kids around dogs. You will likely need to supervise any interactions between your child and dog until you’re sure your child knows to respect your dog.

Proactive Steps for Mobility Concerns

Keep these four ways to determine if your dog is lazy or losing mobility in mind as you observe your dog’s behavior. If your observations align with mobility troubles, schedule a consultation with a veterinarian promptly for professional advice and treatment plans. Solutions can range from physical therapy and medications to orthopedic beds, wheelchairs, or ramps.

3 Comments

  • heather

    I love all posts about pets and pet health. Our dog is super old but she still gets around really well. We have discovered that whe has ‘selective hearing’. She acts like she can’t hear you but man… if you touch that treat bag she is johnny on the spot!!!!

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