Many dogs are lazy, especially on hot summer days. This is especially true for some labradors. However, how do you know if a labrador is too lazy, and how can we get our lazy dog to be more active. If you have a lazy Labrador Retriever, you have likely also asked yourself: why is my labrador so lazy?
Labradors are lazy due to a poor diet, disease, or other health conditions due to old age. Exhaustion from play, extreme weather, or dehydration can also cause dogs to display lazy behavior. Labradors sleep up to 14 hours per day which contributes to their lazy perception.
In this article, we will be explaining some of the most common causes of labradors’ laziness. We will also be answering some other commonly asked questions about dogs and their sleeping habits. In addition to this, we will also be explaining when you should see a vet about your dog’s laziness.
5 Reasons Your Labrador Is So Lazy
There are five common reasons why your labrador is acting lazy. Most of these causes are nothing to worry about, or they can be easily fixed. Here are five reasons why your labrador is so lazy.
Understanding A Labradors Sleep Cycle
Dogs have a different sleep cycle than humans do. Where we sleep for around 8 hours a night, dogs tend to sleep around 14 hours a day. This is often broken up into smaller naps.
Although most dogs adapt to follow our schedules, some dogs struggle with this and are more likely to sleep more throughout the day.
It’s Their Personality
Some labradors have a more mellow and lazy personality. Due to this lack of hyperactivity, some dog wonders become concerned with their Lab’s activity level. However, if no signs of pain or illness are present, this is likely nothing to worry about.
Your Lab Is Getting Old
It is entirely normal for all dogs to become lazier in their senior years. Therefore, an older dog is most likely completely healthy if he is free of disease or pain symptoms.
Your Lab Is A Puppy
Puppies sleep a lot, and they typically need more daily sleep than the average adult dog. As a result, if you have a labrador puppy taking extra naps, don’t worry. This is entirely normal and healthy.
Your Lab Has A Poor Diet
Your dog may be acting lazy due to a poor diet. Luckily, this can easily be fixed by making some simple changes. You may also benefit from a vet’s help in case your dog requires supplements. Other symptoms of a poor diet include but are not limited to:
● Excessive weight gain or loss
● Patches of hair loss
● Skin conditions and allergies
● Diarrhea or constipation
● Smelly breath and body odor
Why Is My Labrador So Tired
Your Labrador being tired is usually nothing to worry about, especially if:
● It is very hot outside
● It is freezing outside
● They have recently been under a lot of stress
● They have recently been very excited
● They have recently done a lot of exercises
● They are a puppy or older dog
However, if your dog’s drowsiness is unusual, there is no known cause, and it lasts for more than two days, then you should visit a vet. This way, you can rule out or receive treatment for a health condition causing your dog’s tiredness.
Why Is My Dog So Lazy All Of A Sudden
Suddenly becoming lazy out of the blue could be a sign of a severe health condition, especially if it has been going on for a few days with no known cause. It would help if you also looked for any signs of pain or illness. This way, your vet will be able to give your dog the best treatment possible.
Do Labradors Sleep A lot
Yes, some Labradors do tend to sleep a lot. Usually, it is nothing to worry about. However, if they become suddenly lethargic and you notice any symptoms of illness, injury, or pain, then you should see a vet as soon as possible.
Is My Dog Sick Or Just Lazy
You can determine if your dog is acting lazy just because he is tired or because he is feeling sick. To tell the difference, it is crucial to recognize symptoms of illness and signs of pain in dogs. Some symptoms of illness in dogs include:
● Lethargy
● Diarrhea
● Constipation
● Increased Urination
● Blood in Urine
● Coughing
● Wheezing
● Sneezing
● Bad breath or body odor
● Fever
● Panting
● Any unusual discharge from the nose, eyes, etc
Some signs of pain in dogs can include:
● Lethargy
● Hiding
● Limping
● Wincing when touched
● Avoiding physical contact
● Shaking or falling
Recognizing these signs of illness and pain in dogs will allow you to know the difference between a healthy and unhealthy lazy dog. Similarly, you will know when you should visit a vet.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Overtired?
There are some clear signs that your dog is feeling overtired. Like small children, many dogs and puppies appear to be very hyper when they are overtired. Some signs that your dog is overtired or exhausted include:
● Excessive yawning and lip licking
● Lying down
● Acting hyper and having “the zoomies”
● Having trouble focusing on you
● Panting
● Sniffing at the ground
● Hiding
● A lack of playfulness
How Do I Keep My Labrador Active
There are many ways that you can keep your labrador active. Typically, labs need at least one good walk a day with additional playtime to keep physically fit. In addition to walks, you can participate in activities like playing fetch, swimming, going on jogs, and going to the dog park. If you are looking to change up your playtime, you may be interested in incorporating things like a flirt pole and games of tug of war into your routine. In addition to this, you can participate in dog sports. Examples of dog sports include but are not limited to agility courses, competitive frisbee tournaments, and flyball.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Being Lazy
If your dog has a clean bill of health but is still acting lazy, all you need to do is get out with them. Taking them out with you when you are allowed and doing more physical activities with your dog that they enjoy will likely make them less lazy.
Things To Consider
Although a lazy dog is usually nothing to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of a disease or health condition. We have already mentioned some symptoms of illness and signs of pain that you should look out for, but what diseases and health conditions cause; lethargy in dogs? Some diseases that can cause lethargy in dogs include but are not limited to:
● Heartworm disease
● Parvo
● Kennel Cough
In addition to infectious diseases, lethargy can be caused by other types of health conditions, including:
● Cancer
● Canine diabetes
● Heart disease
● Hypoglycemia
● Hip dysplasia
● Eye problems
● Hearing loss
● Hip Dysplasia
● Arthritis
● Dental issues
● UTIs and bladder infections
● Pancreatitis
Although this long list seems worrying, most of these conditions are more common as dog’s age, and most are relatively rare. The critical takeaway from this list is acknowledging any strange and troubling symptoms that your dog may have by visiting the vet, even though laziness in dogs is usually harmless.
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