Inactive Canine? How to Boost Your Dog’s Energy

Have you noticed that your dog has been unusually sluggish lately and just not like their old self? Any sign of changes in your dog’s behavior is not something to take lightly. Energy loss can be a symptom of a metabolic condition or circulatory disease, which needs to be taken care of as soon as possible so your dog can live a healthy, active life.

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If you’re at a loss about your furry friend’s sudden decline, consider these tips on boosting your dog’s energy and putting the pep back in their step.

1.  Visit the Vet

If you’ve noticed a drastic change in your pet’s energy levels, you must book a visit to the vet. A sudden lack of energy can result from severe and minor medical conditions, both of which need to be treated so your dog can live a happy life.

While taking your dog to the vet for a check-up may seem unnecessary and like a strain on your pocketbook, you must follow up on any significant changes you may observe in your pet. If you feel uneasy about the cost of large vet bills, investing in an affordable monthly pet insurance plan could be an excellent solution for your household.

2.  Provide Good Nutrition

When it comes to your dogs diet, giving high-quality dog food is vital to their energy levels. You must ensure that your puppy has enough fuel to sustain every activity. There are several diet-related causes of loss of energy in dogs, including:

• Sudden reduction of calorie intake – This may be because your dog isn’t eating enough, or you may have quickly reduced the amount of food he eats per mealtime to aid his diet.
• Modification of feeding time or frequency – A change in the timing and frequency of your dog’s meals can affect his serotonin levels and blood sugar. Consider reverting to your usual feeding routine and checking if your dog’s energy improves.
• Change of diet – Any changes to a dog’s usual diet affect his energy levels. Your dog may digest his new food differently, affecting his serotonin levels and blood sugar. If your dog is doing well with his original diet, you may want to revert to it or search for another option with similar nutrients.

Feeding your dog more high-energy dog food is advisable to get him back on his feet. Doing so will give him enough energy to support body functions and maintain body temperature. Good sources of energy include:

• Protein – This should account for about 20 percent of your dog’s overall diet. Raw meat is a good source of pure protein, with lamb meat being popular.
• Fats – As a concentrated form of energy, fats should make up 9-15 percent of your dog’s diet. Essential fats are easily found in commercial dog foods, so get a good brand with this ingredient.
• Vitamins and minerals – Make sure you give your pup food rich in essential vitamins, including energy-boosting Vitamin B and Vitamin D, which are necessary for their overall well-being. Just as with humans, a lack of Vitamin B and D can cause a sluggish, depressed dog. Look for dog food that indicates “complete and balanced” to ensure your dog has all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs.

3.  Reduce Your Dog’s Weight

If your dog carries too much weight, it can affect his joints, blood circulation, and other vital organs. If you notice your dog gaining weight for no metabolic reason, slimming him down is the best thing to help him regain his energy levels. Put your dog on a diet to lose weight and reach a healthy size.

Establishing an exercise routine is also a good idea. Commit to a schedule of walking your dog during the mornings and evenings.  Add at least one strenuous weekly activity to help your dog maintain great shape.

4.  Play Games

Even a simple game of fetch with your dog is a fine addition to his daily exercise. To make it more fun, you can add the use of both soft and hard dog toys to the activity to keep your pup interested in the game. There’s no need to travel far to play the game; your backyard or any nearby park will suffice.

Your dog can also enjoy playtime more when it is with another dog. Both canines can make up games independently, and they won’t even realize that their simple play is already an exercise. Find a doggie friend for your beloved pooch to make his leisure time more enjoyable.

5.  Consider Vet-Approved Supplements

Supplements can be especially beneficial for a senior dog suffering from arthritis, as this may prevent them from living an active life. An Omega 3 fatty acid, as well as microlactin, chondroitin, and glucosamine are all beneficial for reducing the inflammation of arthritis, helping your pet to live life to its full potential. If you’re unsure which supplement your furry friend should take, talk to your veterinarian about which may be best suited for your pet.

6.  Make Sure Your Dog is Well Hydrated

Lots of clean, cool drinking water is as important for dogs as it is for humans, and lethargy in your pet can be a sign of dehydration. While dogs can get dehydrated at any time of year, the risk runs highest in the summer, when heat stroke is also the most common. Ensure that your dog’s water bowl is always full of fresh water, and bring a portable water bowl for long walks.

7.  Provide Regular Walks and Outdoor Exercise

Ensuring your dog is getting enough exercise can help boost their overall energy levels and prevent boredom. Whether or not your dog suffers from a weight issue, a lazy dog is often a bored dog.

Dogs can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) the same way humans can, so regular exposure to the sunshine can make a big difference in their mood. Ensure your dog is still getting an ample amount of exercise during the winter months, and place your dog’s bed in an area of the house that receives the most sun.

Final Thoughts

To keep your animal friend active and healthy, give him nutritious food and lots of fresh, clean water, and engage him in activities that will catch his interest. But above all, make sure to visit the vet regularly for check-ups and ensure he has complete dog vaccinations.

Remember, don’t take inactivity for granted; it could point to a significant health issue affecting your dog’s life quality.