We just adopted a cocker spaniel but she's always sleeping and gets tired easily. Is there something wrong?

Question

Since she was adopted, we dont know much about her past. She's about 5 - 8 years old. She doesn't play either. She just follows people around. I'm worried that there might be something seriously wrong with her. Help!

Answer 1

ALL dogs spend a large part of their lives sleeping, but the lack of energy you describe may be telling. The cockers I have known have been very lively and playful.

Depression is a very real probability, even in dogs. One question comes to mind. How long since she came into your family? She may be missing her old family and can only follow people, but not know how else to deal with strangers.

I can't know, for sure, but I would doubt the dog was badly mistreated or beat by the former owners. Dogs with such a background would be more skittish and shy. Either that or violently agressive.

Best thing would be for her to get a good physical check up. If you had intended to keep her, this would be a good idea anyway. The check up will provide two things. It wil either point to a physical reason for her behavior, or eliminate a physical problem. It will also establish a baseline for the vet to refer to in future visits. With this baseline, you can detect changes that tell you of potential problems.

If it's only been a short time that she has been a part of your household, then give her time. Show her LOTS of love and affection. Make the time to play with her to encourage her more natural behaviors.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Was this dog checked by a vet before you adopted her? If so, I'd give her time to adjust to you. She may not be used to exercise, so start walking her every day, twice if you can, but keep the distances short to begin with and keep and eye on her for signs of fatigue.

Dogs need to be taught to play as puppies. If no one played with this dog, she may not know how to play. Or it could be that she's been moved from home to home a few times and it will naturally take her a while to really trust you. She's following you - that's a good sign that she wants companionship.

If she wasn't seen by a vet, take her in for a check- up, but for the rest, she needs time, love and lots of patience - she'll come around when she feels more secure.

Answer 3

I would call the vet and make an appointment. In the meantime I would note how often she drinks water and goes # 1 & #2 and if she strians. Some dogs just need time to adjust but a good physicalexam will not hurt either. :-)

Good Luck

Answer 4

Perfectly normal. I have a 7yr old Cocker Spaniel and all she does is sleep. She follows me every as well. Their fabulous dogs we just love ours. Good Luck

Answer 5

no not really she is just getting a little older and you might have her on the wrong type of dog foo id suggest Alpo dog food i used to use that for my cockers and she might also just be a little scared yet and follows people around because she might feel safe then

Answer 6

Have her checked at the vet. They will probly want to check her for heart worms. Is she wormy? Tell by pale gums. Should be nice and pink. Take her for walks and let her get more exercise might have just been cooped up most of her life. Spend time and enjoy her.

Answer 7

my 7 year old labrador did the same thing, she would play some but not much, and most of the time she would lay in the grass,

Answer 8

some dogs just like to sleep alot and are just lazy my dogs the same way but if your real worried about it u should take her to the vet

Answer 9

try going to the vet she might not be felling well but if thats not the case try getting a puppy to play with she might be lonly

Answer 10

theres nothing wrong with her all young and old puppies sleep allday they need energy to move around