Sleepy Dog

by sugar's mom
(texas)

My sweet sweet dog SUGAR is almost 8 and unless i am walking her for her bathroom breaks .... ALL SHE DOES IS SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP.

She has a few bursts of energy where she runs to me to rub her tummy, sits until i get to the other end of the hall and then runs really fast SMILING, sits til i get to the other end of the hall and runs really fast but then it's time to SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP!!!!

I'm new to being a dog mom (adopted her 3 months ago) and am concerned about her lack of energy :(

Can't get her to play with any toys either ... She is just a SWEET SWEET SUGAR with no energy.

Should i be concerned?

thanks in advance

PS: is it possible to teach an "old dog new tricks"?

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Aug 30, 2011
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Sleepy Dog
by: Anonymous

Try high energy dog food. Your vet or a Coton Association could recommend one. I have observed that some dogs, even cats seem to "forget" how to play if not sufficiently stimulated every day. One smart, but very serious and sedentary middle aged sweetie who had always lived with a loving, elderly lady became a different dog within a month of being adopted. Lost weight, "laughed" and started behaving like a frisky pup! I attributed that to food, long walks and free runs, socialization and just plain stimulation at home. I also borrowed a little kid for a half hour of play every day! Have you tried dog parks for free runs?

The average dog sleeps 13 to 16 hours a day. A dog will also sleep to cope with stress or boredom. Pets will often adjusts their activity and fun cycles to their humans. For sheer excitement with my two furfaces - a walk in the country!

Aug 06, 2011
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You can teach an old dog new tricks!
by: Sherry (Alaska)

Absolutely you can teach old dogs new tricks! I think they are easier to train when they are a little older. My Miniature poodle learned to wave bye-bye at 15 years of age. It was a snap to teach her, once I knew how. And, yes, you have a lot of loving years left with Sugar! She's probably only about 30-40 years old in people years!

Aug 06, 2011
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Sleepy Sugar
by: Sherry (Alaska)

My Coton is only 1 year old, and of course full of energy. She has 2 toy poodle companions too. However, I used to have a Mini poodle who died of old age at 18. She grew up as an only dog. She was never much for playing, (would lose interest easily) never much on chew toys or chew bones. When she was 14 I added a boxer puppy to the household. What a total transformation in the poodle. It was the first time I had seen her really act like a dog, chewing and playing with toys. The key was just plain competition.

It could be that your Sugar is just not used to playing. Maybe she grew up as an "only dog" too.

I would definitely take her to the vet to rule out any medical issues, if you haven't already. But otherwise, it could just be her "nature". Good luck with your Sweet Dog.

Cinderella's mom.

Aug 06, 2011
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sleepy sugar
by: Deborah

First of all your Sugar is not old...I have been told w/proper food, water and exercise, of course, this breed could live to be 20. So you have many years of sweet companionship and love to come. Have you spoken to previous owner/vet about the seeming lack of energy? Need to know if this is her dispositon, or a change may have occurred. Is she depressed from the loss of her last companion? Food is important so you may wish to revisit her meal...If you can't get a "history" on her..then by all means I would speak to a reputable Coton breeder and a vet. Good luck...she sounds darling. We have two boys Finnegan and O'Reilly.

Aug 06, 2011
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sleepy dog
by: Anonymous

hi sugar's mommy..i'm rudy's mommy..try taking her walks..my daughter has a lopsa opsa...he was like that..she started walking him about a 1/2 mile a day..it helped..an a lot..

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