What do you do for a dog that is listless but still eating?

Answer

It's always best to see your vet for some blood testing to be sure your dog is healthy. If the vet finds nothing then you have to figure it out and here are some causes that will make a dog depressed or listless:

• If their owner goes to work
• If their environment is disturbed such as guests staying over or improvements on the house are made.
• Not enough exercise. It's wise to take quality time to walk your dog and find a park or trail where you can let your dog off leash. Particularly large dogs need lots of exercise. Play ball in the park on a one to one basis with your dog.
• Arguing in a household also upsets pets.
• Children mauling a pet will often make the dog listless as they don't like to be constantly annoyed even if they have a great deal of patience with children.
• If they are not on a feeding schedule or give enough affection. Each dog is different and some dogs are very independent, but I find most need play time, cuddling and 'good dog' and lots of encouragement.
• Some dogs actually miss their own kind, so you may think of getting a smaller dog if you have a large dog (the two will be fine together.) Mixed breeds such as Cockapoos, Cairn X, West Highlands are all great dogs. I always have two dogs and they are the best of friends. If one has to stay at the vets over night then the other is depressed until the other dog comes home.

Please see your vet first.