It’s impossible to be everything to everyone all the time. From the daily 9-to-5, to kids, bills and errands, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that’s important to you.
Oftentimes it’s our four-legged friends who suffer the most when our worlds get too crazy. They are faithful to a fault, allowing their own needs to fall by the wayside when they sense that their humans are stressed.
Our loving canines have been known to take our worry and tension onto themselves, so if you see your pooch displaying any of the following signs, make time for a one-on-one doggy date. Spending a day at the beach or the park romping and acting silly with your furry BFF is a surefire way to make them feel the love – and it’s great for your mental health, too!
1. Sleeping More Than Usual
Dogs sleep far more than humans, and that’s perfectly healthy; but if your pooch suddenly prefers napping over activities he used to love, it may be cause for concern. Lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to anxiety, destructive behaviors and house soiling, so be sure to take this issue seriously. Try to set aside time each day for a long walk or vigorous play session so your dog has something to look forward to.
2. Weight Gain
Food is definitely not a substitute for love and attention. Some pup parents think that overindulging with extra treats will make up for neglecting their dog’s mental and physical needs. If you are tempted to shower your pup with calorie-packed snacks to atone for your busy schedule, try a pat on the head or a few sweet words instead. Your dog will “eat up” the attention.
3. Poor Appetite
A sudden change in appetite warrants a visit to your vet to rule out serious health issues. If there is no medical reason for the change, it may indicate that your pup is feeling anxious, depressed or neglected. Dogs rely on their routine to feel safe and secure, so try to keep mealtimes on a set schedule. Providing a play session or walk afterwards as a reward for eating consistently is a great motivator.
4. Acting Out
Anyone who’s ever had a puppy knows that you are bound to lose a few sneakers and throw pillows along the way. But if your adult dog suddenly begins misbehaving or acting out, it may be a sign that he needs more love. Try prioritizing your pooch’s physical needs with lots of exercise and attention. If the problem persists, see your vet or consult a behaviorist to rule out a more serious issue.
5. Overgrown Toenails
Trimming your dog’s nails should be part of a healthy grooming routine, so overgrown nails could be a sign that you’ve been neglecting your paw-renting duties. Well exercised dogs that frequently walk on pavement tend to keep their nails at bay longer. If your pup’s nails are getting long, it’s time to get moving–and for a trim.
6. Depression
Signs like a lack of interest in food or toys, obsessive behavior, house soiling and destructiveness could indicate that your dog is suffering from some serious emotional distress. Without their humans, a dog’s world is empty and bleak. They depend on us to be their chef, janitor, coach, mentor and best friend. When we become too wrapped up in our own lives to make time for them, it is truly devastating.
Dogs have the power to raise our spirits, lower our blood pressure and make a stressful world seem a whole lot brighter. Make sure you give them all the love and affection they need in return – they certainly deserve it!
H/T to Pet360
Featured Image via Instagram/MohawksMoProblems
Toledo, United States.
