Why is my dog so sleepy after playing fetch and a long walk?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Dogs can get tired to the point when all they want to do it sleeping. However, most of the time they get more energy after 2-3hrs of rest. Please, give Tadashi 3-4 hrs to rest and then try to feed him and offer him some water. He should be brighter and should have a drink and eat some food. If he remains lethargic, sleepy and off food, it could be a sign of muscular of joint pain from excessive exercising. In that case, you should get him checked by your local vets in the morning.

It could be that Mulky was exhausted from his day, and was very tired. Given that he is fine in the morning, that would be my guess. I would keep an eye on him, and rest him today. I hope this helps!

It could be that Mickey is feeling unwell, and that's leading him to be a little more lethargic than normal. I would keep an eye on him for now, and if this lethargy continues over the next 24-48 hours, I would have him seen by a vet for a health check. If he develops other signs such as anorexia, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, I would take Mickey into a vet sooner.

If it's quite hot where you are, that can explain why Snowball isn't playing as much as usual. That would be a good thing, as playing too much in the heat will lead to heat stroke, which is too often fatal. I would keep an eye on her, and make sure she stays as cool as possible. If this behavior does continue, a check up with the vet to be safe would be recommended. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If lethargy is the only sign you are seeing at the moment, I would continue to monitor him for now as this could be just a transient thing due to discomfort from a long hike for example, among other possibilities. However, if this continues throughout the day or he develops any other signs such as inappetence, vomiting and/or diarrhea, have him evaluated then. Good luck!

Yes, dogs do get sore muscles just like us! It sounds like Auggie might have just overdone it yesterday. If he is eating and drinking normally, and just tired, he is likely just still worn out and sore. If he still seems not himself after 24-48 hours I'd be worried it might be more serious and consider taking him in for a vet visit and potentially some anti-inflammatory pain medication.

Yes, some dogs will choose to be more active during the cooler part of the day. If Charlie isn’t more active in the evening, or his laziness is associated with a poor appetite, increased breathing rate, vomiting or any other signs, it would be best to have him checked out by a vet.