My Puppy sleeps a lot

[phillies]

Hi
I hope I am posting this in the right section!!! I have had my boxer puppy for about 4 months now and he is 6 months old. When we first got him he I felt like he was so full of energy, running around,wrestling with my fiance and interacting with other people/dogs; however, recently I have noticed that he is lazy and sleeping all day long. We take him over to visit my family and he is so shy and timid around them. I just had a week off from work so I was able to spend time with him and he slept all day long!! I take him on two or three long walks a day and he enjoys walking, but then will come home and be lazy again. He has his moments where he has all the energy, but it doesn't last long. I am just wondering if this is normal or if there is anything I can do! I play with him, but after a few mins he dies on me
I know I am probably an overprotective mommy, but it worries me a bit! I feel like he is depressed and I don't know why! Also, he isn't eating as much as he used too. I put food out for him and he used to eat it all right away now he has a few mouthfuls and then stops eating. I feel like he isn't eating as much as he used too.

Am i being too overprotective!?! This is my first puppy so everything/anything he does i question!!

Any suggestions or comments I will appreciate

 

[johann]

I'd probably call the vet and make an appointment for a quick checkup. It's probably nothing, but better to be safe. It's normal for boxer puppies to sleep quite a bit, but the "dies on me quickly" worries me. That makes me think of exercise intolerance. What are temps where you are? That being said, I once took Johann to vet for "lethargy" and in addition to immediately perking up and being hyper in the office (they always like to prove you wrong :p ), he'd grown 4 lbs since his last visit. Then we are able to start noticing on days when he slept all day....he was going through a big growth spurt.

Being shy around new people or at your parents house, it sounds like he's gone in to his 2nd fear stage. Do a search and you'll find some great info about it....it's a perfectly normal stage that he's going thru. Johann decided during this time that skateboarders, trash bins, and all people with hats/helmets on were very, very scary. Not convenient in wintertime in Maine.

With the feeding, he may not be as hungry or not like the food. What are you feeding and how much? If he's being overfed, then he won't be interested in gobbling down his meals.

 

[Jan]

It is normal for puppies to sleep 75% of the time. Is he sleeping more than that? How long are the walks? I think it would be normal for pups to want to have a nap after a long walk. Puppies appetites will vary depending on how much growing they are doing. What are you feeding? Is he still on puppy food?

If you are really concerned about your pup, take him to your vet for a check up. It is always better safe than sorry.