Is my Dog Tired?

How do I know if my dog is tired? Dog are great at communication, we are just bad at reading their signs. It is important to know the signs of fatigue, so you can watch for them as your dog is exercising.

      How do I know if my dog is tired? Dog are great at communication, we are just bad at reading their signs. It is important to know the signs of fatigue, so you can watch for them as your dog is exercising. If you are just starting an exercise program with your dog, you may see signs within just a few minutes. This is especially true in hot environments.

      One very important sign is a spade or spatula shaped tongue, where the tongue enlarges and begins to curl at the end. This is how your dog attempts to cool himself through evaporation, this is a sign of overheating. If you see this sign it is time to stop exercise and cool your dog down! Often times we think our dog is just being defiant when they refuse to do what we are asking; however, this is more often as sign your dog is getting tired, having pain, or physiologic stress.

There is quite a few signs that can point you to them being tired;

• Excessive Panting/Lip licking
• Lagging behind on a walk
• Limping
• Scuffing their toe nails
• Muscle tremors
• Refusal to exercise
• Sitting or Laying down In incorrect form
• Decreased interest in treats
• Avoidance
• Yawning
• Spade/Spatula Shaped Tongue

Please become familiar with them and watch for them as your dog exercises. 

      As dogs become older they do tire out quicker, however, that doesn't mean they don't need exercise. Read your dogs cue's and they will tell you all you need to know.