My Dog Won’t Play With Me: 4 Reasons Why
Are you often asking yourself, it is normal that my dog won’t play with me? A playful pup is a good sign that your dog is both happy and healthy, so it’s no wonder only natural to be you’ve started to become concerned when you’ve noticed if your dog doesn’t play anymore, or less than usual.
Keep reading while we explore the common reasons why dogs stop playing, and what you can do to encourage more playtime.
Why won’t my dog play with me?
Naturally, certain breeds of dogs are more energetic than others, some will enjoy walking, socializing, and playing more than others. Often their experiences during their puppy years will determine their behaviors throughout adulthood, so it’s important your puppy has plenty of opportunities to play whilst they’re young.
Allowing your pup to become comfortable in social settings will have a positive impact on their temperament, which will benefit you both in the future.
If you’re wondering why your dog doesn’t play anymore, it may be due to these common reasons:
Health issues
Old age
Fear
Low physical activity levels
Now, let’s explore each of these reasons in more detail.
Health Issues
When you start to notice that your dog doesn’t play anymore, this could be a sign that they’re experiencing underlying health issues. Have you noticed any other recent changes in their behavior? Maybe they’re not as interested in going on walks or have a poor appetite. If you suspect any of these then we would strongly advise speaking to your vet who will be able to help.
Regardless of age, health issues can have a huge effect on our dogs and sometimes they can be difficult to notice. If your dog doesn’t play anymore, this could be a sign they’re experiencing discomfort. Dental issues are a common health issue that will impact your pup’s ability to play with their toys.
Just like with us humans, health issues can worsen over time if left untreated. Sometimes it’s handy when you’re on adventures with your pup to find a quick fix before you’re able to seek professional veterinary treatment.
Old Age
Old age could certainly be one of the reasons why your dog doesn’t play anymore. Certain breeds that are not naturally active may experience this once they reach adulthood. Regular socialization during their puppy years will support your dog in being friendly and playful around new people and other pups!
Make sure you’re always ready for your next adventure with our fabulous selection of dog leashes and collars. Personalize yours in a few simple steps and choose your favorite design. Plus, each collar is completely adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit.
As your pup grows older it’s completely normal for their energy levels to drop. They may not require as many walks as they needed when they were an energetic puppy and now rather than spending hours playing fetch, they might just prefer taking a nap. Ensure you’re always prioritising their comfort with a soft dog blanket for them to snuggle up to.
@franktheboston19 wearing Bone and Paw Pattern: Personalized Fabric Collar
Is Your Dog Afraid to Play?
There’s a chance that your dog doesn’t play anymore because they’re afraid to play, and they may have had a negative experience during play that scared them.
However, there are different ways you can stimulate your dog to play. Ensuring you have a selection of interactive dog toys is a great way to start, as well as giving your pup plenty of positive affirmations so they associate play with happy experiences.
Why not combine walkies with play? If your pup loves being outdoors in the fresh air, make sure to bring some of their favorite toys along on your next dog walk. You can keep them safe in your personalized dog walking bag, it’s the perfect place to store all your dog walking essentials.
@paisley_thecockerdor with Abstract Pattern: Personalised Dog Walking Bag
Low Physical Activity Levels
Health issues and old age are both factors that can impact your pup’s activity levels. However, it’s important to provide your dog with the right amount of physical and mental stimulation. Their breed can also affect how much exercise they need to keep healthy.
Short and regular walks are an excellent idea if you suspect your pup is experiencing a low desire for exercise, that way you’re not pushing them too far. It’s important to also consult your vet if you suspect your dog’s low activity levels are unusual and may be a cause for concern.
Yappy to Help
We hope these reasons help to answer why your dog doesn’t play anymore and give you an idea of how you can encourage your dog to play with you again.
As mentioned above, if you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior then it’s always best to consult your vet for professional medical advice.
Walkies with Yappy
Make sure you’re fully kitted out for your next walkies session with the pup! At Yappy, we have a wide selection of dog walk essentials, including leashes and collars and walking bags. Or why not keep yourself hydrated while out exercising with your own water bottle or travel mug?
For any further information or if you need help personalizing your new goodies, please don’t hesitate to contact us at help@yappy.com.
