Your Dog Isn’t Lazy—Here’s What They’re Really Telling You!
Subtle signs of discomfort pet parents often miss!
Happy New Year! As we transition from the craziness of the holidays and enter into the new year, we often decide to make resolutions to get stronger, fitter, and lose some of that Christmas cookie pounds! Many times we bring our furry friend along with us on that fitness reset. However, what if you notice your friend has been slowing down lately- sleeping more, hesitant on walks, or just choosing more rest over play?! It’s easy to assume they’re just being lazy….or “getting older.”
But in most cases, that’s not what’s happening!
Dogs don’t become lazy overnight! They become careful!
Slowing down is often your dog’s quiet way of saying “ Wait, something doesn’t feel right in my body”
Why Dogs Hide Discomfort So Well
Dogs are incredibly adaptable. When something hurts, they rarely complain. Most often you’ll see them move anyway and adjust with:
moving less
resting/sleeping more
avoiding certain movements
asking for shorter walks
hesitating before movements
or doing the activity and then limping afterwards or more trouble changing positions!
To us, it may look like laziness.
To their body, it’s self-protection/recovery!
Common Signs That Get Misread as “Lazy”
Many of the earliest signs of pain or mobility changes are subtle. You might notice your dog:
Taking longer to get up after resting
Moving stiffly for the first few steps
Avoiding stairs, jumping, or hesitating before getting in the car
Sitting or lying down more carefully
Losing interest in activities they once loved
Sleeping more than usual
Standing or sitting “crooked”
These behaviors aren’t personality changes—they’re movement changes!
What’s Really Going On!
Behind the scenes your dog may be experiencing:
arthritis
joint inflammation
muscle weakness
compensation from and old injury
reduced balance or stability
stiffness/pain
Because dog’s don’t show pain, they adapt quietly—until those adaptations start limiting their movement and ultimately their quality of life!
By the time a dog limps consistently or the adaptations begin to become more obvious, the body has likely already been compensating for too long. Muscles become weaker, joints overloaded, and movement patterns change! A pain cycle develops that makes “normal” much more difficult.
The best time to support mobility is when the signs are small—when your dog is still moving but maybe more cautiously or getting “lazy”!
This is when PT can do the most magic! At Aligned ARF, LLC physical therapy is about listening to what your dog’s body is saying—at all times! We can intervene by:
reducing stiffness and inflammation
rebuilding strength and stability
correcting compensations
improving posture and balance
restoring confidence in movement
Helping get back to that New Year fitness journey with you!
Many dogs don’t need to just “push harder”
They need the support to get their body moving the right way!
The Takeaway
Your dog isn’t trying to be lazy! They are communicating through movement!
When we learn to recognize these early signs, we can step in with compassion, education, and care—getting them the help they need early to help them stay active, comfortable, and joyful as long as possible!
Because slowing down doesn’t have to mean missing out!!!
Contact us to book a consultation or learn more about how physical therapy can make all the difference for your dog’s mobility.
Because your pet deserves comfort, connection, and a body that supports the beautiful life they’re here to live!
