My Puppys Not Eating Much and Sleeps a Lot: What Should I Do?

Okay, so, my little buddy, a golden retriever pup named Max, wasn't acting like his usual bouncy self. Normally, he's all over his food, but suddenly he was just picking at it. And the sleeping! He was snoozing way more than usual, even for a puppy.

First reaction: Freak Out!

Naturally, I panicked. I mean, he's my baby! I immediately started Googling, and, oh boy, that was a mistake. Everything from minor tummy troubles to serious illnesses popped up. My anxiety went through the roof.

Taking a Deep Breath & Observing

I took a step back and decided to be a bit more methodical. I made sure to observe to try and figure it out.

• Checked for other symptoms: Was he throwing up? Nope. Diarrhea? Nope. Coughing or sneezing? Nope. Just sleepy and not hungry.
• Tried different food: I thought maybe he was just bored with his usual kibble. I offered him a little bit of plain boiled chicken (his favorite!), and he just sniffed it and turned away. Uh oh.
• Checked his gums: I'd read that pale gums could be a sign of something serious. Thankfully, they were a nice, healthy pink.

Seeking Advice & Making a Decision

I call the vet for an appointment.

After about 24 hours of Max being "off," I called the vet. The vet said that If the pup has no other symptoms I can keep an eye on him.I was super relieved!

The Waiting Game & The Turnaround

I spent the next day watching him like a hawk. Giving Max so many examinations. I offered him tiny bits of food throughout the day, played with him gently (he wasn't super interested, but he did wag his tail a little), and mostly just let him rest.

And then, slowly but surely, he started to perk up. He ate a little bit more, started playing with his toys, and his naps became shorter. By the next day, he was almost back to his old self, scarfing down his food and bouncing around like a crazy fur-ball.

What I Learned

I think Max has some uncomfortable stomach.

What I learned from this little scare:

• Don't jump to conclusions (or Google!). Observe and gather information before freaking out.
• Trust your gut. If you're really worried, call the vet.
• Puppies have off days too. Sometimes, they just need a little extra rest and TLC.

I'm so grateful that Max is okay. It was a good reminder to appreciate every moment with my furry little friend, even the sleepy, not-so-hungry ones.