Is Your Dog Tired?
The Difference Between Physical Exhaustion and Mental Burnout
Have you ever had a day that left you physically exhausted, but when your head hit your pillow, you found
your brain just wouldn't shut off? Did you know that dogs experience that too? At Zoomies Dog Care, we
often see the signs of this overstimulation in action.
Understanding the difference between a good tired and mental burnout is a game changer
for your dog's wellbeing, especially if you learn to pick up on the signs before they reach that point.
Understanding Trigger Stacking
In the world of behavior, Trigger Stacking is the cumulative effect of multiple small stress-stimulants occurring in quick succession. These triggers can range from a squirrel running across the yard to a trip to the vet. Each singular trigger on its own wouldn't be a big deal, but when they occur back to back without enough time to decompress in between, it becomes too much for your pup.
Signs Your Dog is Reaching His Limit
Learning to recognize the signs before your dog reaches his limit is the best way to course-correct
before a burnout or a blowout.
Keep an eye out for these common and recognizable signs of overstimulation:
- Hyper-Activity: Bouts of frantic energy rather than relaxing
- Toothy Behavior: Nipping at hands, heels or the leash
- Distraction: Suddenly forgetting basic commands or an inability to focus
- Physical Signs: Bloodshot eyes, excessive panting or pinned back ears
Stop and Smell the Roses
Walks can be packed with triggers, and if your dog is already nearing the point of overstimulation, a
minor situation can escalate quickly. My best recommendation is to slow down and encourage your pup to
put his nose to work.
We discovered the power of the Sniff-sploration ourselves in the first few weeks after we adopted
Oakley. Everything from the sound of the wind in the trees at the local park to the sound of a truck
three streets away was a trigger. We barely made it a block before she was over her limit. So we let her
set the pace, encouraging her to follow her nose and engage her mind. Now she knows what to do when
she's feeling overwhelmed!
Helping Your Dog Decompress
The sniff-sploration is not the only way to help your dog drain some of his stress. Encourage these self soothing behaviors:
- Repetitive Licking: Licking release endorphins. A Lick Mat or frozen treat can do wonders for a stressed pup
- Chewing: Offerng a safe chew toy or treat helps release pent-up tension in the jaw
- Shake it Off: You've seen dogs do a full body shake after a bath or tense geeting - they are quite literally shaking off excess adrenaline
Groomie-Zoomies
After a grooming session, I always encourage a bout of "Groomie-Zoomies." This allows the dog to blow off the "stay still" energy they used during the groom. It's a vital part of keeping the experience positive.