4 month old puppy acting sad

Pink · Nov 3, 2015

Hi all!

I've got a Frenchie puppy who is 4 months old. He's been a happy little thing with a big appetite for socks and snuggling.

However, for the last week he's been different. He only plays a little if you REALLY REALLY make an effort. He looks so sad all the time and often sits in his bed or floor, just staring at us and looking around. He still has an appetite, but is super picky about food. I changed it to some mince meat and rice and pumpkin and he has loved it but today is starting to lose interest. He just sleeps a lot. When we're on the sofa he usually snuggles up to me but seems annoyed when I interact with him. Haha, anyway, heartbreaking stuff for me.

My boyfriend and I work from home so he's never alone but he's always been a bit of a attention seeker. Two weeks ago I had to work for 5 days, doing 9-5 at an office and he seemed normal when I got back each evening. This behaviour started the next week. I've been home since then.

What is normal behaviour for a 4-5 month old? He's been teething so assumed it was due to that but he still keeps moping! I have attached a photo of what he looks like nowadays. Cute but super sad looking.

Any advice is appreciated.

MaplesMommy · Nov 3, 2015

Oh poor fella!

That sure doesnt sound right to me. Puppies do sleep/nap quite a bit but in between they should be playful and outgoing.

Maybe he has parasites? How is his stool? What was he eating before the meat & rice?

If he is lethargic and now also losing appetite, Id probably bring him to a vet. It could be all kinds of things.

Pink · Nov 3, 2015

Thank you for the reply.

His stool is good and I used to give him rice and chicken and some kibble too. He still LOVES getting treats and would kill for some "human food", I think he's definitely hungry but super picky about food.

davidh · Nov 3, 2015

It could be the teething, he may just not feel well. I have never had one to really slow down from playing who was teething, but have heard they can. I think I would definitely get him checked out by a vet to make sure nothing else is going on with him. The being a picky eater doesn't surprise me as they will do that sometimes. I have a very picky eater here too. hope it's nothing serious, so let us know what the vet has to say.

Alice Kable · Nov 5, 2015

He might just be bored and lonesome for his littermates. Frenchies are so social and playful, maybe he could go to a doggie day care a couple of days a week or have some playdates with other dogs. I know it would be really hard on Buster to be an only dog!

Mavis · Nov 7, 2015

Hmmm; I don't know. Bambi is pretty animated, especially when we engage her. I might consider taking him to the vet to get some bloodwork done and a stool sample just to make sure he doesn't have gillardia (sp?), parasites or worms,etc. Good luck.

Schimpfy · Nov 9, 2015

Not sure what to tell you just wishing you luck to get thru this phase, he sure is cute and lucky to have both of you at home. How long are his walks does he get to socialize with other dogs ? Looking forward to hearing how this turns out keep us posted and when ever possible more cute pics - Thanks and good luck :yes:

NALAnoodle · Nov 9, 2015

Pink said:
Hi all!

I've got a Frenchie puppy who is 4 months old. He's been a happy little thing with a big appetite for socks and snuggling.

However, for the last week he's been different. He only plays a little if you REALLY REALLY make an effort. He looks so sad all the time and often sits in his bed or floor, just staring at us and looking around. He still has an appetite, but is super picky about food. I changed it to some mince meat and rice and pumpkin and he has loved it but today is starting to lose interest. He just sleeps a lot. When we're on the sofa he usually snuggles up to me but seems annoyed when I interact with him. Haha, anyway, heartbreaking stuff for me.

My boyfriend and I work from home so he's never alone but he's always been a bit of a attention seeker. Two weeks ago I had to work for 5 days, doing 9-5 at an office and he seemed normal when I got back each evening. This behaviour started the next week. I've been home since then.

What is normal behaviour for a 4-5 month old? He's been teething so assumed it was due to that but he still keeps moping! I have attached a photo of what he looks like nowadays. Cute but super sad looking.

Any advice is appreciated.

He's so cute!!
My 14 month, Nala has done crazies(zoom running) at least every day since we had her. I think you should get him checked out! He may have a blockage or something!