{"id":17371,"date":"2023-09-19T14:44:07","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T14:44:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/env-zigzagc-dev11.kinsta.cloud\/?p=17371"},"modified":"2023-09-19T14:44:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T14:44:08","slug":"9-signs-of-an-overtired-puppy-how-to-calm-them-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-behavior\/separation-and-sleep\/9-signs-of-an-overtired-puppy-how-to-calm-them-down\/","title":{"rendered":"9 signs of an overtired puppy & how to calm them down"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all know how important sleep is for us, but did you know it\u2019s actually just as important for puppies and dogs too? Maybe it\u2019s important in different ways, but it\u2019s nevertheless a main ingredient in everyday life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to tell if a puppy can be overtired, and why it’s a bad idea to have an overtired puppy. We\u2019ll talk through the difference between a simply tired versus an overtired puppy, and the signs of an overtired puppy to watch out for. We\u2019ll also get into how you can calm down your overtired puppy, how an app like Zigzag can help you do that, and much more throughout your puppy training journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tired of getting nowhere with training? Download our app!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Download the Zigzag app<\/a> today, and you\u2019ll get access to a full program of learning that will stretch your puppy\u2019s brain, without making them overtired.  When things get too crazy, our team of expert puppy trainers<\/a> are here to guide and support you 24 hours a day. They\u2019re only a text away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can a puppy be overtired?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, a puppy can be overtired! Puppies need huge amounts of sleep<\/a>. Sleep allows their growth and development to shine over time. When they don\u2019t get enough shut-eye, they go past the point of regular tiredness and become overtired, which you\u2019ll quickly see cause some problems.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can learn much more about this in our article: how often do puppies sleep<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you shouldn\u2019t let your puppy get overtired<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overtired puppies can suffer with all kinds of things like stress, throwing up<\/a>, diarrhea<\/a>, bloodshot eyes<\/a>, impaired cognitive functioning\u2026they can generally become more grumpy and sometimes even aggressive<\/a>. We\u2019re sure you can relate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they are overtired, they can also find it hard to sleep as they\u2019re feeling so out of balance and full of adrenaline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tired vs. overtired puppy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s quite a difference between a regular tired puppy and an overtired puppy. An overtired puppy just can\u2019t shut down and go to sleep. They\u2019re cranky and overstimulated, snappy and hyperactive! Puppies that are simply tired are a lot more mellow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some key differences comparing a tired vs. an overtired puppy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behavioral Sign<\/td>Tired Puppy<\/td>Overtired Puppy<\/td><\/tr>
Settling<\/td>Doesn\u2019t struggle to settle down <\/td>Struggles to settle – restless and on the edge<\/td><\/tr>
Vocalization<\/td>Not overly noisy<\/td>Barking and whining<\/td><\/tr>
Mouthing and biting<\/td>Normal levels of puppy biting<\/td>Increased biting, snapping and nipping<\/td><\/tr>
Focus<\/td>Can focus, but may be sleepy<\/td>Reduced attention span<\/td><\/tr>
Energy levels<\/td>Lower – they are tired after all!<\/td>Agitated and hyperactive – often have zoomies<\/td><\/tr>
Playfulness<\/td>Reduced levels of play<\/td>Hyperactive<\/a> or frantic<\/td><\/tr>
Body language<\/td>Relaxed, sighing, droopy eyes<\/td>Scratching, yawning, panting<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9 Signs of an overtired puppy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Overtired puppies are pumped with adrenaline and will often seem to be in a complete frenzy <\/a>as self-control becomes something very difficult to achieve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some more overtired puppy symptoms. Are there some you see in your pup?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Clinginess<\/a> and appearing needy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Sluggishness or seeming lethargic<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Stopped listening to you <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Snapping or biting excessively – grabbing at ankles and your legs of your pants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Barking at you\u2026this can feel quite confrontational<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Panting – when it\u2019s not hot outside<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Increased thirst and drinking fast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. \u2018Crazy eyes\u2019 or showing the whites of their eyes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Hyperactivity- Having the zoomies, no matter how much furniture is around them<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How to calm an overtired puppy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you have an overtired puppy, it\u2019s essential to learn how to calm them down so they\u2019re able to deal with their tiredness. Here\u2019s our tips for how to deal with an overtired pup:<\/p>\n\n\n\n