Lazy GSD puppy

Question
We have a 4 month old GSD who is very lazy. I take him for a short walk every morning (he had a bout of pano about a month ago so we limit his exercising) and another short walk in the evening (each walk about 10-15 minutes).  He's pretty tired at the end of each walk - he almost seems to drag along.  He's on a raw diet and eats very well but seems to be lacking energy.  He tumbles and plays with our 2 year old beagle a few times a day but other than that he lays around and sleeps.  We've asked around and mostly people say "oh, he's just a puppy.  They sleep a lot" but by 4 months I would think he'd have a lot more energy.  Should I be concerned?  

Also, we are considering pet insurance.  Is there a particular company you'd recommend?

Thanks so much,
Shanna

Answer
Hi Shanna,  Yes, at 4 months I would be a little concerned if they aren't a little more active.  I would switch his diet to a regular dog food diet as you may be lacking some nutrients that he is needing that could be causing the fatigue.  Especially since you have already had a bout of pano at such an early age (you don't normally see that until at least 10 months old).  That is a definite clue he is lacking something.  You might want to put him on a vitamin supplement also to see if that might help a little.  If after a month of new food and/or vitamin supplements you don't see any progress, then I would have a vet run some blood work on him to make sure he doesn't have any underlying problems.  As far as pet insurance, it is best to read the small print before purchasing.  Some don't cover a lot of hereditary things, others don't cover a lot of different surgeries.  Comparision shopping is the best way to go.  I personally don't use one because I have too many animals, so it is not financially feasible for us to have insurance.  :)  Hope this helps,

Dawn