Sudden depression or lack of energy in my Jack Russell.

Question
Recently, my wife and I returned from a trip to the United Kingdom and picked up our 2 year old male Jack Russell, Buckeye,(not fixed) from the kennel we have used with no problems before(About 5 visits).

Upon getting home, we simply assumed his behavior was due to his excitement at our reunion. Though, over the past three days, he has exhibited the same pattern of behavior.

Buckeye has a solid appetite, and he is still exerting control over his bladder and bowels (both of which are normal as far as an untrained eye can tell). He simply lounges in the living room, sleeps roughly 10 to 14 hours a day, and has seemingly no drive to play outside of a timespan of 10 to 20 seconds.

The sleeping isn't much out of the ordinary, but he is usually mildly insane as far as his energy level is concerned and wanting to playfully spar with me at every opportunity.

His lack of playfulness is the biggest change, and what worries me the most.

So, my question is this: Are Jack Russell's prone to sudden changes in behavior leaning towards the mellow end of the anxiety spectrum? Or should I be looking for something medically relevant?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Tyler

Answer

Hi Tyler,

It's not unusual that a dog will seem to have a lack of energy after being kenneled.

As nice a kennel as you've selected, it's still a stressful place for a dog. This would be the case at any kennel, not just the one you're using. So when the dog finally goes home, it's exhausted.

If Buckeye is eating well, and isn't having diarrhea or vomiting, he's probably just fine and will be his old self again in a day or two. He just need some time to recoup.

Best of luck,

Patti