When Feeling “Off” Changes Everything – For Us and Our Dogs

Yesterday, I wasn’t feeling great – just a bit off.

I Looked Fine, But I Wasn't

I had a headache that wouldn't shift and an unsettled stomach. Outwardly, I was functioning: I could walk, talk, eat, and if you’d seen me, you’d probably have thought I was perfectly fine.

But inside? I was foggy, unfocused, and not really me.

My Confidence Took a Hit

I’m working on something big right now, and yesterday I had major wobbles about the whole project.

Doubts crept in. I second-guessed myself. It’s hard to trust your own decisions or actions when your brain isn’t firing properly.

Feeling unwell – even just a little – can have a ripple effect on our confidence and how we move through the day.

It got me thinking about how often we push through when we’re feeling unwell – and how, although we appear to be coping, we’re really just scraping by.

The Same is True for Our Dogs

Now imagine this same scenario for our dogs.

They might look “fine.” They can go for a walk, eat their food, wag their tails – but if something doesn’t feel quite right inside their bodies or minds, it changes everything about how they experience the world. They might seem more reactive, clingy, withdrawn, or just “off” – and it’s easy to misread these signs as behavioural issues when they might actually be signals of discomfort.

So what can we do – for them and for us?

Pause and check in: Notice the small signs. Are they sleeping more? Moving differently? Less tolerant? The same goes for you – are you more irritable, less focused, more tired?
Don’t push through: Rest is productive. Allowing yourself – and your dog – time and space to recover can prevent things from escalating.
Be gentle: With yourself and with your dog. Compassionate care goes a long way in helping us all feel safe, secure, and supported.

Rest Is Productive

When things feel harder than usual, don’t push through. It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to rest. And it’s okay to say, “Today is not the day for big things.”

Offer yourself and your dog the same gentle understanding. Recovery – whether physical, emotional, or energetic – takes time.

Be Kind, Go Slow

Sometimes the kindest, most healing thing we can do is to slow down, listen in, and give ourselves – and our dogs – permission to take it easy.

Because not every wobble is visible. And not every "fine" means we're truly okay.

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Want to Learn More?

Stephie is a dog professional specialising in trauma-informed behavioural support for shouty-barky dogs, dogs with separation anxiety, and sensitive rescues.

Join her on facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TheShoutyBarkyDogGroup

And when you're ready for a truly consultative approach to building trust with your sensitive dog, reach out for a chat here:

💚 www.CalmerCanines.co.uk/chat 💚

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