Receiving all the love and affection from our furry friends is one of the best feelings. Our dogs are our most loyal and trusted companions. Their love knows no boundaries towards us, and we can only try our best to reciprocate the same level towards them.
Because we love our pets so much, witnessing them behave unlike themselves can be quite distressing. The confusion we face trying to figure out what they are going through and how we can help them overcome it stresses us out, leading us to assume the worst has happened.
If your dog has recently been acting odd and you can’t quite figure out why, we are here to help you discover some potential reasons. Here are some possibilities for why your dog is acting weird and what you can do to counter this.
1. Stress
One of the main reasons your dog is acting weird could be because they feel stressed out and anxious. This stress can be caused by various triggers, such as a change in their regular environment or routine. If there has recently been a new addition to the family, whether a human or a pet, this could also be a reason for their stress.
When our dogs are anxious, they usually show specific signs that signal this. Excessive barking, yawning, drooling, licking, restless pacing, trembling, and rapid blinking are some of the signs. While you might find these behaviours perplexing, they are your dog’s way of expressing their emotional state.
As their guardian, we must destress our dogs and return them to feeling at ease. This requires us to create an environment where they feel comfortable and loved. Try to establish a fixed routine and surround them with items and people they are familiar with. Additionally, reward their good behaviour to help shift their focus away from their anxiety.
If their behaviour persists, however, consider taking them to vet urgent care to get this checked out in more depth.
2. Illness
Another major reason why your dog is acting odd could be if they are feeling ill. Some tell-tale signs are a loss of appetite, where they eat and drink much less than usual and seem tired far too often.
Some possibilities of their illness could be digestive problems, allergies, or something more concerning.
If you notice these changes in your dog, watch for their development. Try getting them to eat and drink more by presenting them with lesser portions of food and water in shorter intervals instead of larger portions in longer intervals. Furthermore, take them out for walks at least once daily to get them active again.
If your dog does not show signs of improvement, take them to the vet immediately. A professional will be able to properly diagnose your four-pawed friend and get them feeling back to their regular self in no time!
3. Injury
Injuries also cause dogs to act out. Sometimes, an injury on your dog may not immediately be visible to you but is bothering them.
Some obvious signs are if they are limping or unusually stiff. Others are crying, whining, panting, excessive scratching of a particular area, or reduced activity levels.
Take a look at your dog’s body to try and see if you can locate the region of injury. Some injuries are more easily seen than others. If, however, you are having a hard time finding it, take them to the vet immediately. Over there, doctors can perform professional tests, such as X-rays and physical examinations. Their comprehensive understanding of dogs will ensure your pet is in the right hands.
4. Boredom
Several dogs love stimulation and thrive on fun activities. If your dog is fun-loving and is quite active but is suddenly acting weird, chances are that this could be due to boredom.
Odd practices in bored dogs include excessive barking, chewing, digging, sleeping, licking, etc. The incessant barking might be their way of reaching out and asking for interaction. Chewing, often destructive, can become an outlet for their restless energy, leading to ruined shoes and furniture!
The antidote to a stimulation-lacking dog is allowing them to partake in active activities. Walks, runs, and playtime can significantly change this behaviour. However, mental stimulation is equally vital. Teach them new tricks to engage their minds.
Make sure that your dog gets at least 30 minutes of stimulation daily so you can avoid them from acting out like this again.
Once again, if your dog’s unusual behaviour does not end even after you have tackled their boredom, take them to the vet to see if there is a more serious underlying issue.