Have you noticed your dog behaving weirdly recently? There are many different reasons why a dog can act weird.
This can be a distressing time for dog owners and leaves many of us feeling helpless as we struggle to know what has caused this and what we can do to help our dogs.
We take a look at some of the most common behaviors. We find out what causes weird behavior and what to do about it.
The Different Ways Your Dog May Behave
There are almost endless dog behaviors that seem strange to us. Weird behavior can be specific to certain dog breeds.
They can be just normal dog behavior if you notice your dog doing this as part of his daily routine.
If the weird behavior, such as excessive thirst or aggression, is uncommon for your dog, there may be underlying issues with his health.
Consistent Barking
Barking is an essential dog instinct. However, excessive barking is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety in dogs.
He might also have separation anxiety. This means that he will bark whenever he’s left alone.
Excessive Urination/Diarrhea
Dogs often go through periods where they need more water than usual. They have a natural urge to drink.
However, if your dog has diarrhea, he needs to drink less. He should only drink enough to keep him hydrated.
Your dog may be thirsty because he doesn’t get enough exercise. If he spends too much time indoors, he won’t burn off all the energy he uses up during playtime.
This leads to excessive drinking. If you see your dog drinking excessively, try to make sure he gets plenty of exercise.
Aggression
Aggressive behavior is another common symptom of anxiety in dogs. It’s not always obvious.
Some owners think their dogs are being aggressive towards them. It could be something completely unrelated.
It’s important to know how to tell the difference between real aggression and friendly play.
It’s easy to misinterpret your dog’s body language. You might think he’s playing when he isn’t.
You can help by making sure that you pay attention to his body language, and understand how he behaves when he plays with his toys.
Crying Or Whining
When a dog cries, it usually indicates pain. Dogs don’t cry out of joy. Crying is typically a sign of distress. So, if you hear your dog crying, check on him immediately.
If he seems distressed, you can comfort him. But if he’s hurt himself, it’s best to seek veterinary care.
Hiding And Shy Behavior
Shyness is another common symptom of stress in dogs. Some dogs become very timid around strangers. Others are shy around other animals.
If you notice these signs in your dog, it’s probably best to avoid interacting with him until he feels comfortable again.
This may take a while, or until the cause which led to his hiding, has been removed.
Trembling And Shaking
A trembling dog is usually stressed. The shaking is caused by adrenaline, which is released into the bloodstream when he feels scared.
Similarly, our bodies release adrenaline when we’re anxious. Our muscles tense up, and we shake.
As long as your dog shows no signs of seizures, there’s nothing wrong. Just relax and let him calm down for a little while.
Rubbing Their Bottom On The Floor
A dog rubbing his butt on the floor is an odd behavior seen in almost all dog breeds. It can indicate that a dog is marking his territory.
Some dogs may also feel itchy around their hind end. If your dog rubs his bottom on the floor regularly, you may want to check with your vet.
It can also have other health causes, such as itchy skin or bacterial infection.
Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird?
Just as there are many different dog behaviors, there are plenty of different reasons why your dog may be acting weird.
Here are some of the most common reasons, and what you can do about them.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the main reasons for strange behavior. Dogs with anxiety may be nervous, fearful, or even aggressive.
They may also experience stress-related problems like separation anxiety. This type of behavior is often seen in dogs that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.
It’s important to get help if your dog shows signs of anxiety.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is another major reason for strange behavior. When a dog experiences separation anxiety, they become anxious when left alone.
The fear of being left alone can cause them to bark excessively, chew their toys, dig holes in the yard or hide under furniture.
If this destructive behavior sounds familiar, you may want to seek help from your vet. Alternatively, a dog behavior expert will also be able to give you further advice.
Fearfulness
Fearfulness is another common problem that leads to strange behavior. A dog who has experienced trauma may exhibit fearfulness. They may be afraid of loud noises, unfamiliar people, or other animals. They may also be afraid of thunderstorms, fireworks, or storms.
Aggression
Aggression is usually caused by an injury or illness. It could also be due to a lack of socialization.
If your dog exhibits aggression, he may bite or snap at people, other pets, or objects. He may also attack other dogs or animals.
If your pet is showing signs of aggression, you should try not to handle the big. Allow him his space and wait for a while.
The dog’s aggression may subside. However, it will take time and some patience.
If the dog consistently shows aggression, you need to take him to your vet and he will be able to check if there is a physical reason for the dog’s behavior.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is another common cause of strange behavior. Some breeds are more prone to hyperactivity than others.
Overly active dogs may jump up on things, run around the house, bark excessively or pace back and forth.
This type of behavior can lead to accidents inside the home. If your dog is exhibiting these types of habits, you should see your vet immediately.
Depression
A depressed dog may show strange behavior such as excessive sleeping, hiding away from people, or becoming lethargic.
This kind of behavior can be a sign of depression. You should consult your veterinarian if you think your dog might be suffering from depression.
What You Can Do When Your Dog’s Acting Strange
When your dog is behaving strangely, it can be very difficult to know how to react. But, there are a few things you can do to help your dog feel better.
Discover The Reason
Before you can do anything about your dog’s odd behaviors, you will need to find out why he is acting so strange.
He may be upset because of a strange sound, smell, or an unfamiliar situation, like strangers coming into your home.
As a pet parent, you should always keep an eye on your companion and learn to read the subtle signals of his behavior.
Sometimes, there may not be an obvious sign of illness. If you can’t find the reason, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet and he’ll be able to provide advice for the dog’s bad behavior.
Provide Comfort
Your dog needs comfort when he is feeling stressed out. He may start chewing on himself or his bedding.
You can try to distract your dog by playing with him or giving him some treats.
Another way to offer comfort is to pay attention to your dog. Make sure he knows he is loved. Give him plenty of gentle strokes and cuddles.
Try to make eye contact with him and talk gently to him. Hearing your voice will help him relax.
Talk To Your Vet
If your dog is showing any signs of stress, you should speak to your vet about it. The vet will be able to find out if there is a health issue causing your dog’s behavior.
He will also be able to suggest ways to improve your dog’s health and well-being.
It is important to remember that no matter how old your dog is, he still needs love and affection.
Remove The Cause Of Your Dog’s Behavior
If you found the reason your dog was acting strange, you will want to remove it. However, sometimes that’s not possible, you should try to mitigate it as much as possible.
For example, if your dog starts barking at strangers, you don’t want people to stop coming to your house.
Instead, you may want to move the dog to another part of the garden or area in the house where he doesn’t come into contact with strangers.
Final Thoughts
Dogs have feelings just like humans. They can get scared, anxious, lonely, sad, and frustrated.
They can also suffer from anxiety disorders, and sometimes this can cause them to act oddly. There may also be underlying health issues.
If you notice any unusual canine behaviors in your dog, it’s best to speak to your vet about it.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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