Dogs are supposed to be pets that offer good time and companionship. They should relieve stress and help you relax after a tiring day. However, sometimes they’re not acting the way they should. As their pet parents, we know our dogs better than anyone else. Even if our pets can’t verbally communicate their feelings, our instincts tell us when they’re not acting right.
If your pet used to be well-mannered and suddenly exhibits behavioral issues, there has to be a cause. Today, we’ll decode the few reasons dogs develop unwanted behaviors to help you proactively address particular traits you don’t want in your pet.
Why Do Dogs Develop Unwanted Behaviors?
Exploring, chewing, digging, barking, and many more behaviors can develop in dogs, which can be an inevitable part of pet ownership. Knowing the causes of these behaviors can help you act on areas of their life that need attention. So below are five causes of unwanted dog behaviors you should be aware of.
1. Illness
Behavioral changes or failure to adapt or show normal behavior may stem from sickness. The dog may bark unnecessarily or may not bark at all. They may also be lethargic for too long or feel irritable and itchy. Limping, disinterest in foods, or lack of behavior synonymous with normal dogs may indicate sickness. If you notice these suspicious signs in your furry companion, take them to the vet for a checkup.
This is why veterinarians encourage consistency in routine vet care for dogs to prevent, detect, and treat any underlying health conditions before they worsen and become life-threatening for your pet.
2. Lack of Physical Exercise
Dogs require physical exercise to burn off excess energy, but sometimes on-leash walks around the neighborhood are insufficient. Activities like jogging, running, off-leash runs, fetch games, dog-to-dog play, or doggie daycare for socially-active dogs are exercise choices worth considering.
If you want to bring your four-legged companion to a dog daycare or dog park to socialize with their fellows, ensure they’re fully vaccinated by your veterinarian. This helps protect your pet from any prevalent pet diseases they might encounter outside. You may check their website to see their pet vaccinations services.
3. Boredom or Social Isolation
Dogs that don’t get opportunities to socialize with their owners and fellows, or don’t have playmates or toys in their environment, may engage in activities that can lead to destructive behavior like excessive chewing. Unfortunately, excessive chewing can put them at risk of severe dental problems and accidentally swallowing foreign objects. If the worst comes to worst, you’ll have to take your pet to an Oceanside vet clinic should these problems occur.
4. Changes in Diet
Switching your dog’s diet to a poorer, cheap, or less suitable diet can cause them to act up. You may not think about it, but diet can influence your dog’s behavior. Changing your dog’s diet to a poorer quality or something that doesn’t agree with their taste buds can change how your pet behaves. Always feed your dog a healthy and high-quality diet, and avoid changing their diet frequently. If you’re unsure what to feed your furry companion, always ask your vet for the best choices.
5. Fears and Phobias
Fearful responses to loud noises, thunderstorms, or fireworks usually involve escape attempts that lead to destructive behavior. When this happens, door frames, doors, walls, window trim, and screens often get damaged. This problem can be dangerous as excessively fearful dogs can injure themselves when attempting to break through doors or windows to escape from the feared situation. Certain approaches like staying by their side, gently comforting them, and helping your pet feel safe are simple ways to overcome fears and phobias in dogs.