When Your Dog’s Behavior Suddenly Changes
|Whenever your dog’s behavior changes, it is always a sign to be vigilant. While some changes in behavior are natural stress reactions to significant but ultimately benign life events like moving or new additions to the family, other changes can imply that something is very wrong. Here we will discuss some of the most common examples of changes to the average dog’s behavior, questions to ask concerning the change, and how to proceed.
Dog Behavior Changes
If Your Dog Has Stopped Eating or Drinking
The only potentially benign causes for a dog to drink less than her normal water intake are changes in temperature and changes in diet. If it was previously hot outside and temperatures suddenly become comfortably cool, she may require less water to stay hydrated.
Bear in mind that consuming less water is different than consuming no water. Consuming no water at all is almost always a sign of a dire medical issue. The dog should be taken to an emergency vet immediately.
Because the chances of permanent physical damage or death due to dehydration can happen quickly. Intestinal blockages, urinary or kidney issues, stroke, and inability to swallow are just a few of the serious potential causes for sudden inability to hydrate.
A dog that has stopped eating should also be closely monitored. If a dog consistently picks at his food may be telling you that the particular type of food you are feeding him is making him allergic or otherwise sick.
Similarly, if the pup is refusing to eat and drink in combination with other irregular behavior that signifies discomfort such as whining, pacing or restlessness they should be taken to the vet immediately. Rather the combination of these behaviors could imply an intestinal blockage or other serious condition.
If Your Dog is Acting Lethargic
Lethargy beyond the relaxed state of a recently-exercised dog is almost always a sign of illness. If the dog is lethargic but is eating and drinking, monitor him for 24 hours to see if his behavior returns to normal. Sometimes, lethargy is simply the result of a minor routine upset that will pass.
However, other possible causes for lethargy are environmental toxicity from inhalation of chemical fumes or mold, ingestion of something poisonous and a myriad of other serious illnesses.
Prolonged lethargic behavior combined with refusing to eat or drink is almost always a sign of illness.
The best plan of action
For your best plan of action, consider visiting an emergency vet to quickly diagnose and treat the issue. Schedule an appointment with a vet to offer options for safely and naturally managing your animal companion’s illness. The most balanced medical treatment possible for humans and animals is in good nutrition and a balance of eastern and western medicine.
Colleyville Animal Clinic has been servicing the Southlake TX community for several years with the dedication to animals. Regardless of age, breed, or ailment, our vets offer general health care and monitoring, as well as personalized service for clients and their pets.
My dog has recently began to be much more aggressive, even growling at children, something he’s never done before. He’s going on 3 years old and he’s not neutered; I’m thinking this may be his issue. Any thoughts?
While neutering could play a role, it sounds like it is also a behavioral issue. I would recommend looking into a local trainer who can help address your dog’s specific issues and help you to correct them!
Hi just wondering if you got any results from this situation please?
my 6yr old min pin has become verylazy and over weight by about 7 pounds. I have never meet a dog that doesnt like to walk!!! This is not a sudden thing this has been over 2 or more yrs. Min pins r suppose to be so energetic but not mine. he has has blood work and the vet is aware but unconcerned. She claims he fit as a fiddle. any advise?
Hi Julie,
It sounds like your pup is healthy aside from being overweight which means that he is probably getting too much calories in a day. Be sure to feed only the recommended amount of food and try to limit treats and table scraps. You might try to find other exercises that your dog likes, here are a few suggestions: http://trupanion.com/blog/2010/01/top-10-indoor-activities-for-pets/
My rescue boykin spaniel has become a loner. She goes outside after breakfast and may not come back inside until dinner and then right back outside. She has doggy door and fenced yard so can come and go as she pleases and if inside has no restrictions…she has access to all rooms etc. I am retired so home most of the time and take her with me on most errands. When she first came home with me she was almost my shadow. If I go outside she wags her tail and seems happy to see me
Hi Anne, you said she was a rescue but not her age. My reply to you is based on the assumption that she is a mature dog. I don’t mean elderly but puppydom is far in the rear view mirror.
You mentioned no behavioral issues other than her wish to be outside. When you first brought her home she was “eternally grateful” and wanted you to know this. Further she wanted to make sure you weren’t going to disappear on her unexpectedly. Now, she’s simply decided to keep you and is comfortable. She has a routine, enjoys the sunshine etc. Further, I’ll bet her spot outside is one which, at least in her mind allows her the ability to see most access points which may need guarded while simultaneously indirectly keeping tabs on you so as not to miss the occasional unplanned car ride. Being retired I’m going to risk insulting you by assuming you have a rather “usual” daily routine which isn’t too exciting to a dog nor you either. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just she knows what’s going to happen after breakfast, before dinner etc. and these activities do not require her attention or assistance. I’ll bet if you took her to a field out somewhere and let her go “rabbit hunting” as is called at our house she may get a little happy and show some enthusiasm. It probably wouldn’t hurt you to get out a bit more either.
Best wishes and good luck
My rescue portuguese water dog/poodle or wheaton is 5yrs old and w/ me 41/2 years. I gave him pumpkin w/ his food 3days in a row to add a different food to his pallet. Only 2 tablespoons. he went out 2x before I left him in his room for 3hrs. He is used to this. Came home and he had vomitted 2x and it was alot also had 2 runny stools , In 5 yearsthis is about his 4th accident. The pumpkin was canned organic puml
kin. No sugar or spices. He also is barking at nothing alot ! And overall lots more aggressive barking. Can you help me.
Thank you for such a thoughtful reply. You are perceptive about both of us.
first of all i am sorry for my typing cause i am still a child! My dog is 1 year and 30 days from age! it is really a hyperactive dog! but from yesterday morning it didn’t seem very well! it was sleeping the whole day! and it didn’t bark for strangers either! at night it became worse! it didn’t eat! just a half piece of sausage. but it sipped a little water. it seemed like it’s face was about to cry. he tried to sleep after every step he took to walk! but it also searched a comfortable place to sleep and didn’t sleep in his usual place! can someone reply to this soon!? please!
Hi Tiffany,
Please call your veterinarian as soon as you can if your dog is showing a sudden change in behavior like you’ve described. We hope he’s feeling better soon!
My 9 yr old mini pin has been acting unlike herself. She has always been my shadow, wherever i was, she was right there following me. She has slept with me since she was a baby. about a week or so ago, my husband said she was laying there and just yelped in pain, come to find out her anal glands were impacted. We had them expressed and she seemed to bounce other with the exception of now she refuses to lay on the sofa with me (when that’s been her spot for 9 years) and she won’t sleep in the bed anymore. She chooses to sleep on a dog bed that she’s never slept in before. Her appetite is normal and her drinking is normal. I checked her stool this morning and its normal. I am at a loss on what could be the problem. I miss my little shadow 🙁
Hi! I have a 2.5 year old German Shepard/boarder collie. He’s usually very smart and sweet. Recently he seems a lot more distant and aggressive . For probably the last week he’s only picked at his food sometimes eating his full breakfast meal or maybe just half. He’s been on this food for about 6 months and just gobbles it down. He’s on a routine for his food as well. He hasn’t been playing or running around as much, usually just sleeping. And when he does he seems to get really aggressive towards our other dog. I’m just super worried about him. This has happened before but it’s only lasted 2-3 days then he started eating again. Should I be taking him to the vet?
Hi Zoe,
Consult your veterinarian about these behavior changes in your dog. We hope he’s back to being himself soon!
My 3 year old yellow lab act’s like he doesn’t recognize me on occasion. Have had him since a puppy. Really disturbing to me. Hasn’t been neutered.
Hi Sandra,
We recommend you consult your veterinarian or a trainer if you are concerned about changes in your lab’s behavior.
My 10 year old female bearded collie has suddenly started acting differently. She appears worried about something, trying to junp onto the kitchen worktop to look out of the window or waiting by the front door to go out. If I open the door she runs out and just walks about. The back door is always open and she is free to go out when ever she wants but she won’t go out into the back garden. This has only begun over the past two days.
Hi Sharon,
Sorry to hear your dog’s behavior has changed suddenly. This could be a great opportunity to talk to your vet to make sure there aren’t any underlying medical concerns. Something may have happened in the back garden that spooked her as well. Your veterinarian may be able to help find a solution or provide a recommendation for an in-house trainer or behaviorist to help.
My dog has been eating but not much. I feed her one time and she still leaves most of her food there. She just lays down but usually she is always up. She also doesn’t go (dog waste) as much as she used to.
Hi Sophia,
You may want to speak to your veterinarian if this is a sudden change in behavior. We hope she’s doing well!
Hi. My chihuahua is 3 and 1/2. He has been my shadow since we got him. He follows me everywhere and sleeps in my bed. Recently over the last week he has started to isolate a little. He has started sleeping downstairs on his own. He has stopped following me and chooses not to sit on my knee or even with me at times. This is a big change in behaviour for him. He is eating and drinking just fine and still the same on his walks. He does seem to have his ears down more just lately. Any suggestions. Im feeling a little rejected.
If you notice a sudden change in behavior like this, it’s a good idea to call your veterinarian for personalized advice. We hope your little pup is feeling well.
May I ask what you discovered? Our 3 year old Chihuahua is acting the same way.
My 2 year old Husky has suddenly become irritated by feet. If he is lying on the couch near you and you move your feet he attacks and bites. Same thing in the bed at night. When we move our feet under the covers he attacks and bites. Have no idea where this hatred for feet came from. Any suggestions?
Hi Jennifer,
We’re sorry your Husky has developed a sudden dislike for feet! We suggest you talk to your veterinarian about this behavior change. They may have a recommendation for a trainer in your area who can help you work through this new hatred. Good luck!
My 4 year old dog has always been VERY obedient. He never has accidents and has zero anxiety. About two months ago he started peeing in the house. Now, he cannot be left alone at night or while we are gone because he will definitely pee. When I put him in his crate or the laundry room he freaks out. Pants, drools, shakes, and tries to destroy the door and escape. He was such a great dog so I don’t know what has caused this literal 180 degree change. We haven’t had any major life changes that would be an obvious trigger. The vet did urine testing and it came back normal. I don’t know what else to do but I can’t have him destroying our house. What do you think?
We’re sorry to hear your dog hasn’t been feeling well. You can always ask your veterinarian about additional testing or ways you can address the issue–blood work may reveal something the urine test didn’t catch. We hope he’s feeling better soon.
My 4 month old rescue mix usually very playful and somewhat crazy. Recently picked her up from a 3 day stay with a pet sitter where she was around up to 5 other dogs. Upon returning home all she wants to do is sleep and does not seem like herself. Any ideas?
Hi Matt,
Your pup could be tired from the stay, but if you have any concerns about this behavior change you should call your veterinarian. They can give you the best advice for your pup. We hope she’s back to being herself soon!
My 3yr8mth red fox Labrador has just started running off and not listening when you tell him to come back. He used to be very well behaved and wouldn’t dream of venturing far. I have been through breast cancer and chemotherapy and wondered if perhaps he was stressed he has been brilliant throughout my illness and rarely leaves my side.
We rescued a 10 year old terrier mix last summer. We have had Jack who is 9 years old since he was a puppy. At first he exibited slightly agressive behavior when our terrier showed interest in simething he had. I expected this and we thought it had worked it out. For about two months there was relatve peace but our lhasa is licking alot and his aggressive behavior has gotten worse. He attacked my friends dog tonite. They have been good buddies for years. Ideas? Thank you.
Hey Karen, We’re sorry to hear this has been happening. We always recommend consulting with your veterinarian to get an idea of what will work best with your pet. We wish you guys the best!
my dogs behavior has changed shes more agrive , barks a lot, poppies everywhere , and cant relax
My 9 year old Shichion has been sleeping in her crate for close to two years with no problems. She’ll be sleeping on the couch next to me and I say “sleepy time” and she gets up instantly and goes to her crate I close the door and not a peep until we get her up in the morning. Suddenly over the last two weeks she has become extremely aggressive (baring her teeth and whipping her head around and biting my hand, no blood yet, if I try to get her up to go to her crate. I have to force her into her crate and she whines and barks all night long. What can I do?
Hi Joel,
We’re so sorry to hear this and hope you’re able to find a resolution soon. We always recommend speaking with your veterinarian to see what could may be causing your pets behavior to change. Please let us know if you have any additional questions and we’ll be sending you and your pup some good thoughts.
Take care,
The Trupanion Team