If you have a dog, and you have noticed that their behavior has significantly changed, you may wonder what is happening with your favorite animal. Dogs tend to have a distinct pattern of behavior that you can recognize because it is primarily consistent.
When abrupt changes occur, you may become concerned because this might be an indication of an injury or illness. There are certain problems that dogs can develop, especially when they are older that can lead to behavioral changes that you have never seen before.
Here are some things to keep an eye out for so that you can quickly identify dog behavior changes that may allow you to help your dog get better.
Common Dog Behavioral Changes
There are obvious behavioral changes that a dog may develop. As their owner, you will likely be aware of their disposition and routines.
Some of the most common changes in a dog’s behavior that you may notice will include biting, circling, digging, panting, and even yawning. Each of these may have an underlying condition which is promoting this behavior. This is true, whether your dog is a young puppy or an older dog that is getting along in years.
If there are abrupt behavioral changes such as aggression, this typically stems from trauma, thyroid issues, or from what could potentially be a brain tumor.
By identifying what these changes are, you will have a much higher probability of helping them resolve what could be a medical condition.
Medical Conditions Associated With Behavioral Changes
It is well-known that certain dog breeds will have very specific dispositions. For example, if you own a Beagle, they tend to be very happy. If you are the owner of a chowchow or a German Shepherd, they tend to be very loyal and protective.
Dalmatians tend to be very energetic whereas greyhounds and shih tzus are often very quiet and affectionate. It also depends on whether or not they are an indoor or outdoor dog.
The amount of time that you spend with them can also help mold behavioral characteristics. All of this will be known by dog owners and breeders.
However, when these characteristics begin to change, these behaviors may represent conditions that must be resolved. This could include thyroid problems, ear infections, skin allergies, and even yeast infections that can afflict dogs very easily.
Dogs that have cancer, eyesight loss or hearing loss may display definitive behavioral changes due to these conditions.
How To Properly Identify These Changes And Potential Underlying Conditions
By taking your canine to a local veterinarian, they can run medical tests. Based upon the results of those tests, you can then try to equate their behavioral changes to these medical conditions.
The veterinarian will be able to verify what you are saying, or they may offer a different take on what is happening with your dog.
By seeking professional help from a veterinarian, you can identify these problems, potentially resolve them and also better understand the behavioral changes you are noticing.
Just like humans, when medical conditions arise, behavioral changes will follow. When you are able to identify these behavioral oddities, you may want to seek the help of a veterinarian.
Based upon the tests that they do, and comparing that with changes in their behavior, it may be possible to equate one or more of them together.
That’s why changes in the behavior of your dog are not always bad. They may actually help you identify what is wrong with your canine and potentially save their life.
