What to do when your dog is not acting normally

In our lives, dogs are like the warmest little sun, bringing endless joy to us without reservation with their lively, playful, and loyal guardians, becoming an indispensable and important member of the family. They surround us at our feet, gazing at us with innocent and pure eyes. Every intimate rubbing of their legs and joyful wagging of their tails conveys deep dependence and affection. However, when a dog's behavior suddenly becomes abnormal and no longer looks like the one we are familiar with, worries and confusion quickly flood into our hearts. This kind of change, like the sudden ripples on a calm lake surface, worries us deeply. So, how should we respond when faced with abnormal dog behavior? This not only tests our understanding of dog behavior and health knowledge, but also requires us to pour in love and patience.

There are various manifestations of abnormal dog behavior that require us to observe carefully in order to detect. In terms of mental state, it, which used to be lively and curious about everything, may suddenly become listless, always curled up in a corner, with dull and lifeless eyes, and a cold response to its owner's calls and teasing. For example, a dog that used to jump and jump when it heard about going out for a walk may now have no interest in the leash and even resist going out. This mental depression is likely an external manifestation of physical discomfort or psychological pressure.

Changes in appetite are also key behavioral indicators. Healthy dogs are always passionate about food and can't wait to run to the food bowl every time they are fed. But if a dog suddenly loses interest in its favorite food, just smells it and turns away, or barely takes a few bites and stops eating, then it needs to be vigilant. There may be many health problems hidden behind this, such as oral ulcers and gum inflammation, which can cause unbearable pain when dogs eat; Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as indigestion and gastroenteritis, can disrupt the normal digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract and lead to decreased appetite. Sometimes, systemic diseases such as liver and kidney dysfunction can also affect the metabolism and digestion of dogs, making them lose interest in food.

The excretion of dogs can also reflect their health status. Healthy dog feces are usually brown or brownish in color, with a moderate texture and a well formed shape. Once a dog experiences diarrhea, with loose and shapely feces, even containing mucus and blood streaks, it may be caused by bacterial or viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract, parasites, or food poisoning. On the contrary, if a dog is constipated for a long time, has difficulty defecating, and has dry stool, it may be due to an unreasonable diet structure, lack of dietary fiber, or intestinal obstruction. In terms of urination, if a dog's urination frequency significantly increases or decreases, and the urine color is abnormal, such as yellow, red, or even hematuria, it is likely that there is a problem with the urinary system, such as urethritis, cystitis, urinary tract stones, etc.

When abnormal behavior is detected in a dog, the first thing to do is to remain calm and carefully analyze the possible causes of this situation. Health factors are often a significant root cause of behavioral abnormalities. Dogs may be infected with bacteria, viruses, and other diseases, leading to abnormal symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Abnormal liver and kidney function can cause discomfort in dogs, manifested as loss of appetite, vomiting, and other symptoms. External or internal injuries, such as fractures, visceral damage, etc., can lead to abnormal behavior in dogs. Some genetic diseases or congenital abnormalities may also lead to abnormal behavior in dogs. Older dogs may also suffer from cognitive impairment syndrome, manifested as loss of direction, significant changes in temperament, etc.

Environmental factors cannot be ignored either. Dogs may experience stress due to physical abuse, prolonged exposure to noisy environments, lack of exercise, irregular feeding, lack of companionship, or competition with other pets, leading to abnormal behavior.

If environmental factors cause abnormal behavior in dogs, we need to make corresponding adjustments. Create a quiet, comfortable, and stable living environment for dogs. Reduce noise interference in the living environment and avoid dogs being in noisy environments for long periods of time. Reasonably arrange the feeding time for dogs, ensure balanced nutrition, and avoid irregular feeding. Increase interaction and companionship with dogs, play and take walks with them more often, and let them feel the care of their owners. If it is due to changes in the living environment that makes the dog uneasy, such as after moving, we can give the dog some time to adapt to the new environment, place familiar toys, nests, and other items in the new environment, and make it feel familiar. If a dog behaves abnormally due to a lack of stimulation, we can provide it with some interesting toys, such as puzzle toys, ball toys, etc., to increase its activities and entertainment projects and enrich its life.

Dogs give us unconditional love and loyalty, and their health and happiness are our greatest wishes. When dogs behave abnormally, we need to use love and professional knowledge to clear the fog for them, find the root of the problem, and solve it. Every observation, every analysis process, and every communication with the veterinarian are manifestations of our deep love for dogs. Let's accompany the dog to overcome these abnormalities, rediscover that energetic, happy and worry free companion, spend more wonderful time together, and create countless warm and unforgettable memories. Because dogs are not only our pets, but also the most precious family members in our lives, worthy of our utmost effort to protect them.