understanding changes in puppy behavior

Reach out to your veterinary team if you notice your pup is acting a little different compared to their usual energetic self, even if the changes don’t seem so obvious or drastic. Sometimes you just notice something different and can’t pinpoint exactly what it is. We can help to rule out, diagnose, and treat any medical causes of the new behavior. Here are signs to watch for:

• Changes in energy level: Your pup just doesn’t have the same pep in their step as usual. They don’t get excited for walks, playtime, or feeding.
• Hiding: Your pup is hiding under the bed or seemingly avoiding you. Has your pup also stopped greeting visitors like they used to?
• Changes in sleeping habits: Is your pup sleeping a lot more or a lot less? Is it difficult to wake them up?
• Lack of appetite: Has your pup stopped eating, or is not all that motivated to eat?
• Not listening: Has your pup stopped listening to you? Is it harder to get their attention?

While each puppy is unique and different in how they may respond to conditions, here are some common reasons for behavior change:

• Anxiety, including storm phobias, noise phobias, separation anxiety, or any changes in the household that may disrupt your pup’s routine, like a new baby, a new home, pet, roommate, and so on.
• Sense-related causes, like hearing or vision problems due to age, breed predisposition, or disability. 
• Injury or pain, which could be as simple as a scratch in a sensitive area to more complex issues like arthritis, hip dysplasia, back problems, and more.
• Infections (urinary, respiratory, skin, and so on) and intestinal parasite infestations can all contribute to changes in pet behavior.  
• Underlying medical condition or internal organ dysfunction, including heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and more.
• Toxins like poisonous plants, household chemicals, and even human foods could be making your pup sick.