Understanding bad dog behaviour is just as complex as human behaviour—maybe even more. Given how animals can only explain how they feel through barks, purrs, and roll, a layer of mystery is added to how they think, or why they may have behaviour issues.
Fortunately, years of research have been able to investigate how dogs think, and how these thoughts manifest in their actions. It turns out they can actually talk to their owners; but pet owners do not pay enough attention to their dog’s body language.
The relationship between pets and their owners are closer compared to that of people, but asking veterinarians and pet behaviourists is always a welcome idea, especially for those having concerns with their furry friends.
The reason behind unusual behaviors
For well-known Australian pet behaviourist, Laura Vissaritis, the first question to ask when talking about dog behaviour problems is, ‘When was their last vet check-up?”.
According to Laura, there may be no point trying to modify a behaviour, if the pet is actually unwell. Sick animals can behave in very strange ways, and that is often interpreted as them having a behavioural problem, without considering the possibility of an underlying situation.
Pain is a classic contributor to dog behaviour issues. It can be a sign of a range of sickness your pet is suffering from, whether that be arthritis, internal disease, or injuries such as a cranial cruciate ligament disorder, ear infections. Even the smallest discomfort may be a sign of more serious conditions like brain tumour.
Let’s say a middle-aged dog is asked to sit by his owner and he won’t, there is a good chance he might be suffering from stiff joints, and not just because he doesn’t feel like being a good boy.
So, no matter what age your pet is, any concern needs to be diagnosed by your trusted veterinarian.
Signs of pain to watch out for in dogs:
- Panting
- Difficulty getting in and out of bed
- Having toileting accidents inside
- Reluctance to go in the car, or jump out of it
- Aggression
- Lethargy
- Limping, trembling, shaking
- Reluctance to go on a walk
- Not listening to their owner
- Avoiding the couch or bed
- Whimpering or barking more than usual
- Being less open to new experiences, especially physical ones
- Rubbing ears
- Repetitive behaviours
- Scratching body excessively, including paw licking
- Sores on body from excessive licking (i.e., acral lick granulomas)
4 ways to deal with bad dog behaviour
1. Check on your pets
Our pets need their owners to be their top advocates. Anything unusual, annoying, or even dangerous that you notice about your pet’s behaviour may be a sign that more attention is needed.
The sooner you check up on dog behaviour problems, the sooner you can help your beloved pet feel better inside and out.
2. Consult with your vet
So, how do we deal with the pain that leads to bad behaviour? The first step is to consult with your veterinarian.
Usually, they will conduct a full physical and neurological examination of your pet, and they may even recommend a pain trial, to deduce if pain is a factor in your pet’s behaviour.
3. Alleviate the pain
Veterinarians may also suggest natural therapies and supplements to assist your pet’s joint health to look for signs of arthritis or joint disorders. They may also request a blood and urine test to look for other possible causes of additional signs of pain or discomfort, if any.
Once any illness is ruled out and pain is managed, you may see a change in your pet’s behaviour almost instantly.
4. Train your pets
For most unusual behaviours without an underlying physical cause, good training might be the key. Consistent care and patience are essential ingredients to getting desirable behaviours, with setting your pet up for success being the most critical ingredient.
Take the next step in pet care
All the best furry friends deserve to live a life free of pain. Aside from visiting your vet, you can always get them trusted pet insurance that will ensure they’re properly taken care of. In cases of discomfort, the right pet insurance plan will also help your pet take away that pain!
Knose Pet Insurance offers optional cover for behavioural conditions, which can help with the cost of vet-recommended treatment for issues like anxiety, aggression, or destructive chewing.
With access to flexible insurance options and the ability to choose your own vet, Knose is here to help you care for your pet’s health and wellbeing—body and mind. Because every pet deserves the chance to thrive.
As one of the most awarded pet insurance in Australia, Knose offers a variety of ways on how you can help your good pet feel good. Know what your pet needs, and get these with Knose.
