As dog owners, we like to think we can understand what our furry friends are trying to tell us. From barking to whining, dogs have a variety of ways to communicate their needs and desires. But how can you really know if your dog is trying to tell you something? Here are some tips to help decipher your dog’s messages.
Changes in Behavior
One of the biggest signs your dog is trying to tell you something is a change in their normal behavior. If your usually energetic pup is suddenly acting lazy and disinterested, or your calm dog is pacing and restless, something is up. Dogs thrive on routine, so any deviation from their normal habits should get your attention. Some behavior changes to look out for include:
- Increased barking or whining
- Pacing, circling, or seeming restless
- Withdrawing from social interaction
- Changes in appetite
- Aggression when approached or touched
- Excessive licking or chewing at their body
These kinds of changes can indicate pain, illness, stress, or anxiety. Pay close attention to when the changes occur – is it only at certain times like around strangers or other dogs? Does it happen most when your dog has to go in the crate or car? The context around the altered behavior provides clues to what your dog is trying to say.
Body Language Cues
Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate. Look for these common “tells” from your dog:
- Ears back: Pinned back ears indicate fear, anxiety, or submission. Raised ears can signal alertness or aggression.
- Whale eye: When you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes, it means they are stressed or frightened.
- Yawning: Frequent yawning when not tired is a sign of stress.
- Pacing: Frantic pacing, especially near doors or windows, means your dog urgently needs to go out.
- Trembling: Shaking is a indicator of nervousness or discomfort.
- Avoiding eye contact: Looking away signals discomfort with the situation.
Paying close attention to these subtle body language cues will help you understand what your pet is trying to say without words.
Changes in Potty Habits
Housetraining issues in an adult dog often indicate a deeper problem. If your well-trained dog has suddenly begun having accidents around the house, they are trying to get your attention. Some potential reasons for potty troubles include:
- Urinary tract infection or incontinence
- Colitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Arthritis or mobility issues
- Cognitive dysfunction or dementia
- Stress, fear, or anxiety
Any abrupt potty training backsliding warrants a veterinary exam to check for underlying medical problems. Even if the tests come back normal, discuss options with your vet to get to the root of the behavior change.
Excessive Vocalizations
Most dogs communicate through barking, whining, or howling at some point. But if your dog has suddenly become very vocal, pay attention. Excessive barking, whining, and howling can signal:
- Boredom or need for mental stimulation
- Seeking attention or social interaction
- Reactiveness to sights and sounds
- Discomfort or pain
- Separation anxiety
Try to determine what triggers the vocal outbursts. If it happens mainly when your dog is left alone, separation anxiety is a likely cause. But excessive barking when you are home points to other issues like pain or boredom. Keeping a log of when the vocalizations happen will help identify the root cause.
Appetite Changes
Sudden changes in your dog’s appetite – either increased hunger or decreased interest in food – can indicate an underlying issue. Possible causes of appetite shifts include:
- Dental disease or mouth pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Organ dysfunction
- Infection or inflammation
- Cancer or tumor
- Medication side effects
- Stress or depression
Marked appetite changes that last more than 1-2 days warrant a trip to the veterinarian. Keep track of what your dog is eating and when. Note any episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, or obvious discomfort around mealtimes. This information will help the vet pinpoint the problem.
Excessive Licking and Chewing
It’s normal for dogs to self-groom through licking and nibbling at their fur and feet. But excessive licking and chewing directed at one area of the body can be a red flag. Possible causes include:
- Allergic reaction – food, environmental, contact
- Skin infection or parasite infestation
- Wound or sore spot
- Joint pain or neurological issue
- Gastrointestinal discomfort or nausea
- Boredom, stress, or anxiety
Pay attention to any hot spots or sores being created by excessive licking. Also note if the behavior happens in relation to eating, a new product introduction, or location change. Video record episodes of extreme licking or chewing to show your veterinarian. This will help identify if it is behavioral or medical in nature.
Hiding and Withdrawing
While all dogs need periods of rest and solitude, a noticeable increase in hiding or withdrawing from human interaction can be problematic. Some reasons your dog may start hiding include:
- Pain or illness
- Stress or anxiety
- Depression
- Neurological decline or dementia
- Loss of eyesight or hearing
- Reaction to punishment or scolding
Make sure your dog is not hiding due to excessive heat, cold or draftiness before assuming it is an emotional issue. Try coaxing your dog out with treats, toys and affection to gauge their responsiveness. Decreased engagement with you or previously enjoyed activities is cause for concern.
Aggression and Reactivity
A sudden change in your dog’s tolerance for handling, as well as increased reactivity around other pets, people or noises, can indicate:
- Pain that’s making them defensive
- Anxiety, fear or lack of socialization
- Cognitive decline
- Territorialism or guarding behavior
- Predatory drift (stalking, chasing)
Keep track of what exactly seems to trigger your dog’s aggressive displays. Look for body language cues like whale eye or pinned ears that communicate your dog is uncomfortable before reacting aggressively. Muzzle training is also useful to keep everyone safe while sorting through the behavioral problem.
Attention-Seeking
While some attention-seeking behaviors like nudging your hand or dropping a toy in your lap are perfectly normal for dogs, more excessive attention-seeking could mean something is lacking. Some problematic behaviors include:
- Constant pawing, nudging, or nose prodding
- Jumping up on people
- Excessive barking or whining
- Destructive chewing or getting into trash
- Bringing objects to you repetitively
Attention-seeking behaviors typically indicate a need for more mental and physical activity. Try increasing your dog’s exercise, play, and training time. Also work on teaching calm behaviors and boundaries around politeness. Your dog may just be saying they are bored and need more structured outlets.
Changes in Activity Level
Dogs who suddenly become very restless, pace endlessly, or seem unable to settle may be communicating anxiety, pain, or compulsion. On the other hand, lethargy and loss of interest in walks, play, or toys could indicate:
- Depression
- Pain, soreness, or injury
- Illness or organ dysfunction
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Neurological issues or seizures
- Side effects of medication
Look for patterns around what precedes the behavior changes to help determine the cause. Try changing up your dog’s routine and enrichment as well to help stimulate body and mind.
Staring, Shadowing & Clinging
While some dogs naturally follow their owners closely or stare intently for play or attention, excessive staring, shadowing and clinging to your side indicates:
- Separation anxiety
- Fear, insecurity, lack of confidence
- Pain or illness that makes a dog want comfort
- Cognitive changes or neurological decline
Dogs with separation anxiety may frantically follow you from room to room, even waiting outside the bathroom door. Fearful dogs will often “velcro” themselves to one person who provides safety. And sick or injured dogs may cling close to their person seeking comfort and protection. In each case, the dog is communicating a problem.
Nighttime Activity Changes
Dogs who suddenly begin waking you up at night or seem restless and agitated after dark need attention. Several conditions can cause this behavior change:
- Needing to urinate or defecate
- Pain or discomfort that is worse at night
- Disorientation or dementia
- Hunger from increased metabolism or medication side effects
- Anxiety from noise phobias like thunderstorms or fireworks
Try keeping a log of your dog’s nighttime activity and noting any triggers like bad weather or digesting a rich meal. Recording the behavior or asking your veterinarian for a referral to an animal behaviorist can provide insight.
Conclusion
While dogs can’t speak in words, they are always communicating with their human caregivers. Paying close attention to changes in your dog’s typical habits and behavior gives you valuable insight into their physical and emotional state. From potty habits to body language to vocal signals, dogs are speaking volumes about their needs.
By tuning into your dog’s unique ways of communicating and watching for any concerning changes, you can ensure their needs are met and get them help when something is wrong. Having a strong grasp of your own dog’s normal routine makes it easier to decipher when they are sending you important messages. Your attentive care will keep them happy and healthy.