Why did my dog have a sudden change in behavior?
Health issues that can change your dog's behavior include arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, sore teeth, thyroid problems, epilepsy/seizures, ear infections, digestive issues, skin or environmental allergies, yeast infections, hearing loss, eyesight loss, and cancer.
Sometimes, changes in your lifestyle, such as your new working schedule, moving to a new home, the arrival of a new baby or a new pet, may disturb their sense of safety. Be patient and help your dog adapt to change by keeping a consistent routine.
Regressions in training and behaviour are really common, they can be caused by things beyond our control or they may even be completely unexplainable. Sometimes we may be slightly at fault, maybe we pushed our dog too far, maybe we haven't been consistent enough or put enough time in.
Changes in mood: Dogs can think and feel things similar to humans, which means they might not always act like themselves. However, if your dog begins acting strangely all day, every day, something might be really wrong with its health.
Displacement behaviors are normal behaviors displayed out of context. They indicate conflict and anxiety. The dog wants to do something, but he is suppressing the urge to do it. He displaces the suppressed behavior with something else such as a lick or a yawn.
Causes of bad or destructive behavior in dogs can be many, ranging from boredom to malnutrition to injury or illness. Sometimes we send the wrong signals, thinking we're doing the right thing. For example, if your dog is growling or barking at another dog, you may try to pick them up or pet them.
- Decrease in appetite accompanied by weight loss.
- Bad breath or foul odor coming from the ears or skin.
- Excessive thirst or urination.
- Unexplained aggression or other behavioral changes.
- Trouble walking or climbing stairs.
- Inability to urinate or have bowel movements.
Sleeping more than normal, or other behavior or attitude changes. Coughing, sneezing, excessive panting, or labored breathing. Dry or itchy skin, sores, lumps, or shaking of the head. Frequent digestive upsets or change in bowel movements.
The reasons for this are numerous, ranging from just an age related phase, not adequate training, fear, or just simple distraction issues. The first step a frustrated owner should take is to try to assess WHY their dog is not taking a command, as the solution differs for each reason.
Some of the most common reasons for your dog's shaking & shivering are cold, excitement, stress & anxiety, seeking attention, pain or illness, and old age. It's important to recognize the difference between normal shaking vs. signs of a seizure.