10 Weird Dog Behaviours and Their Meaning

 

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

Summary: "Why is my dog acting weird all of a sudden?" - you're not the only one to have asked this, pet parent! Sometimes our dog's exhibit odd behaviours and our curiosity gets the better of us. So, why is you dog acting weird?

 

Dogs are generally well behaved and responsive to training, but have you ever noticed your pet acting a little bit... Odd? Maybe even ‘out of character’?

Unfortunately, our companions do not have the ability to verbally communicate with us humans, and while they might choose to bark at us to try to explain their strange actions, we won’t understand them.

Rest assured; we’ve analysed some ‘weird’ dog behaviours below, so you can better understand them next time, and know when to take action! 

Why Is My Dog Acting Weird?

Pressing Their Head

Seeing your dog pressing its head against the wall calls for immediate veterinary attention, as this is a common sign of numerous very serious issues, such as brain disease, or even toxic poisoning. If this is the case, taking your dog to an emergency vet is essential.

Biting

It is normal for puppies to attempt to bite, as they are still learning how to communicate. Puppies usually bite during playtime, or during training, but if your little fur baby bites on the regular or without any apparent reason, it may be necessary to try and stop this behaviour before it becomes an issue.

Mature dogs bite out of anxiety, fear, or aggression, so aim to identify the reason for your dog’s scares to end the biting. If you’re struggling to help them stop, consult with your vet.

Going Round In Circles

Chasing your tail must be so fun as a dog! But, if your pet keeps circling on the regular, it may be an underlying health issue, such as an ear infection or headache.

More serious causes include idiopathic vestibular syndrome (which is detrimental to your dog’s balance), or even potentially a brain tumour. If your dog is circling more than usual and doesn’t seem to be actively chasing their tail, and you think this is weird for your dog, we recommend checking with your vet.

Eating Their Own Poop

While distasteful for us, eating poop can be regular dog behaviour, as dogs watch their mothers ingest poop while cleaning them, and may try to mimic this.

However, if it turns into a habit, you might need to book a vet appointment, as eating faeces could be your dog’s natural response to a nutritional deficiency, which needs to be corrected as soon as possible in their diet.

You could always try dog specific Multivitamin supplement from a reputable, ethical pet brand! Correct and proper nutrition, and continued maintenance, really is the key to a happy and healthy dog. 

Dog Breath Stinks

Dogs are definitely not known for having minty fresh breath, but even a slight increase in their halitosis can indicate a more serious problem.

Issues with your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidneys can manifest via a particularly smelly breath, while a sweet-scented mouth can be a sign of canine diabetes. Check in with your vet and read our focussed blogs on the importance of canine dental health…

Digging

Escaping the heat, tracking animals, or hiding something important to them - dogs have plenty of reasons to dig holes in the ground outside.

Has your dog started digging indoors as well, particularly at blankets or couches? Don’t worry, this is completely normal, as your dog might just be trying to find a comfortable spot to lie in. There's no need to wonder if your dog is acting weird, because they aren't. However, if the digging is bothering you or is starting to damage your furniture, consider consulting with a kind, reputable, professional and ethical trainer for your dog.

Panting

Your dog panting (especially in summer) means that they just might be too hot, as dogs expel most of their body heat through their mouths in order to regulate their temperature.

It is important to pay attention to this behaviour though, as dogs may pant when in pain. Make sure your dog is hydrated before performing any physical activity.

Scooting

Have you ever noticed your dog dragging their behind on the floor, particularly on rugs? This is called scooting, and usually means there is something irritating your dog’s anus, or they may potentially just need to go to the toilet.

But, if poop is not the issue, allergies could be, and while it is very common to blame this behaviour on worms, this is actually the least likely cause. Another reason might be that your dog has eaten grass, and is now struggling to expel it.

Provide them with some fibre, like chopped up cucumber or cooked pumpkin, to help them poop with ease and if this doesn’t ease the scooting, assess what they may have developed an allergy too (Recently changed your dog food? Been exposed to a lot of grass?). Always consult with your vet if you’re concerned.

Urinating Inside

If your pet is house trained, urinating inside can come as an unpleasant surprise and be classed as a weird thing to do for your dog. This can be a sign that something may be very wrong internally, so a vet checkup is in order.

Frequent peeing can mean that your furry friend might have a urinary tract infection, or could even be a sign of dementia, so keep an eye on your pooch’s pee habits.

Yawning

Unlike humans, dogs don’t usually yawn when they’re tired. Does your dog yawn more in the presence of strangers? Yawning can be a sign of fear or stress; try to slowly introduce your dog to new people to avoid this, and don’t rush any interactions.

Why Is My Dog Acting Weird?

A dog’s way of being doesn’t change without a reason, so take note of any behavioural changes.

Underlying issues may be manifesting through these actions, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible if you notice any major weird changes in your dog’s behaviour.