Is your pup experiencing sudden bursts of energy, bouts of restlessness, or are they eating things they’re not supposed to? Dealing with sudden strange dog behavior is a common experience for many pet owners, but that doesn’t mean it’s not concerning. There’s a wide variety of odd things a pup can do to make you ask…

Why is my dog acting weird?

While weird is a vague term, this article aims to explore a variety of strange doggy behavior, examining the causes, and potential ways to help. We’ll cover everything from food issues to engaging in destructive behavior (and talk about causes and treatments). Read on to answer the familiar question, why is my dog acting weird all of a sudden?

Plus, check out our posts specifically addressing how to get a dog to stop digging your yard up and what to do about strange behavior after a dog is neutered. 

Food Issues

Food issues can run the gamut of not eating, eating too much, or eating things they’re not supposed to. 

A healthy pup should have a healthy appetite. That said, dogs often develop a strange relationship with their food. Some even try to eat things that are definitely not food. If your dog starts exhibiting odd behavior around their food, it’s best to immediately consult with your vet. In the meantime, it’s worthwhile to consider the probable causes and how to help.

Causes

Depending on how your pooch is acting when it comes to food, there are a few different potential causes:

• If your pooch is always hungry, they may be dealing with an illness like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, though, more likely, it’s perfectly normal doggy behavior.
  
• Dogs that are prone to eating non-food items are likely suffering from pica, a disease that can be caused by metabolic issues or even a lack of stimulation and loneliness. 

• If your dog is barely touching their meal it could be a result of:
  • Sickness or injury
  • Dental problems
  • Behavioral issues
  • Stress

What You Can Do

Besides taking a trip to a veterinary professional, there are a few simple things you can do to mitigate your pup’s food issues.

For Overeating Pups

If they’re eating too much or eating things they’re not supposed to, consider the following:

• Stop it before it starts – Cut off your dog’s supply by keeping food far out of reach, as well as the non-food they might have a taste for. Additionally, try to correct their behavior through training so they stop expecting extra food. While some breeds are particularly prone to chewing and begging, almost all dogs can learn to control themselves.

• Increase playtime – Do you ever eat when you’re bored? It’s not uncommon for people and dogs to seek out food when they have nothing to do. Keep your dog’s mind off their stomach by providing more opportunities for play and exercise. Help your dog work up a well-deserved appetite.

For Pups That Struggle to Snack

For dogs that have lost their appetites, you can try any of the following options:

• Steady mealtime – Create a routine around mealtime and stick with it. That means the same time every day. To stimulate your pup’s appetite, consider taking them on a walk right before dinner as part of their mealtime routine.

• Switch up their food – It’s possible your pooch doesn’t enjoy the taste of their food or is even allergic to an ingredient. Try switching up your dog’s food and consider cutting back on between-meal treats. You don’t want them spoiling their dinner. Additionally, you can try using different bowls or feeding locations to discover their preferences.

• Crate them – By putting your dog in a crate during mealtime, you confine them to a space where they won’t likely walk away from their meal. There’s nothing cruel about using a crate, and the familiar space may help alleviate any mealtime stressors that your dog is dealing with.

Acting Extra Affectionate

Everybody can appreciate some quality snuggle time with their favorite four-legged friend. However, if their extra affection seems to have sprung out of nowhere it could be a cause for concern. 

Causes

There’s nothing weird about a dog who loves their owner, but most dogs still exhibit a sense of independence and don’t need to be with their owner 24/7.

The most common causes of non-stop affection include:

• Illness
• Aging
• Stress or separation anxiety
• Boredom

If your dog is pregnant or in heat, they may also stick to you like glue, and exhibit some additionally weird behavior.

What You Can Do

If you’re certain that your dog’s affection is out of the ordinary, and you’ve already checked with your veterinarian for serious health problems, the best thing you can do is find ways to make them comfortable.

That can include:

• Designate specific time with them – While you can’t give your dog attention all day every day, you can certainly block off some chunks of time to spend with them. 

• Assist with their anxiety – Mental stimulation, exercise, behavioral training, and adding CBD for dogs to their diet can have hugely positive effects on your dog’s mental health. In some scenarios, your vet may even recommend prescription medication for your puppy’s anxiety.  

• Accept it – What’s wrong with a little extra love? Whether it’s their personality or their age, some dogs become increasingly dependent over time. Despite the actions you take to correct the behavior, you may have to accept that your dog is a little more clingy than the average pooch.

Butt-Dragging

Scooting, sliding, butt-dragging—if you’re not familiar with the scenario, consider yourself lucky. Otherwise, besides being a little grossed out, if you’re watching your dog scoot, you’re likely wondering what’s going on.

Causes

Prepare yourself, this weird behavior can be the result of some particularly gross causes, including:

• Parasites – Tapeworms can live inside your dog’s stomach and be expelled through their feces, causing serious irritation and discomfort. Tapeworms can be identified in your dogs feces and often look like tiny, rice-size speckles. Even if you haven’t detected any evidence in their droppings, it’s best to see a vet if you suspect any kind of internal parasite.

• Allergies and irritants – Fleabites, food allergies, or irritants like poison ivy can cause uncomfortable itching for your dog. 

• Irritated or clogged anal sacs – Your dog has two anal sacks on their bottom that normally release fluid when your dog goes #2. These glands can become irritated, inflamed, or infected, resulting in a painful situation for your pulp.

Of course, sometimes your pup just has an itchy bottom, but if you notice this behavior regularly, it’s likely the sign of something larger.

What You Can Do

In the case of potential worms, a vet will most likely prescribe a standard dewormer that can be given to your dog orally. Additionally, a veterinarian can provide quality treatment for anal sac issues, including antibiotics and ointments to relieve the discomfort.

If the issue is the result of allergies, you can take a few courses of action, including:

• Supplements
• Oral antihistamines
• Bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo

Dog allergies can spring up at any time, but they’re most frequently a result of fleabites. In that case, the best course of action is an immediate flea treatment.

Engaging In Destructive Behavior

A playful pooch is one thing, but if your dog’s behavior has become increasingly erratic, destructive, or aggressive, there’s likely an underlying issue.

Causes

Coming home to torn-up pillows, chewed-up furniture, or accidents in the house? These behaviors are a clear sign that your dog is in distress. While the average pup likes to get rowdy during playtime, these animals are usually respectful of their homes.

If your puppy is under six months old and you’re finding teeth marks on your furniture, the most likely cause is teething.⁴ Rest assured, this painful process is only temporary. 

If you’re dealing with a full-grown dog with an appetite for destruction, it could be explained by any of the following:

• Anxiety
• Illness or injury
• Boredom

What You Can Do

In the case of a teething pup, the best thing you can do is find the right toys. There are chew toys designed to provide relief for a teething dog. Some can even be put in the freezer for a cool numbing effect. Prepare the best you can for their teething phase and bide your time until all their adult teeth come in.

Adult dogs that are acting destructively around the house should be checked for any physical issues. Hidden injuries are common for dogs so give your dog a thorough examination, checking under their paws and in their mouth. Uncertain about your dog’s physical health? Proceed immediately to the vet.

Often, the real cause of your dog’s bad behavior is mental. Whether they’re being left at home alone too long, understimulated, or have a generally nervous temperament, they could use some TLC.

Some ways to help include:

• Calming supplements – Hemp CBD products are a frequent choice for dog owners looking to help their dogs with emotional discomforts. These high-quality products may assists nervousness, separation anxiety, and the behaviors that come along with these issues.

• Preventative measures – The best offense is a good defense. Try to get ahead of your dog’s misbehavior by providing solid behavioral and obedience training early on. Whether you work with a professional trainer or do everything at home, you can instill a sense of comfort by becoming a figure of support and authority in your dog’s eyes.

• Medication – If your dog’s anxiety becomes serious enough that it causes them physical harm, it may be time to bring to seek medical help. There are medications and therapies available to help treat seriously stressed-out puppies.

Eliminate The Weirdness With Canna-Pet

Whatever your dog’s weirdness may be, it’s likely something they can overcome. Quirky personalities and canine eccentricities are all part of being a dog owner, but if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your dog feeling their best, it’s time to check out Canna-Pet.

Our natural hemp CBD is designed to promote calm behavior, enrich your pup’s life each and every day. Whether they’re dealing with some temporary weirdness or just looking for a tasty treat, Canna-Pet offers everything a dog (and their owner) could want. Try Canna-Pet today.

Sources: 

1. PetMD. 5 Reasons Your Dog is Extremely Hungry. https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/slideshows/reasons-your-dog-is-extremely-hungry#slide-5 
2. Insider. 12 of the strangest dog behaviors explained. https://www.insider.com/dogs-strange-behavior-explained-2018-12 
3. American Kennel Club. Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety. www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/ 
4. American Kennel Club. Puppy Teething and Nipping: A Survival Guide.