Dogs are supposed to be pets that offer good time and companionship. They should relieve stress and help you loosen up after a strenuous day. However, sometimes they’re not acting the way they should. As their fur parents, we know our dogs better than anyone else. Even if our pets can’t verbally communicate their feelings, our instincts tell us when they’re not acting right.

If your pet used to be well-mannered and suddenly displays behavioral problems, there has to be a cause. Today, we will unravel the few reasons canines develop unwanted behaviors to help you proactively address particular characteristics you do not want in your pet.

Why Do Dogs Develop Unwanted Behaviors?

Exploring, digging, chewing, barking, and many more behaviors can develop in dogs, which can be an unavoidable part of pet ownership. Learning the causes of these behaviors can help you act on areas of their life that need attention. So below are five causes of unwanted canine behaviors you must be aware of.

1. Boredom or Social Isolation

Dogs that don’t get opportunities to socialize with their owners and fellows, or do not have toys or playmates in their environment, may engage in activities that can lead to destructive behavior like excessive chewing. Unfortunately, excessive chewing can put them at risk of serious dental problems and mistakenly swallowing foreign objects.

If the worst comes to worst, you’ll have to take your pet to a vet surgeon should these problems occur. You may visit their website for detailed information on their pet surgical services.

2. Illness

Behavioral changes or failure to adapt or show normal behavior might stem from sickness. The dog might bark unnecessarily or might not bark at all. They might also be lethargic for too long or feel cranky and itchy. Limping, disinterest in foods, or lack of behavior synonymous with normal dogs may indicate sickness. If you observe any of these suspicious signs in your pet, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.

This is why veterinarians encourage consistency in regular vet examinations to prevent, detect, and treat any underlying health conditions before they worsen and become serious for your pet. If you’re looking for vet facilities to examine your pet’s condition, you may search the web for “pet exam near me” to see accurate results.

3. Changes in Diet

Switching your dog’s diet to a poorer, cheaper, or less suitable diet can cause them to act up. You may not think of it, but diet can affect your canine’s behavior. Changing your dog’s diet to a poorer quality or something that does not agree with their taste buds can change how your pet behaves. Always feed your dog a healthy and high-quality diet, and avoid changing their diet often. If you’re unsure what to feed your furry companion, always ask your veterinarian for the best choices.

4. Lack of Exercise

Pets need physical exercise to burn off excess energy, but sometimes on-leash walks around the neighborhood are insufficient. Activities like jogging, running, off-leash runs, fetch games, dog-to-dog play, or doggie daycare for socially-active canines are exercise choices worth considering.

If you want to bring your four-legged buddy to a pet daycare or dog park to socialize with their fellows, ensure they’re fully vaccinated by your veterinarian. This helps protect your pet from any prevalent conditions they might encounter outside. You may visit this link to learn more about the importance of regular preventive care for pets.

5. Fears and Phobias

Fearful reactions to loud noises, fireworks, or thunderstorms often involve escape attempts that trigger destructive habits. When this happens, door frames, doors, walls, screens, and window trim often get damaged. This concern can be dangerous as excessively fearful canines can hurt themselves when trying to break through doors or windows to run away from the feared situation. Particular approaches like staying by their side, gently comforting them, and helping your pet feel safe are easy ways to overcome phobias and fears in dogs.