Why Is My Dog or Cat Acting Differently? Behaviour Changes and Your Pet’s Health

Quick answer: A change in your dog or cat's behaviour can be a sign of a health problem. Dental pain, other sources of pain, hormone disorders and skin or eye discomfort can all change how a pet acts. At Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre, our veterinarians look for medical causes first, then offer behaviour counselling and lifestyle recommendations for issues like anxiety, aggression and compulsive behaviours.

Your pet's behaviour is an important indicator of their overall health. Because pets cannot tell us when something hurts, a new habit or a change in personality is often the first clue. Here is what to watch for and how we can help.

Medical problems that can change your pet's behaviour

Dental pain. Cracked, decayed or tartar-covered teeth and inflamed gums can cause significant pain and even behavioural changes. Many dental problems hide below the gum line, which is why every dental procedure at our clinic includes full dental x-rays. Read more about dog and cat dental care.

Pain from injury, surgery or chronic conditions. Pets often hide pain, and it can show up as changes in how they move, rest or interact with you. Our article on recognizing pain in dogs and cats explains the signs, and our pain management services help keep pets comfortable.

Hormone disorders. Endocrine conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Addison's disease and Cushing's disease can cause changes in behaviour, energy levels, appetite, weight, water consumption and urination, as well as excessive panting. Learn more about diabetes and thyroid disease in pets.

Itchy or uncomfortable skin. Excessive scratching or licking can point to allergies, infections or parasites. See our guide to itchy skin in dogs and cats.

Eye discomfort. Pawing at the eyes or rubbing the face against surfaces may indicate raised eye pressure and needs prompt attention. Read about glaucoma in dogs and cats.

Behaviours linked to not being spayed or neutered

Neutering can help decrease undesirable behaviours in male pets such as roaming, fighting, humping and spraying. Spaying means you will not have to manage your female pet's heat cycles. Neither procedure changes your pet's personality. Learn what to expect in our spay and neuter guide.

What to do if your pet's behaviour changes

Step 1: Write down what you see. Note when the change started, how often it happens and anything else that has changed, such as appetite, thirst, weight, energy or litter box and bathroom habits. We love questions, so bring a list.

Step 2: Book an exam. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to look for a medical cause. Depending on what we find, we may recommend diagnostic testing such as blood work, urinalysis or digital x-rays.

Step 3: Treat the underlying cause. If a medical problem is found, we build a treatment plan tailored to your pet.

Step 4: Get behaviour and lifestyle support. Our veterinarians recognize and address behavioural challenges including anxiety, aggression and compulsive behaviours. We provide behaviour counselling, tailored training recommendations and lifestyle advice based on your pet's age, breed, activity level and medical history, including exercise plans, environmental enrichment and socialization strategies.

Frequently asked questions about pet behaviour

Can a health problem make my dog aggressive?

It can. Pain, including dental pain, can cause behavioural changes. That is why we look for medical causes with a physical exam before focusing on behaviour alone.

Will neutering stop my dog from roaming or marking?

Neutering can help decrease roaming, fighting, humping and spraying, although it will not change your dog's inherent personality.

Do you offer help for anxious pets?

Yes. Our veterinarians provide behaviour counselling and tailored recommendations for anxiety, aggression and compulsive behaviours as part of our wellness care.

Book a behaviour and health check in Middle Sackville

If your dog or cat is not acting like themselves, our team is here to help. Request an appointment online or call us at (902) 864-2882. New to the clinic? Visit our new clients page to get set up.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.