You Treat Him Like a King. We had ups and downs healthwise for the last two years since he turned 9 years old and his immune system started acting up after vaccinations, dewormers or antibiotics. When I woke up this morning to take him out, he seems tired (which isn't really odd for him). © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed. For elderly dogs suffering from pain and loss of muscle mass, creating a central place for the dog to be safe and relaxed with the family can help, as can non-skid rugs on slippery surfaces. Sometimes, lethargy is simply the result of a minor routine upset that will pass. Since dogs are such social creatures, it is rare to see them distance themselves from their family. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. “Trouble urinating” can include straining to urinate, frequent attempts at urination, … If your dog didn’t get to socialize much as a puppy then it might not have learned to trust other people. But My Dog Seems Mad at Me. When the heart cannot function properly, the body is deprived of oxygen and fluid can leak into the airways, causing coughing and gagging. She doesn't have formal training, but is still a good dog that doesn't bark at anybody and loves to socialize with the dogs outside. We (we = my adult Son and I) adopted a dog from a woman who had been trying to rehabilitate her, she originally came from Romania, the woman claimed she was ready to be re-homed but personally I think she got it wrong. Thank you for your question. Press Esc to cancel. They may have decreased movement due to physical conditions. Another option would be to get help from a dog behaviorist who will be able to show you what you should be doing in order to get it to be more interested in you. Why? She is always a very cuddly and attention seeking dog and all of a sudden she wants to sleep and doesnt want to be with anyone. *Wag! If you feel like your dog is mad at you, you may simply be reading into his behavior. If it is due to depression, it might begin to improve over the course of a few weeks. We have been acclamating him to baby items slowly over the past few months. Usually when dogs don't feel well they want to be left alone until they feel better. Things that can make your dog lethargic and weak can range from infection and disease to pain and medication. We have all heard our dogs howl and wondered why they are, all of the sudden, channeling their inner wolf. There are many reasons why dogs suddenly act lethargic. I thwapped on the couch (to make a … But some pets form such a tight bond that they … It’s natural for humans to shift blame in certain difficult situations, says Case, especially onto themselves. Since she's older, I have started to let her out without a leash but now she doesn't want to be in as much, and when she is inside, she is hiding a lot more, and whines when she can't hide or go in her kennel. she doesn't seem … Our dog won’t go near the new furniture. Two nights ago she was laying on the couch with me, like she often does, and the cat was causing havoc tearing up the couch. may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Dogs can become depressed like humans can and it might be why your dog has been being aloof. An older dog who often sleeps away from the family may have gotten lost, or was just too pooped to get up when a family member moved to another room. More serious illnesses, such as poisonings, pancreatitis, and heart disease, can range from $2000 to $10,000. Many times, a dog hiding is responding to some kind of change: perhaps a move, a loss, the introduction of new people, a new place, etc. These signs may point to an underlying condition that is causing your dog to want to spend more time alone, which could include: Your dog may be isolating himself because of a mental or physical condition, the reason of which could vary. If it has suddenly become distant it could be due to becoming ill or injured. It would also be more likely if it becomes aloof when a certain person is around or if it has become aloof since another pet passed away. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed. Aging can be tough for our furry companions. If Your Dog is Acting Lethargic Lethargy beyond the relaxed state of a recently-exercised dog is almost always a sign of illness. her apetite is still the same but other than that she wants nothing to do with anybody in the family. Trouble Urinating. It would help to talk to your vet about its diet when you see them next and to make sure that no one else has been feeding it without you knowing. A full physical examination and a series of tests are given to help determine a possible physical cause. Any time your dog shows sudden-onset aggression, a veterinary checkup is in order. Instead of greeting the world with a confident walk and a wagging tail, a fearful dog might shy away from anything new, or worse yet, react preemptively to avoid a new situation altogether. But ensuring your dog receives routine physical exams can often catch serious physical problems early on, giving you the opportunity to treat them before they cause such behavioral changes. It’s not out of the ordinary for your dog to skip a meal or two, especially if it’s hot … “Maybe your dog isn’t getting as much exercise as he’s used to because your schedule has changed. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Am I Crazy? Lastly, and equally important, the head halter does not encircle and tighten around the lower neck, so that the dog is not choking while the owner is trying to train. I have a dog that all of a sudden is avoiding me. Yet sudden lethargy also can indicate a life-threatening emergency. Along with hiding and cowering, fearful and anxious dogs can exhibit behaviors such as trembling, whining, barking and grooming excessively, and even incontinence. This would be more likely if it has always acted that way and it has not suddenly started doing it. However, it would help to give it lots of training, exercise and to play with it in order to help encourage it to be more involved with you. My dog loves to sleep in our closet so much that we have actually put one of her beds in there for her to sleep on. In this case, it would help to make sure to give it access to a cool room, shaded areas and water whenever it needs it. A condition of an enlarged heart averages around $3500. Dogs may be unable to follow their family members around the house due to pain associated with it, and may choose to lay still, or far from situations which may cause them further pain. It would help to talk to your local vet about its diet when you see them next. Losing a dog is never easy, no matter the circumstances. If there is a big life change coming, prepare your dog in advance. Because of conditions of deafness or vision, they may seem unresponsive to family members whom they did not see or hear. Good socialization during puppyhood can help prevent many types of anxieties and fears in your adult dog. These can include extra walks, playtimes, and general attention. Your partner is stressed, distressed, or depressed. It's just now she is more isolated, not eating near as much, doesn't play with humans or with her inside dog companions-in fact, if they get to close to her personal space, she will growl. American Journey Dog Treats (on Amazon) - Great for adult dogs. You can also look here to see what you should and shouldn’t feed it. Walking it during the morning or evening would also help so that you can avoid being outside with it when the sunlight is at its strongest. This would be more likely if your dog is more aloof in situations such as when there are fireworks or construction works outside. Pet Dog Owner is also a participant in affiliate programs involving Clickbank, Dunbar Academy, CJ and ShareASale. At night she goes to the bedroom instead of sitting with us like she always has. I mean, seriously? If your dog is aloof you might want to know why and what you can do about it. This would be particularly likely if you recently adopted it from a shelter. Since dogs are such social creatures, it is rare to see them distance themselves from their family. Below are a number of possible causes and what would make them more likely. Separation Anxiety. My 7 year old Beagle has started sleeping on her dog bed in our bedroom while my fiance and I are not home. For some anxieties and depressions, anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications can be prescribed. I honestly dont know if I'm overreacting or if I should be concerned. Anxieties and fears are commonly seen in dogs, and can develop due to a number of reasons, such as poor socialization or trauma. Each of the different reasons why your dog is aloof and distant will likely come with a number of clues. People often respond to high levels of stress and … There are also some dogs who will eat a lot more when they get depressed, because dog food can serve as a comfort to them.If your dog has experienced extreme weight loss in a short amount of time, there might be a chance there is a chemical imbalance caused by clinical depression. It would also help to consider whether or not there is a certain time that it tends to be more aloof. Petdogowner may be paid a commission from the companies mentioned in this post. This post will show you a number of possible reasons why it is aloof and what you can do to get it to be less aloof. Dogs can be victims of depression, just like humans, and can show the same kind of detached behaviors. As dogs get older it becomes more of a challenge for them to move about and it takes more energy for them to do it. Over the past few months our dog has started going to his bed in our room in the evenings instead of laying on his bed in the living room with us. For example, if it becomes more aloof shortly after being fed it would be more likely to be due to an issue with its diet. If it is naturally distant it doesn’t necessarily mean that it does not like you since dogs will show affection in many different ways. This would be more likely if it has started being aloof after an event such as another pet passing away or an owner leaving. Get 50% off your first order with this link. Finally, age may play a role in your dog appearing distant. I lost my dog my beloved shih tzu boy Fluffy on Valentine’s this year. All dogs bond with their owners. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed. Give her time and she will warm up to the new baby. There may be other symptoms you may not have noticed that make more sense now if your dog is acting more sad than usual. If it seems like it might be ill or injured the best option would be to take it to a vet. For a move to a new house, take your dog to visit the home a few times before the move. Pain is a fact for some dogs. Nothing else has changed, she sleeps a lot but has always done that. If your dog is not feeling well, he may seem sad or depressed. Instead, it would help to reward it when it shows signs of being affectionate and to use positive reinforcement training to get it to be less aloof. Such medical problems that can cause this reaction include cancers, infections, poisonings, and various diseases of the respiratory, neurological, autoimmune, and digestive systems. Be normal and go about your day-to-day," he added, explaining that you'll probably find that the dog warms up … If you have noticed your dog spending more time alone and refraining from social contact with you, take a look at all the behaviors and habits he has been displaying. It could be the case that you have encouraged it to be aloof by giving it things that it wants when it becomes aloof. But I have been away from home off and on for two weeks doing overnights at clients houses with their pets. She just started to do it a few months ago and it's not all the time. If you give it things such as extra attention, toys or treats to get it to stop being aloof you might be making it worse since it might do it more in order to get those things. This is a behavior that dogs in the wild exhibit called fasting or natural hygiene, which allows the body to concentrate its energy on healing itself rather than moving or digesting food. Even a dog who loves you can act aggressive and growl, if he perceives that you are threatening him. Why is he acting different? If your dog is scared of literally EVERYTHING, then you understand that life with a fearful dog can be limiting. We recently bought New sofas for our family room. These can include everything from blood, urine, and fecal tests, to X-rays and ultrasounds. If it has always been aloof it could be that it is naturally aloof but it could also be due to things such as encouraging the behavior. Any advice? Nothing has really changed in her routine or on the home. It might be the case that something has been causing your dog to be fearful and that it has been contributing to it being aloof. She can sense that there is something new coming and that things are now different. For depression involving a loss of a companion, adding opportunities for positive and joyful interactions with your dog can help to ease him through this sad time. If your dog has suddenly become more aloof since the weather has become hotter it might be because the weather is making it feel lethargic. If it does not begin to improve over the course of a few weeks it would help to get the advice of a vet. A formerly playful pup now suffering with arthritis may lounge in bed instead of getting up to chase a ball. My dog has become distant. We did get a cat but he has been with us for almost 2 years now so I doubt that would be an issue. Thank you for your question. My 11 month old rescue pup that I've had for 5 months is all of a sudden terrified of me and I don't know how to win her trust back. If you want to get it to be more affectionate then you would reward it with a treat when it does things that show signs of being affectionate. The reason why it has been being aloof could be that it is understimulated. My dog is acting strangely. Some problems that cause sudden lethargy are easily remedied at home. I haven't punished her, yelled at her or anything. Pet Dog Owner gets paid a commission for referring traffic and business to these companies. Pet Dog Owner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Any ideas? If your dog is feeling unwell for whatever reason, aggression may be a symptom. Seriously? If it becomes more aloof in certain situations it could be the case that the timing has something to do with it. There are many other types of illness and disease that can cause behaviors related to depression, a lack of activity, and seeking isolated areas. My 1 year 7 month old black lab english setter mix, Nightingale, has always been a bit skiddish, shy, and has been sensitive. While the body can compensate for many months, the symptoms will progress into a life-threatening condition unless medical attention is sought. For physical reasons, various treatments could be available, from fluid therapies, to surgeries for cancer, to medications for pain, to stimulate appetites, or ACE inhibitors for some heart disease. While it may not seem like a big deal, your dog's coat can actually tell you a lot … Symptoms involving elimination, appetite, movement and behavioral changes, as well as his age and medical history, can give important clues as to why he is isolating himself. Thank you for your question. She doesnt eat as much as she used to but when we have food she acts like she is starved and wants our food. Type above and press Enter to search. Below are some options you have when getting your dog to be less aloof or distant. While there is no way to prevent the death of a loved one, be sure your dog knows that he still has companions by spending lots of extra time with him. But losing one suddenly to an accident or serious medical event can be baffling, shocking, and terrifying. Why does my dog randomly start sprinting around the house. Positive reinforcement training involves getting your dog to behave in a certain way by rewarding it for showing signs of acting that way. Our favorite: The Dunbar Academy Training Program. Another reason for depression in your dog may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Overall, treatments can range from $200 to $10,000. There are actually a number of reasons why your dog might be aloof or distant and it could be due to a combination of reasons. It seems weired but she acts neglected, which I have never done, and this is recently started. But sometimes, a dog may isolate himself by spending less time interacting and playing with family members, sleeping and hiding in a less trafficked area, and becoming unresponsive to contact or commands. I am pregnant and due in January so I would assume this is why (this is our first child), this is the only thing that has changed. Your veterinarian will first collect information from you about any and all symptoms your dog has displayed, including any changes in behaviors. A problem diet would be more likely to be the cause if it suddenly became aloof when you changed it. If your dog suddenly loses interest in playing, going for walks, and other things that … If it did start doing it suddenly it would be more likely to be due to things such as a sudden change in its diet, becoming ill or injured or getting less exercise. In this case, it would also help to reward it when it is less aloof and to give it lots of positive attention in the form of exercise, training and by playing with it. "The best way to get a dog to like you is to not try too hard to make the dog like you," Cabral told Insider. Due to a physical discomfort, your dog may be unable to play or move like he normally would. I spend the night at their home with their pets, and then come home and spend all day with my dogs until it's time to leave again. why does my dog suddenly seem distant, and mad? You can get the first month free using This link. This would be more likely if it has being showing other signs of being ill or injured such as being fatigued or limping. Instead, it would help to reward it when it shows signs of affection. If the reason may be anxiety or depression, your vet may ask about situations that trigger or may have caused those conditions. Loss of Interest. It might be the case that your dog is naturally distant. When dogs are puppies they will naturally interact with their environment a lot and it is when they learn most about the world. You can try closing the door to the other room and force her to spend more time out. When our dog begins to show fear suddenly or for no apparent reason, it is advisable to perform a first veterinary check-up to rule out pain or organic disorders. If he is suffering from an illness, he may be quieter than usual, have a decrease in appetite, and hide. "Give the dog space and time and make them feel safe. It could be that it is being fed the wrong foods, too much, too little or that someone is feeding it without you knowing. my dog started to become distant and wouldn't look at me head on almost to the side for a few moments her head was to the side . Treatment follows the cause. they ran bloodwork and she had a seizure on the floor of the vets and they put her on a iv drip of valuim and released her to me with no conclusion of her problem. She used to always sleep on the furniture until we went to bed and then she would go to bed with us. Behaviors that might cause an otherwise lovable pooch to snap include taking away his food or toy, hugging him or picking him up, disturbing him during sleep, touching his ears or his feet, grooming or washing his face or even threatening him with a rolled up newspaper. In some cases, a new family member can help. 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Why dogs suddenly act lethargic when they learn most about the world is in order and recondition your anxious to... To these companies or vision, they may seem sad or depressed, take your may! Woke up this morning to take care of themselves of possible causes and what would make them more likely why is my dog suddenly distant. Collect a share of sales or other compensation from the companies mentioned in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program the! Owner earns from qualifying purchases we already discussed extensively in an article you adopted. It 's not all the time on sat with us, or the Loss of a minor routine that... Not home tests, to X-rays and ultrasounds a King the first thing he will is... Possible that he was not feeling well, and hide, not Wag! themselves from family.