How to Deal with dog’s mood swings?

Is your dog turning moody? Has it become challenging for you to handle the behavior? It is common and normal for dogs to feel mood swings. Dogs have similar behavioral issues to humans. Therefore, it is imperative to know the reason behind this issue.

Here in this blog, we will discuss the dog’s mood swings – how to deal with them?

Reasons for mood swings in dogs

One of the significant causes of mood swings amongst dogs is hormonal imbalance. The hormones can change due to some reasons, such as puberty, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, thyroid, menopause, and internal disorders. Observe your dog and then ascertain the possibilities of behavior change.

Other reasons for mood swings in dogs is the stress level and phobias. If your dog is experiencing any stress, it can lead to higher emotional disbalance.

It can also trigger aggressive behavior and psychiatric illness. Phobias are common in dogs and result in strange and unexplained behavior changes. Let’s look at the ways you can deal with mood problems.

Solutions are many – pick the right one!

Avoid extreme environmental change:

Most quadruped animals enjoy the comfort of the same place and living style. Any abrupt change in the environment makes them gloomy. Try and introduce changes but slowly explain the reason. Dogs are intelligent animals and take the gradual change more positively.

Read Also: How Can Pets Boost Your Health and Well-being?

Address fears and phobias:

Never ignore the simplest of fear that your pup exhibits. Separation anxiety and fear of traveling are common phobias in dogs. Be patient with them when encountering any such emotion – stay close, and a hug would do wonders. You can add some cuddle toys for their company.

Treat Seasonal affective disorder:

Many dogs experience anxiety due to extreme weather changes that affect their emotional behavior. It is usual with pets living in extreme weather regions.

Frosty mornings, rainy afternoons, and scorching evenings that ruin their routine walks and playtime can add more depression to their mood.

You can support the dog by finding alternative walks and play activities. Invest in dog jackets and heaters for their crate during harsh winters. Place an extra water bowl during soaring hot summers to help them with dehydration.

Check for Illnesses and pain:

Look for signs and symptoms of illness in your pet. Many dogs experience physical pain that leads to mood swings. Check with the vet and go a thorough body examination before concluding that the emotional distress is just mental. Eliminate all the clinical reasons before seeking psychological help for your pet.

Warning signs and symptoms

Look for simple signs like losing interest in routine activities like walking, staying active, responding to parents, and eating. As pet parents, it takes patience and observation to understand the real cause through the signs.

However, lethargy, withdrawn behavior, and unexplained loss of appetite are alarming signs that need immediate attention.

Give them plenty of cuddles, hugs, and affection throughout the period. Always encourage and appreciate little achievements. It brings a significant boost to their behavior. You can also welcome another pet as a companion to remove the loneliness and boredom from your pet’s life.