Virtually all dogs have moments when they behave uncharacteristically, or inappropriately.
When behavioral episodes occur it is easy for pet parents to write these types of behavior off as instinctive.
While this certainly can be the case all pet parents should be aware that a multitude of health concerns first make themselves known in the form of behavioral changes.
Any uncharacteristic behaviors or sudden changes in habits should be viewed as a possible sign that your canine is not feeling well.
One of the more common examples would be a normally well trained and well intentioned dog urinating inappropriately inside the house.
Another example would be your tail wagging super friendly canine all of the sudden becoming irritable, or possibly even showing signs of aggression.
If you notice this these behavior problems occurring the culprit could be almost anything ranging from a thyroid disorder to cystitis.
While our 16 behavioral characteristics are somewhat broad when noticed they often signal one of a number of health concerns.
Let's look at 16 behaviors a dog may be signs that your dog is sick: *Inappropriate urination on bedding, clothing, and furniture with every pet seemingly having their favorite places for inappropriate urination.
*Urinating indoors only a short time after returning from outside *Defecating indoors *Not wanting to sit or refusal to sit *Constantly licking or chewing one particular area or spot *Exhibiting unexpected aggression when touched or approached *Whining or whimpering excessively *Excessive pacing *Drinking unusually large amounts of water for no apparent reason *Needing to urinate much more frequently than normal *Overeating or refusal to eat or drink *Frequently eating large amounts of grass *All of the sudden acquiring a taste for his or other dog's feces *A desire to eat items such as dirt, sand, rocks or other non-food items *Isolationism along with lack of interest in fun activities *A sudden change in behavior and attitude If your dog is in pain or suffering from an illness don't expect training to improve uncharacteristic behavior.
Experts suggest first ruling out any medical issues that might be, either causing, or contributing to your dogs bad behavior.
Once the medical problem has been recognized, and resolved, only then should your pet parenting skills be used to work on better manors.
Additional behavioral problems related to health issues in dogs can include excessive panting.
As you may know a dog doesn't sweat in the same way we do.
In fact, a dogs perspiration is released mainly from through their footpads.
The main way dogs cool themselves is by panting, breathing rapidly with mouth open and tongue out.
As a dog's body temperature increases more of the tongue will become exposed and the mouth will be opened wider to increase the moist surface area for evaporative cooling.
Also, dogs tend to pant when they are nervous much as humans tend to perspire when feeling the pressure of heightened anxiety.
If you notice your dog starting to pant excessively immediately stop whatever activity your pet is engaged in, move them to a cool area, and offer then a bowl of clean fresh water.
In conclusion there are many behavioral changes that can signal a health problem of which we have just identified a select few.
Some conditions or illnesses may be serious while others may not.
By recognizing the warning signs early you will be doing your part as a pet parent to remedy any minor health concerns before they become severe, or get an early jump on any serious illnesses that could be lurking before they have a chance to become deeply entrenched.