- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Have you noticed your dog acting a little… strange? You can’t quite figure out what’s wrong, but you know something seems off.
If your dog is acting weird, it could be due to health issues, getting older, or changes around them, like another pet passing away, says Dr Karen Overall, a Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Atlantic Veterinary College.
Keep reading to find out possible reasons your dog is acting weird and restless. We’ll also share some ways to help calm your dog and tell you when it might be time to visit the vet.
Is My Dog Excited or Actually Acting Weird?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a dog is just excited or acting restless and weird.
Dogs can get excited now and then, which is completely normal, says Dr. Valli Parthasarathy, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Most of the time, they’ll calm down quickly—usually within a minute.
But if a dog stays excited for a long time, even after the thing that excited them is gone, they might actually be restless and acting strange. Dr. Amanda Rigterink, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, says dogs might show these behaviors when acting out of character:
7 Reasons Your Dog’s Acting Weird
If you see the above behaviors and wonder why your dog is unsettled, here are 7 common reasons dogs act strange:
1. Stress
Dr. Overall says that stress can affect how dogs act. Common things that may stress a dog out include:
- Changes in their home or family, like a new pet or family member
- Loss of another pet or family member
- Moving to a new home
- A big change in schedule
Solution: Dr. Overall recommends visiting the vet if you’re worried about your dog’s weird behavior.
2. Fear
Dr. Parthasarathy says sometimes dogs act strangely because they’re scared of something, like fireworks or thunderstorms. Other common fear triggers include:
- Gunshots
- Construction work
- Loud trucks
- Hats
- Umbrellas
- Vacuum cleaners
Solution: Dr. Meaghan Ropski, a veterinary behaviorist, says pet parents can use white noise, music, or window covers to help calm dogs scared by noises or things they see.
3. Separation anxiety
Dogs can get very anxious when separated from their family. They might also suffer from isolation distress (fear of being alone with a specific person).
Dr. Rigterink says they might feel nervous and restless when you’re getting ready to leave and can show signs like:
Solution: A professional dog trainer can help with separation anxiety, and your vet can suggest medications if needed. Hiring a pet sitter to keep your dog company can also help.
4. Dementia and aging
As dogs get older, they may develop “dog dementia,” affecting up to 60% of senior dogs. Aging can also lead to behavior changes.
Dr. Overall says that vision changes around age 7+ and hearing changes around age 9 may affect a dog’s responses and make them act weird or restless.
Solution: Provide a calm, familiar environment, stick to routines, and use night lights to help aging dogs feel more relaxed.
5. Medical problems
If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly, it’s a good idea to rule out health issues. Dr. Ropski says many health problems can lead to behavior changes, like:
- Cushing’s disease: This occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol. This imbalance can make dogs restless or anxious.
- Heart disease: This is serious and may make dogs hide or act unsettled.
- Distemper: This virus may affect a dog’s central nervous system and make them act “weird.” Dogs can lose their coordination when walking and may start to walk in circles.
However, Dr. Parthasarathy says any type of medical problem that causes pain can change a dog’s behavior.
Solution: She suggests taking a video of your dog’s strange behavior so you can show the vet.
6. Compulsive disorders
Dogs sometimes develop behaviors they can’t stop, no matter what. While some pet parents might think these behaviors mirror “dog autism“, Dr. Parthasarathy explains that these “compulsive behaviors” can mean the dog needs treatment from a vet.
Some “weird” behaviors of a compulsive disorder include:
- Tail chasing
- Fly biting
- Obsessive licking
- Pica (eating random objects like rocks)
- Shadow chasing
Solution: If your dog keeps repeating a behavior over and over again and they can’t be easily distracted, take them to a vet.
7. Poisoning
Poisoning is a serious concern for dogs that suddenly begin behaving erratically. There are lots of toxic substances around our homes that dogs can get their paws on that can lead to strange behaviors. Some common toxic items for dogs include:
Solution: If you think your dog may have eaten something harmful, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.
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How to Calm Down a Restless Dog
Dr. Overall says restless dogs may be worried, anxious, in pain, or just need more exercise. Below, she walks through some ways you can help calm them down:
- Check the environment: Look for any recent changes or noises, like alarms or loud sounds, that might be bothering your dog.
- Take your dog for a walk: More exercise, even a longer or new walk 5-10 minutes away, can help burn off extra energy and calm restlessness. Hire a dog walker for even more flexibility.
- Go for a short car ride: A change of scenery can soothe some dogs; if they enjoy car rides, take them out for a quick drive. For older dogs, a ramp can help them get in and out of the car.
- Spend time together: Comfort your dog by talking, petting, or giving gentle massages; do activities your dog finds relaxing.
- Try brain exercises: Teach your dog to take deep breaths for treats to help them learn to relax and slow down.
If these steps don’t work, Dr. Overall says to visit your vet to check for anxiety or health issues.
When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Weird Behavior
Dr. Ropski says if your dog’s acting weird and restless, take them to the vet sooner rather than later.
Additionally, Dr. Overall suggests going to the vet if:
- Your dog’s behavior suddenly changes and doesn’t get better in a day or two
- The behavior change is getting worse
- You’re worried about your dog’s health or happiness
Lastly, Dr. Rigterink says you should record details like what behaviors you’re seeing, when these behaviors happen, and when they first started.
At the vet, she says your dog will probably get a full exam, along with tests like blood work, urine, and stool tests to rule out any health problems that could cause these behaviors.
