Health Checks are Crucial in Dogs with Behavioural Problems
When a dog starts showing behavioural problems – growling, biting, pacing, barking, shaking, difficulty settling – we shouldn’t overlook the role that pain and discomfort can have. One of the most overlooked aspects of behaviour problems in dogs is the role of underlying health issues. Before we start behaviour plans, a thorough veterinary health check must always come first.
Why Health Comes Before Behaviour
Just like humans, dogs may act differently when they’re in pain, uncomfortable, or unwell. Changes in behaviour are often the first sign that something isn’t right physically. Unfortunately, because dogs can’t tell us when they hurt, they may communicate through what appears to be disobedience, anxiety, or even aggression. Dogs are incredibly good at masking chronic pain so even if you haven’t seen limping or difficulty jumping or running, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t struggling.
Common Medical Causes Behind Behaviour Changes
Many physical conditions can cause or exacerbate behavioural problems. Here are a few examples:
1. Pain
Undiagnosed pain, whether from arthritis, dental disease, injury, or a chronic condition, can make even the friendliest dog irritable or reactive. Pain lowers tolerance and makes dogs more prone to snapping or avoiding contact.
2. Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid can cause lethargy, depression, and aggression in dogs. It’s especially common in middle-aged to older dogs and often goes undetected.
3. Neurological Issues
Conditions like seizures, brain tumours, or cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia) can drastically affect a dog’s behaviour. Disorientation, anxiety, and sudden aggression may all be symptoms.
4. Sensory Decline
Loss of hearing or vision can make dogs more fearful or startle easily, especially if approached from behind or woken suddenly.
5. Digestive or GI Issues
A dog with chronic stomach pain or discomfort may become reactive, refuse to be handled, or appear withdrawn.
Behaviour Is Communication
Behaviour is often your dog’s way of saying, “I’m not okay.” A sudden or gradual change in mood, tolerance, or energy should be a red flag.
Some signs to watch for include:
- Sudden aggression or reactivity
- Loss of housetraining
- Withdrawal or hiding
- Unusual vocalisations
- Reluctance to be touched or handled
- New phobias or increased anxiety
The Importance of a Vet Check
If your dog is showing new or worsening behavioural issues, a full veterinary check should be your first step, followed by a comprehensive behaviour support plan.
A good vet visit should include:
- A physical exam
- Pain assessment
- Blood work (including thyroid levels if appropriate)
- Urinalysis
- Dental exam
- Possibly imaging (like x-rays) if orthopaedic or neurological issues are suspected
Working in partnership with both your vet and a qualified behaviour professional gives you the best chance of uncovering the root cause and creating an effective treatment plan.
Don’t Train Away the Communication
Trying to “correct” behaviour that is caused by pain or illness doesn’t just fail, it can worsen your dog’s distress and damage your relationship. A dog who growls because it hurts to be touched is not being “defiant”, they’re communicating a boundary. If we punish that, we risk suppressing the warning signs and escalating to more dangerous responses.
The Path to Healing
When medical issues are properly diagnosed and managed, dogs often show dramatic improvements in their behaviour and lays the foundation for behavioural work to be effective.
Final Thoughts
If your dog is struggling behaviourally, don’t skip the health check. A comprehensive vet exam is not only responsible, it’s essential.
Your dog’s behaviour is a window into their well-being. Listen closely and always look deeper.
Has your dog’s behaviour changed recently? Don’t wait—schedule a vet check and a behaviour consultation.
