Dogs have their own little habits that we usually brush off. Maybe it’s a weird noise or a twitch. But sometimes those tiny changes are actually the first hints something’s off inside. Here are twelve things dogs do that are worth paying attention to. Have you caught your dog doing any of these?
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Sudden head tilt or circling
A quick head tilt looks adorable until it doesn’t go away. A dog that keeps leaning to one side or walks in tight circles could have trouble in their inner ear or even their brain’s balance system. You’ll need to take them to the vet to be checked out for vestibular issues & infections, perhaps other neurological stuff, right away. The sooner, the better because the vet may be able to prevent the issue from getting worse.
“Fly-biting” or shadow chasing
Fly-biting is when a dog snaps at the air like they’re catching imaginary bugs & it usually happens after meals or before sleep. But vets say it can be tied to mini seizures or gut discomfort. If your pup zones out mid-bite, you should record it & show your vet. You have no idea what the cause could be & it’s much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend’s health.
Hesitating on stairs or jumps
When a dog pauses halfway up the stairs or stops short of the couch, that’s not them being lazy. It’s usually their joints talking back. Early arthritis or muscle pain shows up exactly like that, with small hesitations. A vet might test joint movement. They might also suggest supplements before it turns into a full limp.
One-sided nose drip that turns bloody
A runny nose on only one side is more than mere seasonal allergies, especially when it keeps happening. Spots of blood in it could suggest that something’s going on deeper inside, like maybe a stuck seed or a fungal infection. It may even be a growth. Dogs usually paw at that nostril, too, and anything nose-related is worth a look.
Scooting despite parasite prevention
We’ve all seen the classic “booty scoot.” But if your dog’s on dewormer & still doing it, the problem is often those tiny anal sacs near the tail, which can get full or infected. This hurts a lot. That’s why dogs drag their butts on the carpet. Thankfully, a quick vet visit can fix it and save your rugs from any damage from what’s inside your furry friend’s bottom.
Bark suddenly turns hoarse or airy
A raspy or weak bark might not simply be age catching up. When your dog’s voice suddenly sounds airy, it’s often a throat issue called laryngeal paralysis. Essentially, the flaps in their windpipe stop opening all the way. You might notice louder breathing too, especially during walks or on hot days, so get them checked out. Do you really want to risk it?
Big jump in thirst and bathroom breaks
It’s a red flag when the water bowl’s always empty & your dog’s waking you at 2 AM to go out. Sadly, this is one of the first signs of diabetes or kidney disease, perhaps even a hormone problem called Cushing’s. Keeping track of how often you refill the bowl could help your vet figure out what’s happening faster, as you’ll know exactly when their drinking habits changed.
Night pacing and sleep-wake flips
Older dogs that pace around at night or wander like they forgot what they were doing aren’t necessarily just acting weird. They could be developing canine dementia. It affects their sleep cycles, so they’re up at night & groggy during the day. But a vet may suggest routines & meds that help them settle again, so you should definitely take the time to get them checked out.
Retching without vomit after a heavy meal
That awful sound where they gag but nothing comes out isn’t normal. It can actually point to bloat, a serious stomach twist that mostly affects big, deep-chested breeds. You may notice their belly puffs up fast & they might look restless or anxious, too. Unfortunately, that’s an emergency situation where every minute matters, so take them immediately to get some help.
Obsessive floor or carpet licking
No, dogs who start licking the floor nonstop, instead of their paws or toys, aren’t bored. It’s often a stomach problem that comes from nausea or acid reflux. A lot of owners think it’s a nervous habit, but vets find that treating the gut issue usually stops the licking altogether, meaning that while it’s odd, it is fixable.
Chewing on one side or dropping food
Keep an eye on your dog if it keeps dropping kibble or chews only on one side of their mouth. This is one of the simplest signs of dental pain or loose teeth. Some dogs will still eat but much more slowly, and you might also notice drool or a bad smell from the mouth. Both are clear signs that it’s dentist time.
Head-shaking with ear rubbing
A constant head-shake after every nap is almost always an ear problem, like wax or infection. It could also be a foxtail stuck inside. Some dogs will often rub the sore ear on the floor or furniture, making it worse. You should also take them straight to the vet if you catch a sour smell or see dark gunk, as that could be a sign of something worse.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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